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 Customs Clearance for Different Types of Mineral Water
Mineral water represents a crucial and strategic commodity in global markets, consistently exhibiting significant demand worldwide. Owing to its natural mineral composition and recognized health benefits, mineral water plays an essential role in fulfilling the daily requirements for minerals and providing access to potable water. Consumption of mineral water has markedly increased in numerous countries, particularly in regions with limited access to high-quality drinking water. Despite extensive domestic production of mineral water in Iran, imports persist, driven by consumer preferences for premium foreign brands and the unique properties associated with certain imported mineral waters.

Required Documents and Permits for Mineral Water Clearance
Bill of Lading: The bill of lading provides comprehensive details about the shipment, including the country of origin, destination, and transportation specifics. It serves as an essential legal document indicating the ownership of the goods and authorizing their transport to the final destination.
Health and Safety Certificate: As a consumable product, mineral water is subject to stringent health and regulatory standards. This certificate must be issued by the relevant health authority in the country of origin and confirm both the quality and safety of the mineral water. Further tests may also be conducted upon arrival to ensure compliance with health standards.
Commercial Invoice: This document includes the valuation of the goods, transportation costs, and all relevant financial details concerning the shipment.
Packing List: A document that details the specifications of each package, including the quantity and weight. The information must align precisely with the shipment contents, as discrepancies can result in significant clearance delays.
Standard Certificate: The importation of mineral water must meet Iran's domestic health and quality standards. The standard certificate confirms that the imported product is in compliance with both national and international regulations.
Import Permit from the Food and Drug Administration: Obtaining this permit is imperative for the clearance of food and beverage products. The Food and Drug Administration in Iran is responsible for verifying the health and quality standards of imported food items.

Customs Tariff (HS Code) for Mineral Water
Mineral water is classified under the tariff code 22011000 within the Harmonized System (HS Code) for customs tariffs. This classification encompasses natural and carbonated mineral waters marketed without the addition of sugar or flavoring agents. The applicable tariff rate for importing mineral water is influenced by factors such as the country of origin, bilateral or multilateral trade agreements, and specific tariff arrangements. The tariff rate is subject to annual revisions, and preferential rates may apply in accordance with the trade policies of the exporting nation.

Specific Conditions for Importing and Clearing Mineral Water
As a sensitive and consumable product, mineral water is rigorously monitored by health and food authorities. Importing mineral water to Iran necessitates obtaining health permits from the Food and Drug Administration. Moreover, all imported products undergo microbiological and chemical testing by Iranian customs to verify the absence of contaminants. The imported product must also meet both Iranian national standards and relevant international standards to be granted market entry approval.

Import and Export of Mineral Water to and from Iran
Despite the substantial availability of mineral water resources in Iran, several renowned international brands continue to penetrate the Iranian market due to their unique quality and specific mineral properties. European nations, particularly France and Italy, are prominent exporters of mineral water to Iran. These brands are highly regarded by Iranian consumers owing to their use of pristine natural sources and advanced purification and packaging technologies.

Conversely, Iran is also a significant regional producer of mineral water. Its abundant natural resources and the superior quality of Iranian mineral water have facilitated its export to neighboring countries such as Iraq, Afghanistan, Armenia, and other regional markets. These exports significantly contribute to Iran's economy, and with the anticipated growth of regional markets, Iranian mineral water exports are expected to rise in the future.

Main Exporting and Importing Countries of Mineral Water
Globally, countries such as France, Italy, Switzerland, and Germany are recognized as leaders in the production and export of mineral water. These nations leverage unique natural resources and sophisticated technologies in processing and packaging to introduce leading brands to international markets. Meanwhile, countries like Iran, Turkey, and China represent major regional producers, exporting their products to neighboring markets and beyond.

Global Trade and Market for Mineral Water
The global trade of mineral water has seen substantial growth due to increasing demand in both developed and emerging economies. Per capita consumption of mineral water has surged in various countries, including Iran, China, and across Europe. With the growing awareness of the importance of hydration and a preference for natural products without synthetic additives, the mineral water trade has emerged as one of the fastest-expanding industries worldwide.

Leading Exporters and Importers of Mineral Water
On the international stage, the principal producers and exporters of mineral water include France, Italy, Switzerland, and Germany. These nations, endowed with abundant natural mineral water resources and equipped with cutting-edge processing and packaging technologies, dominate global exports of this commodity. Prominent brands such as Evian, San Pellegrino, and Perrier are widely distributed across global markets, including Iran.

Conversely, major importing countries of mineral water include the United States, China, Japan, and Gulf states. In these nations, the annual volume of imported mineral water reaches millions of liters, driven by substantial consumer demand for premium mineral water and established foreign brands.

Global Trade Flow of Mineral Water
The global trade flow of mineral water has consistently expanded in recent years. Rising consumption in nations such as China, India, and throughout the Middle East, largely fueled by increased public awareness of the health benefits of natural mineral water and a growing preference for high-quality products, has strengthened the global market. The financial turnover of the industry reached approximately $170 billion in 2023, with projections suggesting growth to $230 billion by 2030. While Europe continues to hold the largest market share, the regions of Asia and the Middle East are rapidly expanding their presence in the global mineral water market.

