Activated carbons, also known as activated charcoal, due to their unique structure and high absorption properties, are used in numerous industries, including water and air purification, chemical separation, and sensitive industrial processes. This material is one of the strategic and significant products in global markets, which, due to its importance in various industries, requires compliance with precise import requirements and customs clearance procedures. Customs clearance of activated carbon, due to its sensitive applications and specific quality standards, requires completing defined steps and providing accurate documentation.
Specialized Applications of Activated Carbon in Various Industries
Water Purification: Activated carbon is widely used in water purification systems to remove chemical pollutants, heavy metals, chlorine compounds, and suspended organic matter. This substance acts as a powerful absorbent, improving water quality. The use of activated carbon in water purification systems helps reduce operating costs and increase purification efficiency.
Air Purification: Activated carbon is used in air purification filters to remove unpleasant odors, toxic gases, and suspended particles. The microporous structure of activated carbon rapidly absorbs airborne pollutants, significantly improving the quality of the ambient air. These filters are commonly used in air purifiers and industrial ventilation systems.
Chemical and Petrochemical Industries: In gas and liquid separation and refining processes, activated carbon plays a key role in absorbing and removing unwanted organic and chemical compounds. The use of this material in separation processes to purify products and enhance their quality, especially in the petrochemical industries, is very important.
Pharmaceutical and Food Industries: In the production of food and pharmaceuticals, activated carbon is used to remove impurities, unwanted colors, pollutants, and harmful compounds from products. Using this material in these industries contributes to the production of higher-quality products.
Technical Steps and Considerations in Customs Clearance of Activated Carbon
Customs clearance of activated carbon, due to its sensitive applications and various legal requirements, necessitates following specific steps and providing related documents. Below are some of the key considerations and stages:
HS Code: Activated carbon is generally classified under the HS code 3802.10. Correctly selecting the HS code is crucial for accurately calculating customs duties and avoiding delays in clearance. Experienced experts in tariff classification can help in selecting the correct HS code.
Quality and Safety Certificates: Due to the use of activated carbon in sensitive industries like water and air purification, providing quality certificates from reputable regulatory authorities is mandatory. These certificates confirm that the imported activated carbon meets the necessary standards for use in various industries.
Technical Evaluations and Tests: Some customs may require specialized tests to be conducted on the product before clearance. These tests are performed to ensure that the quality of activated carbon complies with domestic and international standards. Preparing and sending samples to specialized laboratories may be part of this process, which, without proper planning, can cause delays in customs clearance.
Conditions for Import and Export of Activated Carbon
Activated carbon, due to its extensive applications in industries such as water and air purification, pollutant removal, and also in the pharmaceutical and food sectors, is considered a strategic product in the global market. The import and export of activated carbon have their specific conditions due to the requirement for high-quality products and the sensitivities related to safety and hygiene standards.
Conditions for Importing Activated Carbon to Iran
Iran, due to the high demand for activated carbon in various industries, particularly in water and air purification, is one of the main importers of this product. Activated carbon is mainly imported from industrial and developed countries such as China, Germany, the USA, and Japan. These countries, utilizing advanced technologies and producing high-quality products, have been able to meet a significant part of the global and Iranian market needs.
High demand in water and air purification industries, as well as pharmaceutical and chemical sectors, has led Iran to import substantial volumes of this product annually. The growth of purification and processing industries is one of the main reasons for the increase in imports of this product.
Export of Activated Carbon from Iran
Although the domestic production of activated carbon is considerably less than its imports, Iran has managed to produce activated carbon in some industrial units and export it to certain regional countries. Turkey, Iraq, and other neighboring countries are among the main customers of this product. Due to Iran's geographical features and proximity to these countries, exports are made to these markets in limited quantities.
The domestic production capacity of activated carbon in Iran has not yet reached a level to support widespread exports, which has resulted in export volumes being significantly lower than imports.
Volume of Import and Export of Activated Carbon to Iran
Considering the increasing demand of various industries in Iran for activated carbon, the annual import of this product is estimated to be several thousand tons. This volume is imported to meet the needs of water purification, air purification, petrochemical industries, and other related sectors. The growing trend in the import of activated carbon reflects the increasing demand and the need to improve industrial processes in Iran.
On the other hand, the volume of exports from Iran to regional countries is lower, and in recent years, exports of this product have not exceeded several hundred tons. Although domestic production of activated carbon is on the rise, production capacity is still insufficient for widespread export.
Global Trade of Activated Carbon
The global market for activated carbon has grown significantly in recent years. The increasing need of various industries for this product, especially in water and air purification, as well as in pharmaceutical, food, and chemical sectors, has boosted its global trade volume.
