Customs Clearance for Different Types of Tea
Tea customs clearance represents a crucially intricate stage in the importation process of this commodity into Iran. As a strategic consumer good, tea necessitates rigorous compliance with health, trade, and customs regulations. The diversity of tea types (black tea, green tea, oolong tea, white tea, etc.) and the variety of countries of origin (India, Sri Lanka, China, Kenya, Japan, etc.) introduce a spectrum of regulatory requirements and distinct documentation necessary for importation into Iran.
Varieties of Tea Imported into Iran
Tea is one of the essential consumer goods in Iran, imported from several different countries. Each type of tea possesses distinct properties, taste profiles, and quality metrics that subject it to varying customs regulations and import conditions:
Black Tea: Black tea dominates the market share of tea imports into Iran, primarily sourced from India, Sri Lanka, and Kenya. Its robust flavor and widespread cultural acceptance make it highly popular in the Iranian marketplace.
Green Tea: Green tea, valued for its medicinal and health benefits, has experienced a surge in popularity in Iran over recent years. Mainly imported from China and Japan, it requires stringent health evaluations and adherence to specific standards upon importation.
Oolong Tea: A semi-oxidized tea that blends the qualities of both green and black teas, oolong tea is primarily sourced from China. It attracts a niche market within Iran due to its unique properties and flavor.
White Tea: White tea, one of the rarest and most expensive varieties, is mainly imported from China. Its specialized processing and exceptional characteristics often categorize it as a luxury product.
Customs Tariffs and HS Codes for Tea
All types of tea imported into Iran fall under specific customs tariff codes (HS Codes). These codes play a pivotal role in determining the duties and associated costs of imports. Familiarity with these codes allows importers to anticipate the expenses and tariffs applicable before goods enter the customs process.
Black Tea (Non-Flavored): HS Code 09024010
Flavored Black Tea: HS Code 09024020
Green Tea (Non-Fermented): HS Code 09021000
The applicable customs tariffs for tea imports may fluctuate due to amendments in national trade and economic policies. Consequently, maintaining awareness of the most recent regulations is indispensable.
Key Procedures in Tea Customs Clearance
Health Permits and Authorization by the Food and Drug Organization: Importation of tea into Iran mandates health permits issued by the Food and Drug Organization. These permits involve comprehensive inspections to verify product quality and confirm the absence of harmful substances, including fluoride, toxins, and unauthorized chemicals. Every batch of imported tea must undergo testing to ensure safety for consumer use.
Compliance with Packaging Standards: Imported tea must adhere to strict packaging and safety standards. Hygienic packaging is particularly vital for preventing moisture infiltration and preserving product quality. Accurate labeling is also an essential customs requirement.
Laboratory Testing: Given its direct human consumption, tea must undergo rigorous quality and chemical composition testing. Samples from imported teas are analyzed in specialized customs laboratories to guarantee they are free from contaminants or prohibited substances. This step, though potentially time-consuming, is indispensable for the assurance of product integrity, necessitating careful logistical planning to minimize delays.
Special Considerations for Tea Import and Export
Tea Imports to Iran:
Iran stands as one of the largest tea consumers in the Middle East, driven by substantial domestic demand, which results in a considerable annual volume of tea imports. Key suppliers include India, Sri Lanka, Kenya, China, and Japan. Among these, black tea dominates, accounting for over 80% of total tea imports into Iran. Green tea, alongside specialty varieties such as oolong and white tea, has also witnessed increased market traction in recent years.
Tea Exports from Iran:
Iran itself produces tea, particularly in the northern regions of Gilan and Mazandaran. Iranian tea, noted for its distinctive quality and flavor, finds export markets in neighboring countries like Iraq, Afghanistan, Turkmenistan, and others. Although Iranian tea exports are modest in comparison to imports, they have garnered international attention owing to their natural and traditional characteristics. Improvements in quality and adherence to international standards have positioned Iranian tea as an appealing product within regional markets.
Import and Export Volume of Tea to Iran:
Recent statistics indicate that approximately 70,000 to 100,000 metric tons of tea are imported into Iran annually, predominantly from India and Sri Lanka. Black tea constitutes the majority of this volume due to its widespread domestic consumption. In contrast, Iran exports around 10,000 metric tons of tea annually, and with the consistent quality enhancement of domestic tea, this export volume is anticipated to increase in the future.