The Best and Simplest Way to Clear Mineral Water from Customs
To expedite the customs clearance of mineral water, it is imperative to submit the required documents accurately and on time, while adhering to all regulatory procedures. The most efficient approach to facilitate this process is to engage professional customs brokers with expertise in food product clearance. Key considerations include:
Accuracy in Document Submission: All necessary documents, including the bill of lading, health certificate, packing list, commercial invoice, standard certificate, and import permits, must be submitted in full compliance. Any inconsistency in the documentation may lead to substantial delays in the customs clearance process.
Administrative Procedures via the Integrated Customs System: Utilizing electronic customs systems in Iran, such as the EPL system, greatly aids in the tracking of documents and accelerates the clearance process. Order registration via these systems is also an effective method for optimizing both time and costs.
Engagement of Professional Brokerage Services: Employing reliable and experienced brokers in customs clearance helps minimize costs and accelerates the process. These brokers, with their comprehensive understanding of customs regulations, efficiently manage the clearance procedures.

Documents Required for Mineral Water Clearance
To ensure the smooth customs clearance of mineral water, several critical documents must be accurately prepared and submitted. These documents serve to verify product safety and compliance with customs and health regulations. 
1. Bill of Lading
Issued by the transportation company, the bill of lading serves as a detailed document that includes information about the product type, quantity, origin, and destination. It also functions as a proof of ownership and is a fundamental document required for clearance.

2. Health and Safety Certificate
Given the consumable nature of mineral water, it is essential to have a health certificate from the country of origin that verifies the safety and quality of the product. This certificate ensures that the imported mineral water meets health safety requirements.

3. Commercial Invoice
The commercial invoice is a document that stipulates the value, price, quantity, and payment terms of the product. It must be issued by the seller and should detail the transaction with precision.

4. Packing List
The packing list provides specifics on the number of packages, weight, and type of packaging. This document is crucial for customs authorities to verify the shipment’s details thoroughly.

5. Standard Certificate
A standard certificate must be presented to confirm that the imported mineral water complies with both national and international standards. This ensures the product adheres to the destination country's health regulations.

6. Import Permit from the Food and Drug Administration
An import permit from the Food and Drug Administration is required for mineral water as a food product. This permit is issued upon the product’s compliance with health and quality checks conducted by relevant authorities.

7. Certificate of Origin
This document, issued by the Chamber of Commerce of the exporting country, attests to the origin of the imported product. It is necessary for determining applicable customs tariffs and eligibility for trade discounts.

8. Registration in the Integrated Trade System
To import mineral water into Iran, importers must register their orders in the Integrated Trade System and obtain the required authorizations from relevant agencies.

9. Customs Declaration
The customs declaration is a form completed by the importer, which provides detailed information on the product, including its quantity, value, and classification. Accurate completion of this document is essential to avoid delays during customs clearance.

10. National Standard Certificate of Iran (if required)
Certain mineral waters may require approval from the National Standards Organization of Iran to confirm their compliance with internal standards.

11. Business Card
Importers are required to hold a valid business card issued by the Iran Chamber of Commerce, authorizing them to engage in import and export activities.

12. Clearance Permit
After fulfilling all customs duties and obtaining necessary permits, customs will issue a clearance permit that allows the importer to release the goods from customs warehouses.

13. Analysis Certificate
For certain shipments of mineral water, particularly carbonated types, an analysis certificate detailing the product's chemical composition and properties may be required.

14. Proper Labeling
Under Iranian regulations, imported products must carry labels in Persian, providing details such as the manufacturer’s name, production and expiration dates, and the product's ingredients. Failure to comply may result in the product not being cleared.

Special Services for Customs Clearance by Saba Brokerage
With over two decades of experience in clearing food and beverage products, Saba Brokerage is one of Iran's leading customs brokers, offering comprehensive services to importers. These services are designed to facilitate all stages of customs clearance with precision and speed, enabling clients to navigate the complexities of administrative and customs procedures seamlessly.

Specialized Consulting: Saba Brokerage's team of experts offers in-depth legal and customs consulting, assisting importers with obtaining health permits and preparing the necessary documentation for products such as mineral water. This consulting service helps importers prevent potential issues and ensure that all documentation is meticulously prepared.
Comprehensive Document Tracking: One of the key services offered by Saba Brokerage is tracking all necessary documents for mineral water clearance. The specialized team uses customs systems to accurately follow all administrative steps, minimizing delays.
Expedited Clearance Process: With extensive expertise and experience, Saba Brokerage ensures that imported goods are cleared efficiently and at minimal cost. This guarantees that importers can place their products in the market without incurring additional expenses.
Financial Solutions: Saba Brokerage also provides tailored financial solutions to importers. These strategies help in reducing import and clearance costs, enabling clients to optimize financial resources for an economical import process.
Resolving Customs Disputes: In cases where disputes or legal complications arise during the clearance process, Saba Brokerage's legal team swiftly resolves these issues. With a deep understanding of customs laws and regulations, the team ensures an effective resolution to disputes, facilitating the clearance process without prolonged delays.

By leveraging the services provided by Saba Brokerage, importers can be assured that their products will enter the market in full compliance with all applicable laws and standards, and without undue delay.


For more information, please contact our experts.