Choline chloride is a pivotal and strategic additive within the feed industry, serving essential functions for livestock, poultry, and aquaculture. Available in both liquid and powdered forms, choline chloride is an indispensable nutrient that significantly enhances animal health and growth. Its extensive use in the livestock industry, driven by its central role in improving metabolic functions and augmenting animal productivity, has substantially increased the demand for its importation.
Applications and Importance of Choline Chloride
Choline chloride is a quaternary ammonium salt with the molecular formula C5H14ClNO, utilized extensively as a critical nutrient in animal and poultry feed. Its primary function is to facilitate lipid metabolism in the liver, thereby preventing hepatic lipid accumulation. Additionally, choline chloride enhances the functionality of the nervous system, supports bioenergetic processes, and mitigates hepatic disorders in livestock and poultry.
In poultry nutrition, choline chloride plays a crucial role in maximizing egg production and promoting weight gain. It also serves as a prophylactic agent against neurological impairments and skeletal growth anomalies resulting from choline deficiency. Given its fundamental physiological importance, no viable substitute for choline chloride exists in animal and poultry nutrition.
HS Code and Customs Tariff for Choline Chloride
Choline chloride is classified under varying customs codes contingent upon its physical state and purity grade. Typically, the HS code for choline chloride is 29231000, categorizing it among choline and its derivatives. However, depending on product specifications, packaging, and country of origin, this code may vary. Accurate determination of the customs tariff and HS code is of paramount importance, as it underpins the calculation of customs duties and associated levies.
Moreover, clearing choline chloride from Iranian customs requires careful consideration of import tariffs and related taxes as per recent regulatory updates. In certain cases, importers may avail themselves of customs exemptions to facilitate clearance and minimize costs.
Special Considerations for Choline Chloride Clearance
Compliance with Rigorous Health Standards: Given its application in animal and poultry feed, choline chloride must be imported in adherence to international health standards. In Iran, all shipments of choline chloride are subject to inspection by the Veterinary Organization prior to customs clearance. This inspection entails document verification and sampling to ensure product safety and quality.
Packaging and Transportation Requirements: Liquid choline chloride, owing to its sensitivity to environmental conditions, must be stored in packaging resistant to temperature fluctuations and moisture. The packaging must be designed to prevent evaporation or leakage while shielding the product from exposure to light and air. Powdered choline chloride must also be packaged in a manner that precludes physical and chemical degradation, thereby preserving quality during transport.
Transportation and Storage Protocols: Liquid choline chloride necessitates specific storage conditions and should be transported at controlled temperatures. The use of refrigerated containers is recommended to avert chemical alterations or product degradation. In the case of powdered choline chloride, transportation must be executed to prevent exposure to moisture and air, ensuring product integrity.
Special Conditions for Import and Export of Choline Chloride
Choline chloride is a fundamental supplement within the livestock and poultry industries, widely utilized to promote animal growth and health. Owing to its critical importance, the import and export of this product are subject to stringent scrutiny. Below is a detailed overview of choline chloride import, export, and the global landscape of producers and importers.
Imports to Iran
Choline chloride, as an essential component in animal and poultry feed production, is widely imported by Iranian companies. A significant proportion of imports originates from China, India, and Germany. Given the growing demand within the livestock industry, Iran has emerged as one of the principal importers of choline chloride in the region.
Annual imports of choline chloride to Iran amount to several thousand tons, predominantly utilized in animal and poultry feed. With the continuous expansion of Iran's livestock industry, the demand for choline chloride is persistently rising.
Exports from Iran
Due to the limited production of choline chloride within Iran, with most of the domestic demand being met through imports, there is no notable export activity for this product. Iran primarily serves as a consumer and importer, focusing on sourcing from major global producers, such as China, India, and Germany.
Global Producers and Exporters
China is recognized as the leading global producer and exporter of choline chloride. With substantial production capacity and access to cost-effective raw materials, China dominates the global choline chloride market. In addition to China, India and Germany are prominent producers and exporters, catering to Asian as well as American and European markets.
Global trade statistics reveal that millions of tons of choline chloride are produced and traded annually. This product is extensively utilized in countries with robust livestock industries, including the United States, Brazil, Russia, and Mexico.
Major Importers
Countries in South America, Asia, and Europe rank among the largest importers of choline chloride globally. Brazil and Mexico, given their advanced livestock industries and substantial demand for feed additives, are major importers. European nations also constitute a significant portion of the market due to high demand within the animal and poultry feed sector.