According to global estimates, the activated carbon market will reach several billion dollars by 2025. This increase is driven by rapid population growth and the need for improving water and air quality in different countries. Additionally, strict environmental regulations in industrialized countries have increased the demand for activated carbon in these countries.
Main Exporting Countries of Activated Carbon
China, the USA, Germany, India, and Japan are the largest producers and exporters of activated carbon in the world. These countries, using advanced technologies and strong industrial infrastructure, have managed to become leaders in the activated carbon market.
China, as the largest producer of activated carbon, holds a major share of global exports of this product. With high-quality and more affordable production compared to other competitors, China has captured numerous markets.
Main Importing Countries of Activated Carbon
Conversely, countries such as Iran, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, the Gulf countries, and many developing nations are among the major importers of activated carbon. These countries import significant quantities of this product annually due to the expansion of purification industries and the need for improved water and air quality.
Documents Required for Customs Clearance of Activated Carbon
Customs clearance of activated carbon requires compliance with a series of regulations and submission of specific documents due to its extensive and sensitive applications across various industries. Importers must submit the necessary documentation to customs to ensure the quality and conformity of the goods with customs regulations.
1. Bill of Lading:
The bill of lading is one of the primary transportation documents containing information such as the type of goods, the number of packages, weight, and the shipment destination. Submitting this document to customs is essential for identifying the shipment and confirming the legal transport of goods.
2. Commercial Invoice:
The commercial invoice is a vital document in the clearance process, showing the price and value of the goods. This document is required to calculate customs duties and import taxes and must contain accurate information about the transaction and product specifications.
3. Certificate of Origin:
The certificate of origin confirms the country from which the activated carbon has been exported. This document can affect customs tariff rates and import conditions, especially if there are trade agreements between the exporting country and Iran.
4. Certificate of Conformity:
To confirm the quality of goods, providing a conformity certificate from a reputable body is essential. This certificate guarantees that the imported activated carbon complies with the required standards for use in sensitive industries like water and air purification.
5. Health Certificate:
Since activated carbon is used in health-related and purification industries, a health certificate issued by health organizations in the country of origin must be provided. This document confirms that the product poses no health risks and is suitable for use.
6. Import Declaration:
The import declaration is another key document in the clearance process, submitted by the importer or their authorized representative to customs. This document provides information such as product specifications, its value, and transaction details to customs.
7. Packing List:
The packing list includes detailed information about the type and number of packages, net and gross weight, and packaging method of the goods. This document helps customs verify the accuracy of the shipment.
8. Import License:
Depending on the use and type of activated carbon, specific permits may be required from various organizations such as the Standards Organization, the Environmental Protection Agency, and the Ministry of Health. These permits indicate that the import of this product is under legal control and supervision.
9. HS Code:
The HS code for activated carbon is generally 3802.10. Accurately selecting this code is crucial for calculating customs duties and avoiding potential issues during clearance. Mismatch between the HS code and imported goods can lead to clearance delays or increased costs.
10. Inspection Certificate:
In some cases, especially if the activated carbon is imported for use in sensitive industries, customs may request an inspection certificate. This certificate is issued by a reputable entity and confirms that the goods comply with the set standards.
11. Registration in the Comprehensive Trade System:
Before the goods enter the country, registration in the Comprehensive Trade System must be completed. This is necessary for aligning imports with trade policies and determining import quotas.
12. Energy Certificate:
If activated carbon is used in energy-related industries, providing an energy certificate is mandatory. This certificate confirms that the product is energy-efficient and environmentally compatible.
Special Customs Clearance Services by Karagari Saba
With years of experience in customs clearance of industrial and consumer goods, including activated carbon, this brokerage has established a unique position in the Iranian market. The clearance services include professional consultation at every stage, from order registration to the final receipt of goods, conducted in a specialized and optimized manner.
Some of the special services offered by this company in the clearance of activated carbon include:
Expert Consultation on Selecting the Correct HS Code: Due to complexities related to determining the appropriate HS code, experienced experts select the best HS code to accurately calculate duties and taxes to prevent potential problems.
Preparation and Submission of Required Documents and Certificates: Providing necessary documents such as health, conformity, and quality certificates is done promptly and accurately to ensure the customs clearance process proceeds without issues.
Follow-up on Technical Tests and Obtaining Customs Approvals: If technical tests and customs approvals are required, this company handles all follow-ups from start to finish and ensures the product complies with necessary standards.
Speeding up the Clearance Process: By utilizing professional relationships and a thorough understanding of customs procedures, the clearance process is completed in the shortest time possible, minimizing additional costs.
This company, with a completely professional approach and the use of the latest techniques and modern methods, accompanies you through every step of customs clearance and prevents potential delays and problems.
