General Standards
The economy of Iran is a mixed and transition economy with a large public sector. Some 60 percent of the economy is centrally planned. It is dominated by oil and gas production, although over 40 industries are directly involved in the Tehran Stock Exchange, one of the best performing exchanges in the world over the past decade. With 10 percent of the world's proven oil reserves and 15 percent of its gas reserves, Iran is considered an "energy superpower".
Iran has extensive tariffs on imports and exports across a range of goods in the country. Imports valued at over US$50,000 are subject to a pre-shipment quantity and quality inspection. The inspector must be an internationally recognised organisation that inspects all goods at the country of origin. The Iranian Embassy has imposed a variety of tax/tariff rates on varying goods, ranging from 10 to 25 per cent, with automotive vehicles at 100 per cent.
Special Certificates
Cargo and goods being imported into the country must be secured and fully concealed with documentation of commercial invoice, bill of lading, labelling and measurements. Most imports come via ports through the gulf and are apparent to customs upon arrival.
Every importer or exporter has to prepare the following documents in order to sell on both local and international markets:
- Commercial Invoice
All imports of goods and services must have their commercial invoice stamped and legalised by government from origin of export. Without this document companies will be fined and goods may be rejected from entry.
- Bill Of Lading
When exporting products to a non-governmental importer in Iran it must include the bill of lading. When items are declared they are subject to different tax thresholds and must include:
a) marks of identification, name and address of consignee
b) quantities, weights and values.
- Certificate Of Insurance
Certificates must include details about the overall program, project or contract that is being embarked on, information about your organisation, total value of the project and other details may be requested and all sections of the form must be filled out and in order.
Labeling Regulations
Food products imported into Iran must be labelled in Persian and display the following information for consumers:
- name and brand of the product (both generic and trade);
- registration number;
- name and address of the manufacturer;
- name and address of the importer;
- date of manufacturing and expiry;
- net weight and volume;
- any additives used;
- health and nutritional claims (if any).
Labels for alcoholic beverages must display the percentage of alcohol content. There must also be a health warning, printed in Persian, on the label or on a sticker, with specific government-approved wording.
Regulations also govern the labelling on cosmetic products. Generally a local agent or importer can help to register a product and ensure labelling requirements are met.
Packaging
Packaging should be secure and able to withstand extreme heat and humidity. Consideration should also be given for the possibility of goods being stored in the open. Waterproof packing should be used where necessary and the use of hay and straw should be avoided.
Product Safety
Iran has a wide range of legislations governing the safety of consumer products in order to protect the local market. The importers as well as exporters should be aware of the general safety requirements, and to inform consumers of the risks that the product might pose and of the precautions they should take, and to notify the relevant authorities if they discover that a product is dangerous so that action can be taken to avoid the risks for consumers. The Iranian trade commission pays a special attention on such provisions as toys, chemicals, electric equipment, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals and recreational craft.
