Adhesives, in their various forms, represent indispensable consumable materials across numerous industrial sectors. From their utilization in automotive, construction, and packaging industries to specialized applications in medical and electronic sectors, adhesives play a pivotal role. However, the process of importing adhesives into Iran necessitates a nuanced understanding of customs regulations, international standards, and the acquisition of requisite permits.
Types of Adhesives, Customs Tariff Codes, and Applications
Adhesives are widely employed materials that are integral to numerous industries, including construction, automotive, packaging, and healthcare. The importation and clearance of these products require a sophisticated understanding of their classifications, applications, and relevant customs tariff codes.
1. Epoxy Adhesives
HS Code: 35061000
Applications: Epoxy adhesives are extensively employed in heavy industries such as automotive, aerospace, and construction due to their exceptional resistance to heat, moisture, and chemical agents. These adhesives are ideal for bonding a wide array of materials, including metals, plastics, and wood, and are predominantly used for creating permanent joints.
2. Silicone Adhesives
HS Code: 35052000
Applications: Silicone adhesives exhibit high resistance to temperature variations and moisture, rendering them suitable for applications in electronics, automotive, and construction industries. These adhesives are primarily used for sealing and insulating surfaces and joints that are subject to environmental exposure.
3. Polyurethane Adhesives
HS Code: 35061000
Applications: Polyurethane adhesives are valued for their flexibility and high resistance to moisture and chemicals, making them effective for bonding wood, metal, and plastic. They are widely used in furniture manufacturing, construction, and footwear production.
4. Hot Melt Adhesives
HS Code: 35061000
Applications: Hot melt adhesives, which are activated by heat, are known for their rapid curing properties. They are primarily used in industries such as packaging, carton manufacturing, and general industrial production, and are favored for temporary and fast bonding applications.
5. Cyanoacrylate Adhesives
HS Code: 35061000
Applications: Commonly known as super glue, cyanoacrylate adhesives are utilized for quick, small-scale bonding. They are employed for adhering materials such as plastic, metal, glass, and ceramics, and are particularly suitable for rapid repairs and domestic applications.
6. Dental Adhesives
HS Code: 35061000
Applications: Dental adhesives are used in dental practices for bonding restorative materials, such as fillings and crowns. These adhesives possess biocompatible properties and are specifically formulated for safe application in medical and dental environments.
7. Specialty Industrial Adhesives
HS Code: 35069100
Applications: Specialty industrial adhesives are employed in industries such as aerospace, automotive, and electronics. These adhesives are engineered for high performance in specific industrial contexts and are resistant to heat, pressure, and chemicals.
8. Natural-Based Adhesives
HS Code: 35061000
Applications: Natural-based adhesives, derived from materials like starch and casein, are used in the food industry, packaging, and paper production. Their safety and environmental compatibility make them particularly suitable for applications in food packaging and paper products.
Steps for Customs Clearance of Adhesives
Customs clearance of adhesives, given their chemical properties and associated sensitivities, mandates strict compliance with regulatory requirements.
Obtaining Permits from the Institute of Standards and Industrial Research of Iran: Certain adhesives, particularly those utilized in sensitive sectors such as food and healthcare, require special permits from the Standards Organization. Compliance with both national and international standards must be ensured for such products.
Chemical Composition Control: Adhesives may contain chemical compounds that are restricted or prohibited. Prior to importation, it is imperative to evaluate the chemical composition of the adhesive to ensure that no harmful or banned substances are present.
Safe and Proper Packaging: Adhesives require secure and durable packaging due to their chemical nature. Proper packaging is critical to prevent leakage or damage during transportation and must adhere to international standards.
Specialized Customs: Bandar Abbas, Shahid Rajaee, and Bazargan are among the specialized customs points in Iran that handle a substantial volume of chemicals and adhesives. Selecting an appropriate customs point can significantly expedite the clearance process.
Conditions for Adhesive Imports to Iran
Adhesive imports into Iran are essential for various industrial sectors, including construction, automotive, electronics, packaging, and healthcare. These industries demand diverse types of industrial and specialized adhesives to ensure efficient, high-quality production, with many products sourced from international suppliers. China, South Korea, Germany, and the United States are among the leading exporters of adhesives to Iran.
China is the largest exporter of adhesives to Iran, largely due to its extensive production capabilities and competitive pricing. Germany and the United States provide highly specialized products primarily used in advanced and heavy industries, attributable to their advanced technologies and high-quality industrial adhesives. South Korea, known for its innovative adhesive products, also plays a significant role in the Iranian market.
Volume of Adhesive Imports to Iran
According to available data, adhesive imports into Iran exceed several thousand tons annually. The diverse sectors such as packaging, automotive, construction, and electronics have a constant need for these products. Chemical-based adhesives, particularly specialized variants such as epoxy and polyurethane, constitute the majority of these imports, with China being the principal supplier.
Adhesive Exports from Iran
While Iran relies predominantly on adhesive imports, certain domestically produced adhesives are exported to neighboring countries, including Iraq, Afghanistan, and Tajikistan. These exports primarily consist of construction adhesives, polyurethane, and packaging adhesives. Although the current volume of adhesive exports from Iran is limited, there is potential for significant growth as production capabilities and quality standards improve.