Global Import and Export Volume of Choline Chloride
The volume of global trade in choline chloride has been increasing significantly, reflecting its broad application in the livestock sector. Annually, millions of tons of choline chloride are exchanged, with the market value running into billions of dollars. China, with a market share exceeding 50%, plays a central role in the production and export of choline chloride, while India and Germany contribute as supplementary producers.
Documents Required for Choline Chloride Clearance
Clearing choline chloride from Iranian customs necessitates the preparation and submission of specific documentation. These documents encompass both legal and health-related records to confirm product quality and compliance with regulatory requirements.
Invoice:
The commercial invoice must be issued by the foreign seller and include precise information regarding unit price, product quantity, form (liquid or powdered), and terms of purchase and payment. This document must be formally presented to be accepted by customs.
Packing List:
The packing list provides comprehensive details regarding packaging, including the number of packages, type of packaging, net and gross weight, and other pertinent information concerning the physical characteristics of the goods. For liquid choline chloride, packaging must comply with standards for sensitive liquid transportation.
Certificate of Origin:
Issued by the Chamber of Commerce of the exporting country, the certificate of origin identifies the country where the choline chloride was produced. It is crucial for determining customs duties and calculating tariffs.
Veterinary Health Certificate:
Issued by the relevant health authorities of the exporting country, this certificate verifies that the choline chloride is safe for inclusion in animal and poultry feed. This document is mandatory for customs clearance and must meet the requirements established by the Iranian Veterinary Organization.
Certificate of Analysis:
The certificate of analysis, issued by an accredited laboratory, includes the results of tests conducted on the choline chloride, certifying its quality and precise chemical composition. This ensures that the imported product adheres to both international and domestic standards.
Import Permit from the Veterinary Organization:
Importation of choline chloride necessitates obtaining an import permit from the Veterinary Organization, affirming that the product complies with national health standards and is suitable for use in animal feed.
Permit from the Ministry of Agriculture:
In addition to the Veterinary Organization permit, an import permit from the Ministry of Agriculture is mandatory, ensuring that the product is authorized for use in the livestock and agricultural sectors.
Bill of Lading:
The bill of lading provides information on the transportation of goods from the country of origin to Iran, detailing the shipping company, mode of transport (sea, air, or land), shipment date, and final destination.
Customs Declaration:
The customs declaration, prepared by the importer or customs broker, provides detailed information about the goods, their value, HS Code, and other necessary details for customs clearance.
Commercial Card:
The importer must possess a valid commercial card to import choline chloride. This card permits the import and export of goods within Iran.
Special Clearance Services by Professional Brokers
Professional customs brokers, possessing extensive expertise in the clearance of specialized and strategic goods such as choline chloride, offer a comprehensive array of services to importers. These services encompass all aspects of the clearance process, facilitating optimization of time and minimization of import costs.
Expert Consultation Prior to Importation: Importers can benefit from expert consultation regarding optimal import strategies, customs tariff assessments, and documentation requirements, enabling efficient import planning. Such consultations assist in mitigating risks and avoiding potential challenges.
Acquisition of Essential Permits: Importing products like choline chloride, which is used in animal feed, involves obtaining health permits and ensuring compliance with governmental standards. Leveraging their expertise, brokers expedite the acquisition of all necessary permits, including those from the Veterinary Organization and Ministry of Agriculture.
Expedited Tracking of Clearance Processes: A principal advantage of employing professional brokers lies in their ability to efficiently track all customs clearance stages, including health inspections, quality checks, and coordination with customs authorities, ensuring timely clearance without legal complications.
Reduction in Costs and Time: Due to their thorough understanding of customs regulations and clearance procedures, professional brokers can achieve significant reductions in both time and costs for importers, optimizing processes and employing efficient methodologies to expedite clearance.
Logistics and Warehousing Services: Beyond customs clearance, these companies provide logistics and warehousing services, ensuring secure storage and proper maintenance of goods. This allows importers to benefit from safe and suitable transportation.
Detailed Post-Clearance Reporting: After clearance, detailed reports on the steps taken and associated costs are provided to importers, offering comprehensive insight into the import process and supporting better future decision-making.
Importers can trust professional customs brokers to efficiently manage their import processes. Utilizing the comprehensive services offered by Saba Customs Brokerage ensures smooth customs clearance, providing economic and timely benefits, thereby allowing swift entry of goods into the market.
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