Global Tea Market Overview
The global tea industry is a multi-billion-dollar market. According to international assessments, the global tea market was valued at over $200 billion in 2022, with steady growth expected in the forthcoming years. This growth is propelled by increased tea consumption in developing economies and rising demand for specialty teas such as green and oolong in Western markets like Europe and the United States.
Leading Tea Exporters Worldwide
India: The largest global producer and exporter of tea, predominantly black tea.
China: A major producer of green and white teas, China is among the leading exporters of high-quality tea.
Sri Lanka: A key global producer of black tea, with the highest market share in black tea exports.
Kenya: Renowned for its black tea production, Kenya is a significant supplier to international markets.
Major Tea Importers Worldwide
European Union: The world’s largest importer of tea, notably green and specialty teas.
United States: One of the primary markets for tea, with rising imports of green and oolong teas.
Russia: A major consumer of black tea, primarily importing from India and Sri Lanka.
Pakistan and Egypt: Among the leading tea importers in the Middle East and South Asia, primarily focusing on black tea.
Documentation Required for Tea Customs Clearance
The customs clearance of tea involves assembling and presenting a comprehensive set of documents, which are critical for verifying the quality, health standards, and origin of the imported tea.
1. Bill of Lading:
The Bill of Lading, issued by the shipping company, details the type of goods, weight, origin, destination, and carrier information. It serves as a vital document for identifying shipments and establishing ownership.
2. Commercial Invoice:
The Commercial Invoice provides detailed information on the purchased goods. It must include the names of the seller and buyer, the sale date, a detailed description of the goods, unit price, and the total value. This document is used to establish the customs value of the goods.
3. Packing List:
The Packing List contains detailed information about the shipment, including the number of packages, the weight of each package, and the specifications of each type of tea (type and volume). This document assists customs officials in conducting an accurate inspection.
4. Certificate of Origin:
The Certificate of Origin verifies the country of production of the goods. Typically issued by a Chamber of Commerce or similar body, it is crucial for benefiting from preferential tariff rates when applicable.
5. Health Certificate:
The Health Certificate, issued by the Food and Drug Organization, is a mandatory document for tea imports into Iran. It certifies that the tea complies with health and safety standards and is devoid of harmful substances.
6. Certificate of Quality:
The Certificate of Quality, generally issued by accredited laboratories, attests that the imported tea meets prescribed quality standards. It includes the results of tests conducted on the tea.
7. Certificate of Conformity:
The Certificate of Conformity confirms that the imported tea adheres to both national and international standards. This document is especially important for sensitive products like food and pharmaceuticals.
8. Other Documents:
Depending on specific circumstances and the type of tea, additional documents may be necessary. For instance, special permits from relevant government authorities may be required if the tea is imported from designated regions or under special conditions.
Specialized Tea Clearance Services by SabA Brokerage
Expert Consultation Before Clearance: Our experts provide comprehensive advisory services to tea importers, ensuring adherence to the latest customs and health regulations. These consultations involve detailed evaluations of customs tariffs, HS codes, and required documentation to preclude any issues or delays during the clearance process.
Efficient and Prompt Customs Follow-Up: By leveraging an extensive network within customs offices, we facilitate prompt acquisition of health permits and requisite standards. This includes securing approvals from the Food and Drug Organization and accredited laboratories, essential for tea clearance.
Preparation and Submission of Documentation: All necessary documentation for tea clearance, including the Bill of Lading, Commercial Invoice, Certificate of Origin, Packing List, Health Certificate, and Quality Permits, are meticulously prepared and submitted to customs authorities. Proper management of these documents is critical for expediting the clearance process.
Transportation and Logistics Solutions: Alongside customs clearance, we also offer logistics and transportation services. These include coordinating the timely and efficient movement of goods from ports and customs to the final destination, contributing to cost reduction and minimizing delivery times.
Health and Quality Testing: We collaborate with accredited laboratories to conduct essential health and quality testing of imported tea, which is a vital step to ensure compliance with Iranian health standards and facilitate swift approval.
