Oxalic acid (C₂H₂O₄) is one of the most significant weak acids, extensively employed in diverse chemical and manufacturing industries. In its crystalline solid state, oxalic acid appears as white, odorless crystals, and due to its notable corrosive properties, it serves as a fundamental reagent in industrial processes and as a precursor in the synthesis of various products. It is widely imported into numerous countries, particularly Iran, for applications in textile, chemical, metal, and cleaning industries, thus playing an instrumental role in optimizing and enhancing industrial production processes.
Main Applications of Oxalic Acid in Various Industries
Owing to its distinct chemical properties, oxalic acid finds applications across multiple sectors:
Metal Industries and Rust Removal: Oxalic acid is primarily utilized for rust removal and metal surface cleaning. Its high efficacy in dissolving iron compounds and eliminating corrosion renders it invaluable in the production of industrial components, machinery, and metal equipment. Furthermore, it is applied as a potent cleaning agent in maintenance and repair operations within the metal industry.
Textile Industry: In the textile sector, oxalic acid is employed as a bleaching and cleaning agent. It effectively removes residual dyes and impurities from fibers, thereby improving the overall quality of fabrics during the production process. It is also used in the pre-treatment of textiles prior to dyeing and other chemical processing.
Water and Wastewater Treatment: Oxalic acid functions as a reducing agent in water treatment applications. It facilitates the removal of heavy metals such as cadmium, mercury, and lead from water and is also employed in treating industrial effluents. Additionally, it is applied in the purification of drinking water to eliminate impurities.
Industrial and Household Cleaners: Owing to its ability to dissolve rust and mineral deposits, oxalic acid is used in manufacturing cleaners, particularly for metal and stone surfaces. It plays a key role in the production of detergents for effective cleaning and stain removal.
Chemical Production: Oxalic acid serves as a precursor in the synthesis of numerous chemical compounds, including oxalate esters, carboxylic acids, and catalysts. In chemical laboratories, it is used as a reagent for various laboratory-scale reactions.
HS Code for Oxalic Acid
Oxalic acid is classified under HS code 29171100, pertaining to carboxylic acids and oxalic acid. This code is utilized globally to determine duties and customs tariffs for chemical products. Importers must ensure precise entry of this code in customs documentation to facilitate seamless clearance and avoid legal complications.
Key Points and Required Documents for Oxalic Acid Clearance
The customs clearance of oxalic acid, given its chemical properties and extensive applications across industries, mandates specific documentation and procedures.
Purchase Invoice: A detailed purchase invoice from the foreign supplier, encompassing product specifications, unit price, quantity, and total value, is essential.
Packing List: The packing list must provide comprehensive details regarding packaging, including the number of packages, net weight, and gross weight.
Health Certificate and Environmental Approvals: Given that oxalic acid is classified as a chemical, it necessitates health and environmental approvals from relevant authorities such as the Environmental Protection Organization and the Ministry of Health. These certificates affirm compliance with national and international standards, ensuring no adverse impact on public health and the environment.
Certificate of Analysis (COA): A COA, issued by the manufacturer or an accredited laboratory, is required to verify the quality and purity of the imported oxalic acid. This document is crucial for confirming that the imported material adheres to the specified technical requirements.
Import License and Standard Approvals: Depending on the quantity and type of oxalic acid being imported, an import license and standard approvals from the Iranian National Standards Organization may be mandatory.
Special Conditions for the Import and Export of Oxalic Acid
The import and export of oxalic acid require strict adherence to pertinent regulations due to its chemical properties and diverse applications. Producing and importing countries enforce specific customs protocols to regulate oxalic acid trade, given its crucial role in chemical, metal, textile, and other industries. Below, we outline some of these regulatory conditions and international procedures governing oxalic acid trade.
Special Conditions for the Import of Oxalic Acid into Iran and Other Countries
Compliance with International Standards: The import of oxalic acid into Iran and other nations requires quality certification from recognized authorities, confirming adherence to international and national quality standards. Given its significance across various sectors, importers must ensure product authenticity and quality to prevent delays in customs clearance or potential re-export due to quality non-compliance.
Certificate of Analysis (COA): The COA, issued by the manufacturer or an accredited laboratory, provides detailed information on the chemical composition, purity, and physical and chemical characteristics of oxalic acid.
Compliance with Environmental Regulations: Owing to its chemical nature, oxalic acid may fall under specific environmental restrictions. In Iran, importers are obligated to obtain permits from the Environmental Protection Organization and the Ministry of Health, ensuring that the imported product does not pose environmental or public health risks.
Safe Handling and Storage: Oxalic acid must be stored in robust and appropriate packaging to protect against moisture and oxidizing agents. Furthermore, transportation must be conducted following international regulations concerning hazardous chemical materials.
Import Licenses and Standard Approvals: The import of oxalic acid into Iran and several other nations requires acquiring permits from governmental bodies, including the Ministry of Industry, Mines, and Trade, the Ministry of Health, and the Iranian National Standards Organization. These licenses guarantee the safety and compliance of the imported material for industrial use.
