Clearing wheelchairs from customs, as one of the key components of medical and rehabilitation equipment, holds special importance. These devices, directly related to the quality of life for people with disabilities or limited mobility, require precise adherence to customs and medical regulations and standards throughout the import and export processes.
Specialized Applications of Wheelchairs
Wheelchairs, as advanced rehabilitation tools, play a vital role in enhancing mobility and increasing independence for individuals with limited mobility. These devices enable users to participate actively in society and improve their quality of life while maintaining relative independence. Depending on the specific needs of each user, wheelchairs are produced in various types and models, each with distinct features and purposes:
1. Manual Wheelchairs:
Manual wheelchairs are usually controlled and moved by the user or a caregiver. These wheelchairs typically have two large rear wheels and two smaller front wheels. Users can independently propel the wheelchair by turning the rings attached to the large rear wheels. This type of wheelchair is suitable for individuals with some upper-body strength and is easily transportable due to its simple design, lightweight, and foldability. Other important features of manual wheelchairs include adjustable seat height, backrest angle, and footrest position, which allow for customization to increase user comfort.
2. Electric Wheelchairs:
Electric wheelchairs operate using an electric motor and electronic control system. These wheelchairs are suitable for individuals with severe mobility limitations who cannot use manual wheelchairs. Electric wheelchairs, with different types of motors and rechargeable batteries, can cover long distances and overcome various obstacles. These wheelchairs are equipped with advanced control systems, such as joysticks, voice control, or even eye movement control, making navigation easy for users. Some advanced models of electric wheelchairs have special capabilities such as seat height adjustment, seat angle adjustment, and even advanced suspension systems for a smoother and more comfortable ride.
3. Sports Wheelchairs:
Sports wheelchairs are specifically designed for athletic activities and competitions for individuals with disabilities. These wheelchairs are generally lighter, stronger, and more maneuverable compared to standard wheelchairs. The design of sports wheelchairs allows users to participate in competitions with maximum speed and precision. Sports wheelchairs are produced in different types, such as those for basketball, tennis, cycling, and racing, each tailored to meet the specific demands of each sport. These wheelchairs have reinforced structures, larger and angled wheels, and improved suspension systems for shock absorption and to prevent fatigue during intense sports activities.
4. Children's Wheelchairs:
Children's wheelchairs are specially designed for the physical and psychological needs of children. These wheelchairs are typically smaller, lighter, and adjustable to accommodate the growth of the child. Children's wheelchairs must be designed with high precision for safety and comfort, ensuring that children can use them easily and have a positive and safe experience. These wheelchairs feature adjustable seats, safety harness systems, and attractive, colorful designs to encourage children to use them. Additionally, children's wheelchairs may come with accessories such as detachable desks or additional support systems to meet the unique needs of children with special conditions.
Benefits of Wheelchairs in Enhancing Quality of Life
Wheelchairs allow their users to maintain independence and freedom of movement, actively participate in society, and improve physical mobility. They are also effective in strengthening mental health and boosting self-confidence. With technological advances in wheelchair design and production, users can now access high-quality, customized products tailored to their specific needs.
Required Documents for Wheelchair Clearance from Customs
To clear wheelchairs from customs, the preparation and submission of specific documents are essential, and these must be accurately prepared and organized. The required documents include:
1. Import Permit from the Ministry of Health, Treatment, and Medical Education:
This permit indicates that the imported wheelchairs comply with national standards and regulations for medical devices and are authorized for importation.
2. International Standard Certificates:
ISO 13485: This certificate confirms the quality of medical device production, ensuring the imported product complies with international standards.
CE Certificate: For imports from EU countries, this certificate shows that the product meets European safety and health standards.
3. Commercial Invoice:
The invoice must include details such as quantity, unit price, total price, and type and model of the wheelchair. This document is used to determine customs value and calculate applicable tariffs.
4. Packing List:
This document should provide detailed information on the contents of each package, including the number and type of wheelchairs. It is essential for verifying compliance with the customs declaration.
5. Bill of Lading:
This international shipping document specifies the details of the shipment and ownership of the goods. It must include information such as the carrier's name, destination, and the number of packages.
6. Certificate of Origin:
This certificate verifies the country where the goods were manufactured and is usually required for preferential tariff or customs exemptions.
7. Customs Declaration:
This document, prepared by the importer or customs broker, contains complete details about the goods, the HS Code, the value of the goods, and other relevant import information.
8. Inspection Certificate:
In some cases, wheelchairs must be inspected by customs-approved inspection companies before entering the country. This certificate confirms that the goods match the specifications provided in the documents.
9. Health and Safety Certificates:
For items related to health, specific health and safety certificates from authorized bodies may be required.
