The import and export of plastic goods, which are among the most ubiquitously utilized materials across various industries, necessitate a meticulous and specialized customs clearance process. These commodities encompass a broad spectrum of items employed in automotive, packaging, household, and industrial equipment sectors.
Types of Plastic Goods and HS Codes
High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE)
HS Code: 39012000
High-Density Polyethylene is integral in manufacturing products such as pipes, bottles, and plastic bags, largely due to its robust resistance to pressure and chemical degradation.
Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE)
HS Code: 39011000
Low-Density Polyethylene is predominantly used in the production of plastic films, food packaging, and insulation materials.
Polypropylene (PP)
HS Code: 39021000
Polypropylene is widely applied in the fabrication of automotive components, heat-resistant packaging, and various consumer products.
Polystyrene (PS)
HS Code: 39031900
Polystyrene is essential in the production of disposable containers, household appliances, and other packaging materials.
Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC)
HS Code: 39041000
Polyvinyl Chloride, owing to its distinct characteristics, is extensively employed in the production of pipes, plastic windows, and other construction products.
Plastic Containers for Food and Beverage Packaging
HS Code: 39233090
This category encompasses bottles and plastic containers used for packaging food and beverages.
Plastic Bags (Carrier Bags)
HS Code: 39232100
This code pertains to polyethylene (PE) plastic bags utilized for transporting various materials.
Plastic Healthcare and Medical Products
HS Code: 39269010
This classification includes plastic equipment used in the medical and healthcare sectors, such as syringes and disposable items.
Automotive Plastic Parts
HS Code: 87082990
This code applies to plastic components used in automotive manufacturing, including bumpers and interior components.
Kitchen and Household Plastic Items
HS Code: 39241000
This category comprises plastic kitchenware, such as plates, bowls, and other household plastic utensils.
Plastic Packaging Films
HS Code: 39201000
This code pertains to polyethylene plastic films used in food packaging and insulation.
Plastic Pipes
HS Code: 39172110
This code is designated for PVC plastic pipes used in plumbing and construction systems.
Documents and Permits Required for Plastic Goods Clearance
The customs clearance process for plastic goods necessitates the precise and comprehensive submission of documentation.
This document contains data such as pricing, quantity, product specifications, and transaction conditions. The commercial invoice is one of the principal documents employed for calculating customs tariffs and duties.
Bill of Lading (B/L)
The bill of lading is an essential document containing details about the method of transportation, the shipping company, and the origin and destination of goods. It serves as proof of ownership and determines the mode of transportation (sea, land, or air).
Certificate of Origin
The certificate of origin validates the country from which the imported goods originate. It is pivotal for accurate customs tariff calculations and, in certain cases, for obtaining tariff exemptions under bilateral or multilateral trade agreements.
Customs Declaration
The customs declaration provides exhaustive details regarding the goods, including their quantity, weight, and value. This document serves as the primary reference for registering and assessing goods within the customs system and forms the basis for tax and duty calculations.
Health and Standard Permits (if required)
Certain plastic items, particularly those in contact with food, healthcare, or pharmaceutical products, require permits from regulatory bodies such as the Food and Drug Administration or the Iranian National Standards Organization. These permits ascertain that the products comply with national health and safety standards.
Key Considerations in Plastic Goods Clearance
1. Compliance with Standards
Conformity with national standards is a foundational requirement in the customs clearance process for plastic goods. Products intended for use in the food, healthcare, or medical sectors must possess the requisite standard certifications. Such products are subjected to rigorous quality checks to ensure consumer safety.
2. Rigorous Quality Control
Imported plastic goods may undergo inspection and quality assessment by competent authorities. These inspections, conducted by the Iranian National Standards Organization or other relevant agencies, assess the quality and conformity of the products with established standards.
3. Specialized Import Permits
Certain plastic products, particularly those related to sensitive sectors such as pharmaceuticals and food industries, necessitate specific permits from pertinent authorities. For instance, the Food and Drug Administration issues special permits for importing plastic products relevant to health and safety. The type and intended use of the product determine the requisite permits.
Plastic Goods Importing and Exporting Countries
China is recognized as the largest producer and exporter of plastic goods to Iran. Due to its large-scale production, lower production costs, and advanced manufacturing technologies, China holds the dominant position in exporting these products to Iran. Other significant exporters to Iran include Germany, Italy, South Korea, and Turkey, which contribute substantially to meeting Iran's industrial and consumer demands through access to modern technologies and high-quality products.
Conversely, Iran also serves as a producer and exporter of plastic goods to neighboring countries. Iraq, Afghanistan, Turkey, and the United Arab Emirates are among the primary destinations for Iranian plastic exports. Iranian plastic products are increasingly securing a larger share of regional and international markets due to competitive pricing and enhanced quality. In recent years, advances in manufacturing technology and increased export capacity have established Iran as a significant supplier of these products in the region.
