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Customs Clearance of Various Oils

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 Customs Clearance of Various Oils
The customs clearance of vegetable oils, including liquid, olive, sesame, and corn oils, is one of the most crucial aspects of importing essential goods to Iran. These products play a vital role in the food industry and meeting the country's consumption needs, making their import subject to strict compliance with specific regulations. Due to the food safety and hygiene concerns, the clearance process for these products must be conducted meticulously.

Steps and Documents Required for Vegetable Oil Clearance
The clearance of vegetable oils involves completing legal procedures and providing specific documents and permits to customs authorities and other relevant organizations. Failure to comply with these requirements may result in delays or even the confiscation of the shipment by authorities. Below, the steps and required documents for clearing these products are detailed:
1. Registration of Order in the Comprehensive Trade System (NIMA System): For any type of import, the importer must first register the order in the Comprehensive Trade System. This order registration, coordinated with the Ministry of Industry, Mine, and Trade, is mandatory, and without it, importation is not possible.
2. Health Certificate: Imported oils must have the necessary health certificates from the country of origin, confirming that they meet international health and food safety standards, as well as the requirements of Iran's Food and Drug Administration. This certificate ensures that the imported oils are safe for consumption and pose no health risk to consumers.
3. Commercial Invoice and Proforma Invoice: These documents include precise details of the imported shipment, such as price, quantity, type of oil, and information about the seller and buyer. The commercial invoice must be accurately prepared to reflect the actual details of the goods.
4. Certificate of Origin: This document indicates the country where the oil was produced and certifies the origin of the goods. It is issued by the Chamber of Commerce in the exporting country and must be presented to the Iranian customs authorities during clearance.
5. Bill of Lading: This document provides detailed information about transportation and cargo, including the type of transport, identification of the vessel or vehicle, as well as loading and unloading locations. Additionally, it serves as a document of title, certifying ownership of the goods, and is required for the collection of the shipment from customs.
6. Health and Standard Permits from the Food and Drug Administration: The import of edible oils to Iran requires approvals from the Food and Drug Administration. This organization thoroughly examines samples of the goods and issues a certificate of compliance with national regulations.
7. Customs Declaration Form: The customs declaration form contains all the shipment information, including tariff codes, the value of the goods, and other technical and commercial details. Any errors or discrepancies in the declaration may lead to delays in clearance or customs fines.

HS Codes for Different Types of Oil
The Harmonized System Code (HS Code) is a standardized global system for classifying goods, defined by the World Customs Organization (WCO). Each product in international trade is assigned a specific code that determines its import duty and tax.

  • Olive Oil:

    • Natural and unrefined olive oil directly extracted from olives: HS Code 150910.

    • Refined olive oil after the refining process: HS Code 150990.

  • Sesame Oil:

    • Sesame oil, known for its nutritional and therapeutic properties: HS Code 151550.

  • Corn Oil:

    • Crude corn oil, without refining: HS Code 151521.

    • Refined corn oil, ready for consumption: HS Code 151529.

  • Sunflower Oil:

    • Crude sunflower oil: HS Code 151211.

    • Refined and processed sunflower oil: HS Code 151219.

  • Soybean Oil:

    • Crude soybean oil, one of the most commonly used vegetable oils: HS Code 150710.

    • Refined soybean oil: HS Code 150790.

  • Palm Oil:

    • Crude palm oil extracted from palm fruits: HS Code 151110.

    • Refined palm oil: HS Code 151190.

  • Rapeseed Oil:

    • Crude rapeseed oil: HS Code 151411.

    • Refined rapeseed oil: HS Code 151419.

  • Coconut Oil:

    • Crude coconut oil directly extracted from coconuts: HS Code 151311.

    • Refined coconut oil: HS Code 151319.

  • Peanut Oil:

    • Crude peanut oil: HS Code 150810.

    • Refined peanut oil: HS Code 150890.

  • Cottonseed Oil:

    • Crude cottonseed oil: HS Code 151221.

    • Refined cottonseed oil: HS Code 151229.

  • Castor Oil:

    • Castor oil, often used in pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries: HS Code 151530.

  • Other Vegetable Oils:

    • Oils that are not categorized above, extracted from various seeds: HS Code 151620.

These HS codes are not only used for classifying imported goods but also determine the applicable customs duties and tariffs. Importers must ensure that for each type of oil, depending on the country of origin and type, special permits from authorities like the Food and Drug Administration and Ministry of Health may be required to ensure product safety and quality.

Special Conditions for Oil Import
The import of vegetable oils into Iran is subject to specific regulations, which must be strictly observed. These regulations include:
Health and Quality Standards: All imported oils must meet national and international standards, including those of the Iranian National Standards Organization and the Food and Drug Administration. Imported products must be certified in terms of quality and food safety, ensuring compliance with national health standards. These standards focus on the oil's quality and its safety for human consumption.
Import Permits: One of the key requirements for importing edible oils is obtaining the necessary permits from the Ministry of Health and the Food and Drug Administration. Without these permits, the clearance of edible oils from customs is not possible. These permits confirm the product's safety and compliance with national and international health standards.
Volume and Currency Restrictions: Due to high consumption and demand, importing edible oils may require specific permits and adherence to currency restrictions. Importers should note that the volume of imports and currency conditions may be determined by the government at different times, impacting import operations.