10. Exchange Commitment or Replacement Certificate:
If the importer intends to return or replace some wheelchairs due to defects, this document must be prepared.
11. Financial and Banking Documents:
For medical goods clearance, payment documents, such as bank transfers, letters of credit (L/C), or other international payment methods, are required.
12. Other Related Permits and Certificates:
Depending on the importing country's regulations, additional documents may be required, such as certificates of compliance with environmental laws or other certificates related to medical products.
Important Considerations for Wheelchair Clearance
Clearing wheelchairs, as one of the most crucial rehabilitation tools, requires accuracy and compliance with numerous technical and specialized points. Below, we provide a more comprehensive and detailed explanation of these points to ensure an effective and problem-free customs clearance process.
1. HS Code:
The HS Code is one of the main components of any clearance process. Wheelchairs fall under HS Code 871310 in the international goods classification system. This code covers all types of wheelchairs, including manual, electric, and specialized models. Using the correct code is essential for customs declarations, as it forms the basis for determining customs duties, taxes, and potential exemptions. Incorrect HS Code selection may lead to problems, such as overpayment of duties, clearance delays, or even fines. Therefore, ensuring the correct HS Code is used when preparing customs declarations is crucial.
2. Necessary Documents and Permits:
Obtaining and submitting legal documents and permits are critical for importing and clearing wheelchairs. These documents include permits issued by Iran's Ministry of Health, confirming that the imported wheelchairs comply with national and international standards. Key documents include:
Import Permit from the Ministry of Health: This permit confirms that the wheelchairs are authorized for import and meet all required safety and performance standards.
International Standard Certificates: Certificates such as ISO 13485 related to quality management systems in medical devices indicate compliance with international standards. These certificates are necessary to ensure the quality, safety, and efficiency of imported products.
Technical Documents: These include detailed technical information about the product, such as specifications, usage instructions, and certificates of compliance with the destination country's technical regulations. Proper submission of these documents to customs is a primary condition for wheelchair clearance.
These documents must be accurately and correctly prepared and submitted to the customs authorities to avoid any delays in the clearance process. Any deficiencies or non-compliance in these documents can lead to suspension or rejection of the clearance request.
3. Customs Valuation:
Customs valuation is a critical stage in the clearance process, determining the applicable duties and related taxes. At this stage, the value of the wheelchairs must be determined based on valid purchase invoices, transportation costs, insurance, and other associated costs. Key factors in customs valuation include:
Purchase Invoice: This invoice must be valid and contain detailed information on the quantity and price of the wheelchairs. Invalid or incomplete invoices can lead to serious valuation problems.
Transport and Insurance Costs: These costs must be accurately calculated and added to the total value of the goods. Any inaccuracies in calculating these costs may lead to discrepancies in the final valuation and customs issues.
Other Related Costs: Costs such as special packaging, pre-shipment inspection, and other associated expenses that may impact the final value of the goods must be considered in the valuation.
Since wheelchairs are considered medical and rehabilitation equipment, they may be subject to tax exemptions or reduced duties under certain conditions. Importers must familiarize themselves with tax regulations and carefully account for these considerations in their calculations. Lack of attention in this stage may lead to increased unnecessary costs or legal issues.
4. Inspection and Quality Control:
Inspection and quality control are crucial steps in clearing wheelchairs. As medical equipment, wheelchairs must be thoroughly inspected to ensure they meet national and international standards for safety and performance. These inspections include:
Physical Inspection: In this stage, wheelchairs are inspected for physical appearance, absence of damage or defects, and compliance with the specifications provided in the documents. Any damage or defect at this stage can lead to rejection of the goods or clearance delays.
Functional Tests: Wheelchairs must also undergo functional testing. These tests include evaluating the performance of electrical systems (in electric wheelchairs), overall stability and safety, and the ability to support the declared weight capacity by the manufacturer. Functional tests are necessary to ensure the safety and usability of wheelchairs.
Compliance with Standards: Wheelchairs must meet national (such as the standards of the Iranian National Standards Organization) and international (such as ISO standards) regulations. Certificates of compliance issued by recognized authorities must accompany the goods.
These inspections are typically carried out by specialized customs experts or other recognized organizations. In case of non-compliance with the defined standards, the goods may not be allowed to enter the country or may be subject to correction and reassessment, resulting in increased costs and delays in the clearance process.
Wheelchair Import and Export Conditions
Import: Iran, as one of the largest wheelchair consumers in the region, imports a significant volume of these devices annually. Wheelchair imports to Iran primarily come from countries such as China, Germany, Japan, and the United States. These countries, due to their advanced technology and high standards in wheelchair production, are the main suppliers in the global market. China, due to competitive pricing, is one of the largest exporters of wheelchairs to Iran. Germany and Japan also have a presence in the Iranian market due to their high-quality and advanced wheelchairs. In addition, imports from other European countries also take place to a lesser extent.