Global Adhesive Market
The global adhesive market, characterized by an annual growth rate of approximately 5 to 6 percent, is dynamic and rapidly expanding. This growth is largely driven by increasing demand in advanced sectors such as automotive, aerospace, construction, and electronics. Leading adhesive exporters include China, Germany, the United States, and Japan, which collectively dominate global adhesive production.
China, as the largest global producer and exporter of adhesives, holds the largest market share. Following China, Germany and the United States occupy prominent positions due to their advanced products and technologies in industrial and specialized adhesive production. Japan, with its cutting-edge technologies, also contributes significantly as a major exporter of industrial adhesives.
Global Adhesive Market Value
The global adhesive market has substantial economic value. Recent estimates suggest that the financial turnover of the global adhesive market has reached approximately $60 to $70 billion, and this figure is expected to continue rising. Growing demand in industrial sectors such as automotive, construction, and packaging is a key driver of this growth. Additionally, the expansion of the electronics industry and the rising demand for high-technology products further support the global adhesive market's growth.
Major Adhesive Exporters and Importers Globally
The leading global exporters of adhesives include China, Germany, the United States, Japan, and South Korea. These countries utilize advanced technologies to produce high-quality products that supply global adhesive markets.
The major importers of adhesives include the United States, Germany, France, Japan, and India. Due to the requirements of their domestic industries for various adhesives, these countries account for a significant share of global adhesive imports.
Documents Required for Adhesive Customs Clearance
The customs clearance of adhesives, like any other imported goods, necessitates the submission of specific documents, without which the clearance process cannot be completed. These documents must be submitted in full and with accuracy to ensure a seamless and prompt clearance.
1. Commercial Invoice
The commercial invoice is a critical document that must be submitted to customs. It includes details regarding unit price, quantity, and information about the seller and buyer. The invoice must precisely represent the value of the shipment.
2. Packing List
The packing list provides detailed information on the shipment's packaging, including the number of packages, weight, type of packaging, and dimensions. This document assists customs in verifying the physical compliance of the goods with the accompanying documentation.
3. Bill of Lading or Airway Bill
The bill of lading is an essential document issued by the transport company, containing information about the transportation, the goods' specifications, and the final destination. This document signifies ownership of the goods during transit.
4. Certificate of Origin
The certificate of origin specifies the country in which the adhesive was manufactured. This document is crucial for determining the correct customs tariffs and assessing trade regulations between countries. It is usually certified by the chamber of commerce of the exporting country.
5. Customs Declaration Form
This document, submitted by the importer or their representative, provides details such as the goods' specifications, value, customs tariff, and final destination. The customs declaration is a fundamental document for goods clearance.
6. Import Permits
Certain adhesives, owing to their chemical compositions, may require special permits from regulatory bodies like the Standards Organization and the Ministry of Industry. These permits are generally issued to ensure adherence to national and international standards.
7. Inspection Certificate
In some instances, inspection and quality assessment of adhesives are required before customs clearance. This certificate, issued by an independent inspection entity, confirms that the goods meet the ordered specifications.
8. Certificate of Analysis
Typically required for adhesives with specific chemical compositions, this certificate provides detailed information on the product's components and physical properties. If the adhesive contains sensitive or unique chemicals, this certificate is often mandatory.
9. Order Registration Certificate
Order registration is a vital stage in the importation of goods. This certificate verifies that the import has been officially registered with the Ministry of Industry, Mines, and Trade, and that authorization for import has been granted.
10. Customs Duty Payment Certificate
Following the customs evaluation of the goods, duties and fees are calculated. The importer must settle these charges and present the payment certificate to customs to receive clearance.
11. Transport Authorization
This authorization is issued for the domestic transport of goods from customs to the final destination within the country. If the adhesive necessitates special transport conditions, this authorization is required.
12. Customs Clearance Certificate (Green Paper)
Upon completing all customs formalities and fee payments, customs issues a green paper, which authorizes the importer to remove the goods from customs. This document serves as the final confirmation for goods clearance.
13. Standard Certificate
If the imported adhesive necessitates standard approval, a certificate must be provided by the Standards and Industrial Research Organization of Iran. This certificate guarantees that the imported product complies with the required quality standards.
Special Services by Sabba Customs Brokerage for Adhesive Clearance
Sabba Customs Brokerage is a leading customs broker in Iran, offering specialized services for customs clearance, particularly for chemical products such as adhesives. With a highly experienced team and years of expertise, this brokerage handles all stages of customs clearance from initiation to completion, ensuring that the clearance process is executed with minimal costs and within the shortest possible timeframe.
Special services include:
Expert Consultation on Tariffs and Permits: By offering precise consultation on selecting the appropriate customs tariff code and obtaining the necessary permits from relevant authorities, the import process is streamlined, minimizing potential challenges during customs procedures.
Expedited Clearance and Cost Optimization: Leveraging its expertise, the brokerage ensures rapid clearance of adhesives and aids importers in maximizing profits by reducing customs-related expenses.
Ongoing Follow-up and Resolution of Customs Issues: Continuous monitoring of customs cases and prompt resolution of potential issues are among the key services offered. Effective interaction with relevant authorities facilitates the timely identification and resolution of challenges.
Post-Clearance Services: Beyond customs clearance, Sabba also provides transportation, warehousing, and product distribution services, ensuring that products are safely and swiftly delivered to their final destination.
By availing of these services, importers can enhance the efficiency of their adhesive and chemical product importation processes and achieve greater success in the domestic market.
Contact our experts for more information.