With our extensive experience in food product clearance, we assure importers that all stages of clearance will be handled comprehensively and efficiently, ensuring no disruptions or delays.
For more information, contact our experts.
Varieties of Tea Imported into Iran
Tea is one of the essential consumer goods in Iran, imported from several different countries. Each type of tea possesses distinct properties, taste profiles, and quality metrics that subject it to varying customs regulations and import conditions:
Black Tea: Black tea dominates the market share of tea imports into Iran, primarily sourced from India, Sri Lanka, and Kenya. Its robust flavor and widespread cultural acceptance make it highly popular in the Iranian marketplace.
Green Tea: Green tea, valued for its medicinal and health benefits, has experienced a surge in popularity in Iran over recent years. Mainly imported from China and Japan, it requires stringent health evaluations and adherence to specific standards upon importation.
Oolong Tea: A semi-oxidized tea that blends the qualities of both green and black teas, oolong tea is primarily sourced from China. It attracts a niche market within Iran due to its unique properties and flavor.
White Tea: White tea, one of the rarest and most expensive varieties, is mainly imported from China. Its specialized processing and exceptional characteristics often categorize it as a luxury product.
Customs Tariffs and HS Codes for Tea
All types of tea imported into Iran fall under specific customs tariff codes (HS Codes). These codes play a pivotal role in determining the duties and associated costs of imports. Familiarity with these codes allows importers to anticipate the expenses and tariffs applicable before goods enter the customs process.
Black Tea (Non-Flavored): HS Code 09024010
Flavored Black Tea: HS Code 09024020
Green Tea (Non-Fermented): HS Code 09021000
The applicable customs tariffs for tea imports may fluctuate due to amendments in national trade and economic policies. Consequently, maintaining awareness of the most recent regulations is indispensable.
Key Procedures in Tea Customs Clearance
Health Permits and Authorization by the Food and Drug Organization: Importation of tea into Iran mandates health permits issued by the Food and Drug Organization. These permits involve comprehensive inspections to verify product quality and confirm the absence of harmful substances, including fluoride, toxins, and unauthorized chemicals. Every batch of imported tea must undergo testing to ensure safety for consumer use.
Compliance with Packaging Standards: Imported tea must adhere to strict packaging and safety standards. Hygienic packaging is particularly vital for preventing moisture infiltration and preserving product quality. Accurate labeling is also an essential customs requirement.
Laboratory Testing: Given its direct human consumption, tea must undergo rigorous quality and chemical composition testing. Samples from imported teas are analyzed in specialized customs laboratories to guarantee they are free from contaminants or prohibited substances. This step, though potentially time-consuming, is indispensable for the assurance of product integrity, necessitating careful logistical planning to minimize delays.
Special Considerations for Tea Import and Export
Tea Imports to Iran:
Iran stands as one of the largest tea consumers in the Middle East, driven by substantial domestic demand, which results in a considerable annual volume of tea imports. Key suppliers include India, Sri Lanka, Kenya, China, and Japan. Among these, black tea dominates, accounting for over 80% of total tea imports into Iran. Green tea, alongside specialty varieties such as oolong and white tea, has also witnessed increased market traction in recent years.
Tea Exports from Iran:
Iran itself produces tea, particularly in the northern regions of Gilan and Mazandaran. Iranian tea, noted for its distinctive quality and flavor, finds export markets in neighboring countries like Iraq, Afghanistan, Turkmenistan, and others. Although Iranian tea exports are modest in comparison to imports, they have garnered international attention owing to their natural and traditional characteristics. Improvements in quality and adherence to international standards have positioned Iranian tea as an appealing product within regional markets.
Import and Export Volume of Tea to Iran:
Recent statistics indicate that approximately 70,000 to 100,000 metric tons of tea are imported into Iran annually, predominantly from India and Sri Lanka. Black tea constitutes the majority of this volume due to its widespread domestic consumption. In contrast, Iran exports around 10,000 metric tons of tea annually, and with the consistent quality enhancement of domestic tea, this export volume is anticipated to increase in the future.