Export: In recent years, Iran has succeeded in exporting its domestically produced wheelchairs to neighboring countries, such as Iraq, Afghanistan, Tajikistan, and some Central Asian countries. Iranian products, with competitive prices and adequate quality, have found a place in regional markets. The increase in the export of Iranian wheelchairs in recent years is a sign of the development of the rehabilitation equipment production industry in the country. Some of these wheelchairs are produced with advanced features and customization options that have been well received in some foreign markets.
Wheelchair Import and Export Volume to Iran
According to the latest statistics, the volume of wheelchair imports to Iran has been increasing annually. This growth is due to the rising elderly population and increased awareness of the need for rehabilitation equipment for individuals with mobility impairments. Iran imports around 50,000 to 70,000 wheelchairs annually, with most coming from China. In recent years, wheelchair imports have grown by approximately 10% per year, and this trend continues due to increasing domestic demand.
On the other hand, exports of domestically produced wheelchairs from Iran are also gradually increasing. Iran exports around 20,000 wheelchairs annually to neighboring countries. Although export volume is lower than imports, increased domestic production and competitiveness of Iranian manufacturers provide a promising outlook for expanding these exports.
Global Wheelchair Market
The global wheelchair market is one of the rapidly growing markets. Factors such as the increasing elderly population worldwide, rising public awareness about the importance of rehabilitation equipment, and advancements in new technologies for wheelchair design are the primary drivers of this market's growth. By 2024, the value of the global wheelchair market is estimated to exceed $10 billion. Countries such as China, the USA, and Germany lead the global wheelchair market.
China, as the largest producer of economical and standard wheelchairs, holds the largest share of the global market. The USA and Germany also occupy significant shares of the advanced wheelchair market due to their production of high-tech and specialized wheelchairs.
Wheelchair Circulation Worldwide
The global wheelchair market, with over $8 billion in financial turnover in 2022, is continuously expanding due to several factors, such as the growing need for rehabilitation equipment and advancements in new wheelchair technologies. It is expected that this figure will exceed $12 billion by 2030. The growth in the elderly population and the development of new technologies, such as electric wheelchairs, lightweight and portable wheelchairs, and custom wheelchairs, have driven demand, leading to increased financial turnover in this global market.
Countries Exporting Wheelchairs
Some of the largest wheelchair-exporting countries in the world include China, Germany, the United States, Japan, and Italy. China, due to mass production and competitive pricing, is the largest exporter of wheelchairs globally. Germany and Japan, known for their advanced technologies and high production standards, have a significant share of the market.
Countries Importing Wheelchairs
Some of the largest wheelchair-importing countries include the United States, Japan, Germany, and the United Kingdom. Many developing countries also rely on imports from producing countries due to the inability to manufacture advanced wheelchairs domestically. Iran, India, Brazil, and Saudi Arabia are among the developing countries with significant wheelchair imports.
Special Clearance Services Provided by Saba Brokerage
Our brokerage firm, with years of experience in medical goods clearance, particularly wheelchairs, offers comprehensive and specialized services to importers and exporters. These services are designed to facilitate and expedite the clearance process, reduce costs, and resolve potential issues. Some of the special services offered by our firm include:
Specialized and Customized Consulting: Our expert team, with extensive knowledge and experience in customs regulations and international medical equipment standards, provides the necessary consulting to clients. This consulting is customized for each client based on their specific needs.
Document Preparation and Completion: One of the main challenges in the clearance process is preparing and completing the necessary documents. Our team, with complete familiarity with the required documents and permits, handles this process entirely and without error for our clients.
Conducting All Customs Procedures: Our professional team efficiently handles all customs procedures, including customs declarations, valuation, goods inspection, and obtaining the necessary permits. Our team manages the clearance process effectively by maintaining good relations with various organizations.
Continuous Follow-up and Coordination with Related Organizations: We continuously track the clearance status and coordinate with various organizations, including customs, the Ministry of Health, and the Standards Organization. These follow-ups and coordination ensure that clients' goods are cleared as quickly as possible and without additional problems.
Post-Clearance Services: Our services do not end with the clearance process; we also provide post-clearance services, such as consulting in distribution and sales of goods, technical support, and offering optimal solutions for import and export management.
Choosing our brokerage firm as your business partner for the clearance process means ensuring that all clearance steps are completed quickly and flawlessly while reducing related costs. By trusting our team, you can benefit from our expertise and experience in wheelchair and other medical goods clearance, smoothly navigating complex customs procedures.
Contact our experts for more information.