Volume of Plastic Goods Imports and Exports to Iran
The import of plastic goods into Iran has been escalating annually, driven by high demand in various sectors such as packaging, automotive, household appliances, and industrial equipment. The annual import volume of these products reaches billions of dollars, with the highest volume attributed to packaging materials, automotive plastic parts, and plastic containers. Conversely, Iran's plastic goods exports to neighboring countries have garnered a substantial share of regional markets, exhibiting positive growth trends reaching several hundred million dollars annually.
Global Trade in Plastic Goods
The plastic industry, as one of the most substantial industries worldwide, yields significant financial turnover annually. The global trade volume of plastic goods has surpassed 500 billion dollars in recent years, with projections indicating continued growth as demand in diverse industries expands. China, the United States, and Germany are the foremost producers and exporters of plastic goods globally, capturing a substantial share of the international market due to advanced technologies, mass production, and heightened efficiency.
Conversely, the United States, European nations, and Japan are the largest importers of plastic goods globally. These countries account for a considerable portion of global imports, driven by substantial demand for high-quality, technologically advanced products in diverse sectors.
Major Global Importers and Exporters of Plastic Goods
China, as the preeminent exporter of plastic goods, controls a significant share of the global market. Following China, Germany and the United States are other major exporters. South Korea and Japan, equipped with advanced technologies in plastic production, also hold notable positions as exporters.
Conversely, the United States, the European Union, and numerous Asian countries are the most significant importers of plastic products globally. Owing to extensive industries and substantial demand for plastic goods across various economic sectors, these countries comprise a major portion of global imports.
Documents Required for Plastic Goods Customs Clearance
Clearing plastic goods through customs requires a variety of documents to ensure a smooth clearance process. Below is an overview of the essential documents required:
1. Commercial Invoice
The commercial invoice includes crucial details such as the product name, quantity, unit price, total price, and payment conditions.
This document is fundamental for calculating customs tariffs and clearance costs, serving as the primary reference.
2. Packing List
The packing list provides information regarding the number of packages, weight, and dimensions of each package.
This document facilitates customs in performing a precise examination of the goods, ensuring consistency with other accompanying documents.
3. Bill of Lading (B/L)
The bill of lading is issued by the shipping company, confirming the transport of goods.
It contains information concerning the type of transport (sea, land, or air) and the point of loading as well as the final destination of the goods. The bill of lading serves as proof of ownership for customs clearance.
4. Certificate of Origin
This document certifies the country of origin of the imported goods.
The certificate of origin is critical for determining customs duties and, in some cases, for obtaining tariff exemptions.
5. Customs Declaration
The customs declaration includes comprehensive details about the goods, their quantity, and final destination.
This document forms the foundation for tax calculations and customs clearance, reviewed and recorded by customs.
6. Health and Safety Permits (if required)
Certain plastic goods, particularly those in contact with food or medical products, require health permits and national standards.
These permits certify that the goods comply with the necessary health and safety standards.
7. Inspection Certificate
This certificate attests that the goods have undergone inspection and quality control prior to shipment.
For specific goods, such as plastic items intended for specialized uses, this certificate is indispensable.
8. Insurance Policy
The insurance policy stipulates that goods are covered during transport and, in the event of damage, related costs will be compensated.
This document is essential to provide in the case of any damage to the goods.
9. Import Registration with the Ministry of Industry, Mines, and Trade
For goods to be imported into Iran, import orders must be registered in the system of the Ministry of Industry, Mines, and Trade.
This step constitutes a legal prerequisite for importing goods into the country, and without it, customs clearance cannot proceed.
10. Brand Registration Permit (if required)
If plastic goods are imported under a specific brand, the brand must be registered with Iranian customs.
This permit prevents counterfeit goods from entering and verifies the authenticity of the brand.
Special Services Provided by Sab Customs Brokerage for Plastic Goods Clearance
Clearing plastic goods in Iran demands precision, expertise, and comprehensive knowledge of customs regulations. Sab Customs Brokerage, a well-established entity in this domain, offers an array of specialized services aimed at streamlining the customs clearance process for its clients. These services leverage extensive experience, a team of experts well-versed in the latest regulatory developments, and a commitment to optimizing all procedural stages for maximal efficiency.
The brokerage offers the following specialized services:
Expert Consultation on Tariff Code Selection: The brokerage's expert team, fully knowledgeable in HS codes relevant to a range of plastic products, assists clients in selecting the correct code to avoid complications.
Preparation and Submission of Customs Documentation: Including the commercial invoice, bill of lading, and certificate of origin, all of which are fundamental for clearing plastic goods and must be meticulously prepared.
Acquisition of Health and Standard Permits: Should the goods require health permits, Sab Customs Brokerage handles all procedures to expedite permit acquisition with accuracy and efficiency.
Coordination with Customs and Regulatory Bodies: The brokerage team ensures consistent follow-up and effective communication with customs units and regulatory authorities, thus expediting the clearance process and mitigating potential issues.
By employing the services provided by Sab Customs Brokerage, clients can capitalize on the firm's expertise and experience, ensuring the smooth, efficient, and hassle-free clearance of their plastic goods.
Contact our experts for more information.