Global Tea Market Overview
The global tea industry is a multi-billion-dollar market. According to international assessments, the global tea market was valued at over $200 billion in 2022, with steady growth expected in the forthcoming years. This growth is propelled by increased tea consumption in developing economies and rising demand for specialty teas such as green and oolong in Western markets like Europe and the United States.
Leading Tea Exporters Worldwide
India: The largest global producer and exporter of tea, predominantly black tea.
China: A major producer of green and white teas, China is among the leading exporters of high-quality tea.
Sri Lanka: A key global producer of black tea, with the highest market share in black tea exports.
Kenya: Renowned for its black tea production, Kenya is a significant supplier to international markets.
Major Tea Importers Worldwide
European Union: The world’s largest importer of tea, notably green and specialty teas.
United States: One of the primary markets for tea, with rising imports of green and oolong teas.
Russia: A major consumer of black tea, primarily importing from India and Sri Lanka.
Pakistan and Egypt: Among the leading tea importers in the Middle East and South Asia, primarily focusing on black tea.
Documentation Required for Tea Customs Clearance
The customs clearance of tea involves assembling and presenting a comprehensive set of documents, which are critical for verifying the quality, health standards, and origin of the imported tea.
1. Bill of Lading:
The Bill of Lading, issued by the shipping company, details the type of goods, weight, origin, destination, and carrier information. It serves as a vital document for identifying shipments and establishing ownership.
2. Commercial Invoice:
The Commercial Invoice provides detailed information on the purchased goods. It must include the names of the seller and buyer, the sale date, a detailed description of the goods, unit price, and the total value. This document is used to establish the customs value of the goods.
3. Packing List:
The Packing List contains detailed information about the shipment, including the number of packages, the weight of each package, and the specifications of each type of tea (type and volume). This document assists customs officials in conducting an accurate inspection.
4. Certificate of Origin:
The Certificate of Origin verifies the country of production of the goods. Typically issued by a Chamber of Commerce or similar body, it is crucial for benefiting from preferential tariff rates when applicable.
5. Health Certificate:
The Health Certificate, issued by the Food and Drug Organization, is a mandatory document for tea imports into Iran. It certifies that the tea complies with health and safety standards and is devoid of harmful substances.
6. Certificate of Quality:
The Certificate of Quality, generally issued by accredited laboratories, attests that the imported tea meets prescribed quality standards. It includes the results of tests conducted on the tea.
7. Certificate of Conformity:
The Certificate of Conformity confirms that the imported tea adheres to both national and international standards. This document is especially important for sensitive products like food and pharmaceuticals.
8. Other Documents:
Depending on specific circumstances and the type of tea, additional documents may be necessary. For instance, special permits from relevant government authorities may be required if the tea is imported from designated regions or under special conditions.
Specialized Tea Clearance Services by SabA Brokerage
Expert Consultation Before Clearance: Our experts provide comprehensive advisory services to tea importers, ensuring adherence to the latest customs and health regulations. These consultations involve detailed evaluations of customs tariffs, HS codes, and required documentation to preclude any issues or delays during the clearance process.
Efficient and Prompt Customs Follow-Up: By leveraging an extensive network within customs offices, we facilitate prompt acquisition of health permits and requisite standards. This includes securing approvals from the Food and Drug Organization and accredited laboratories, essential for tea clearance.
Preparation and Submission of Documentation: All necessary documentation for tea clearance, including the Bill of Lading, Commercial Invoice, Certificate of Origin, Packing List, Health Certificate, and Quality Permits, are meticulously prepared and submitted to customs authorities. Proper management of these documents is critical for expediting the clearance process.
Transportation and Logistics Solutions: Alongside customs clearance, we also offer logistics and transportation services. These include coordinating the timely and efficient movement of goods from ports and customs to the final destination, contributing to cost reduction and minimizing delivery times.
Health and Quality Testing: We collaborate with accredited laboratories to conduct essential health and quality testing of imported tea, which is a vital step to ensure compliance with Iranian health standards and facilitate swift approval.
With our extensive experience in food product clearance, we assure importers that all stages of clearance will be handled comprehensively and efficiently, ensuring no disruptions or delays.
For more information, contact our experts.