Volume of Oil Imports and Exports to Iran
Iran is one of the largest oil importers in the region. Due to the lack of sufficient domestic production and high market demand, a significant portion of the country's need for edible oils is met through imports. The primary import sources for edible oils are Spain, Turkey, Italy, Malaysia, and Indonesia. According to recent statistics:

  • Import Volume: Over 70% of edible oils consumed in Iran are supplied through imports, with annual imports reaching several million tons.

  • Export: Conversely, Iran also produces some high-quality oils like sesame and olive oils, which are exported to neighboring countries such as Iraq and Afghanistan.

Global Oil Trade
The global oil trade is continuously growing, with the value of these products reaching several billion dollars. The main global producers of edible oils include Spain, Italy, Malaysia, Indonesia, Argentina, and Turkey, which account for a significant portion of global exports. Similarly, edible oil imports have been increasing in countries such as China, India, the European Union, and Iran.

Major Exporters and Importers
Globally, some countries are recognized as the leading producers of oil and hold a significant share of the market:

  • Major Exporters: Spain, Turkey, Italy, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Argentina are the largest oil exporters, meeting the global demand with substantial production volumes.

  • Major Importers: Countries like Iran, India, China, and the European Union are among the largest importers of vegetable oils due to their high consumption levels.

Required Documents for Oil Clearance
To clear oil from customs, importers must prepare and submit a specific set of documents. These documents are crucial to ensure compliance with customs, health regulations, and alignment with Iranian and international standards.

  1. Order Registration in the Comprehensive Trade System: The first step for importing edible oils is to register the order in the Comprehensive Trade System. Without this registration and its approval by the Ministry of Industry, Mine, and Trade (IMT), importing goods is not possible.

  2. Health Certificate (Health Certificate): Issued by health authorities in the country of origin, this certificate confirms that the imported oil is safe and suitable for consumption. It must indicate that the product meets global and national standards. In Iran, the Food and Drug Administration reviews these documents and permits entry.

  3. Commercial Invoice (Commercial Invoice): This is one of the primary documents for any import, detailing the type of product, price, quantity, seller and buyer information, and payment terms. The invoice must be accurate to match the shipment information to avoid clearance issues.

  4. Certificate of Origin: This document is issued by the Chamber of Commerce of the exporting country, indicating the origin of the oil. It is important for determining the producing country and setting customs tariffs and must be presented at Iranian customs.

  5. Bill of Lading (Bill of Lading): The bill of lading includes information such as the shipping method, origin and destination, shipment weight, and the number of packages. This document is used for clearing goods and delivering them to the buyer, serving as proof of ownership.

  6. Import Permit from the Food and Drug Administration: Edible oils require a health approval permit from the Food and Drug Administration. This permit indicates that the goods meet the quality and health standards of Iran.

  7. Customs Declaration (Customs Declaration): The customs declaration document contains all information related to the shipment, such as type and value of goods, customs tariff code, and origin and destination details. Accurate completion and submission of this form to customs is essential for smooth clearance.

  8. Inspection Certificate: For some shipments, a more detailed inspection may be required. In such cases, an inspection certificate is issued by a reputable company, confirming the goods meet the required specifications and standards.

  9. Currency Permit from the Central Bank: If imports are conducted using government-issued currency, the importer must obtain the relevant permits from the Central Bank for currency allocation. This permit is issued to facilitate payment to the foreign seller.

  10. Packing List (Packing List): The packing list contains detailed information about the packaging of the goods. It helps verify and match the packages with the invoice and commercial documents and is also crucial during the customs clearance process.

  11. Commercial Card: Every importer requires a commercial card to conduct legal imports. This card is issued by the Iranian Chamber of Commerce and provides the necessary license for importing and exporting goods.

Special Customs Clearance Services by Saba Customs Brokerage
Our brokerage, utilizing a specialized and experienced team in customs clearance, offers exceptional services to its clients. With a thorough understanding of customs laws and regulations, and practical experience in clearing various oils, we have facilitated the clearance process for our clients, helping to reduce time and customs costs.

Our Brokerage Services Include:

  • Specialized Consulting: Providing specialized consultation on the import and export of oils, including preparing and completing the necessary documents and obtaining required permits.

  • Customs Procedure Follow-up: Closely monitoring all stages of clearance, from declaring goods to issuing the clearance permit, with the goal of reducing clearance time and preventing delays.

  • Inspection and Quality Control: Coordinating the necessary inspections and quality checks of shipments to ensure compliance with health and quality standards.

  • Cost Management: Assisting in optimizing customs costs and providing solutions to reduce costs through the use of preferential tariffs and customs discounts.

  • Transportation and Logistics: Coordinating fast and safe transportation of goods from customs to the final destination using a wide network of domestic and international transport.

Saba Customs Brokerage, with a focus on providing high-quality and precise services, is recognized as one of the leading customs clearance companies in Iran and is ready to meet the needs of its clients in clearing various types of oil by offering appropriate and customized solutions.

Contact our experts for more information.

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