Volume of Oxalic Acid Imports and Exports to Iran and Worldwide
Iran represents one of the major importers of oxalic acid in the Middle East, driven by substantial demand within its chemical, textile, and metal industries. The bulk of oxalic acid imports into Iran originates from leading producers such as China and India, which are globally recognized as the primary producers of this compound, annually supplying considerable quantities to Iran and other markets.
Oxalic Acid Imports to Iran: Iran imports approximately 50,000 tons of oxalic acid annually, primarily sourced from China and India. The volume of imports has been consistently increasing due to the extensive requirements of domestic industries.
Oxalic Acid Exports from Iran: Although Iran is predominantly an importer, some domestically produced oxalic acid is exported to neighboring countries such as Turkey, Iraq, and the United Arab Emirates.
Global Oxalic Acid Trade
Oxalic acid holds a prominent position in the global market due to its wide-ranging industrial applications. The international trade of oxalic acid has witnessed significant growth, driven by the expansion of chemical and metal industries in emerging economies. The principal producers and exporters include China, India, Germany, Japan, and the United States.
Global Exports: The annual global export volume of oxalic acid surpasses 500,000 tons, predominantly produced in China and India. These countries are acknowledged as the leaders in the global production and export of this chemical.
Global Importers: Key importers include European nations, the United States, Turkey, Iran, and other Asian countries, primarily driven by their demand for oxalic acid in manufacturing and chemical sectors.
Required Documents for Customs Clearance of Oxalic Acid
To facilitate customs clearance of oxalic acid, a comprehensive set of documents must be submitted to customs authorities, ensuring efficient processing and minimizing complications.
Invoice:
The invoice, a critical document for customs clearance, is issued by the seller and includes essential details such as the names of the seller and buyer, product specifications (e.g., oxalic acid), quantity or weight, unit price, and total price. These details assist customs authorities in determining the value of the goods and calculating applicable duties.
Packing List:
The packing list contains pertinent information regarding the packaging, number of packages, net and gross weights, and package dimensions. This document is crucial for verifying the conformity of imported goods with the invoice and expediting customs inspections.
Certificate of Origin:
The certificate of origin identifies the country where oxalic acid is produced. Issued by the chamber of commerce in the country of origin, this document plays a pivotal role in customs clearance and tariff determination.
Certificate of Analysis (COA):
The COA, issued by the manufacturer or an accredited laboratory, specifies the technical properties of oxalic acid, including purity and chemical composition. It ensures compliance with international quality standards and is indispensable for the clearance of chemicals like oxalic acid.
Import License from the Ministry of Industry, Mines, and Trade:
Importers must obtain an import license from the Ministry of Industry, Mines, and Trade, which aids in regulating the import of chemicals and averting the entry of hazardous or substandard substances into the country.
Environmental and Health Permits:
Given the chemical properties of oxalic acid, its import is subject to oversight by environmental and health authorities. Importers must secure the requisite permits from these bodies to guarantee that the imported product is safe for use in Iran and poses no health or environmental hazards.
Order Registration Certificate:
Importers are required to register their import orders via the Comprehensive Trade System of Iran. This order registration certificate is mandatory for obtaining import approval and customs clearance.
Standard Certificate:
For certain products, particularly chemicals, a national standard certificate may be required. This certificate verifies that the imported oxalic acid conforms to national quality and safety standards.
Bill of Lading:
The bill of lading is a transport document issued by the carrier, containing details regarding the type of goods, number of packages, weight, and shipping conditions. It is vital for asserting ownership of the goods and completing customs clearance procedures.
Cargo Insurance Policy:
The cargo insurance policy provides coverage details for goods during transit. This document ensures compensation for any damage or loss incurred during transportation.
Special Services of Saba Customs Brokerage in Clearing Oxalic Acid
Clearing oxalic acid, given its status as a sensitive chemical, necessitates profound expertise in customs procedures. By engaging specialized teams, importers can benefit from an expedited and reliable clearance process. Saba Customs Brokerage offers the following services:
Expert Consultation: Comprehensive consultation is provided from the preliminary stages through to the final phases, encompassing document preparation, coordination with regulatory authorities, and continual follow-up to ensure seamless customs clearance.
Acquisition of Required Permits: All requisite permits, including health, environmental, and standard certifications, are secured from the pertinent authorities to avoid any delays during customs clearance.
Swift and Professional Clearance: With extensive knowledge of customs regulations, the clearance process is executed proficiently and promptly, thereby mitigating potential issues.
Post-Clearance Services: Following customs clearance, services such as transportation tracking, warehousing, and tax consultation are provided to fully support importers during post-clearance activities.
By leveraging these services, the import and clearance of oxalic acid and other chemical substances are conducted with precision and efficiency, ensuring adherence to all legal requirements.
Contact our experts for more information.
