Shipping From China to Iran Sea, Air & Rail Freight Rates

When it comes to shipping from China to Iran there are several options. Most commonly there is sea, air, and rail freight. In this article, we are going to take a look at sea and air freights. These methods are very popular as they are customizable to the customers’ needs. Besides, you can order large volumes of goods if necessary. Another advantage is that you can choose different shipping times, and care based on what your products might need. Custom delivery options are available as well. 

Reading through the following pages you are going to learn important information about the rates of these services. We are also going to go through the most important steps you need to follow in order to have a smooth process while conducting your shipping. 

Freight to Iran

Can I Be Exempted From Duties and Taxes for an Import From China to Iran?

In most cases, you are going to have to pay your duties and taxes. That is because currently there is no free trade agreement between Iran and China. In general, customs are a little under 30%. Duties can vary a lot. Depending on the product in question duties can be anywhere between 0-100% depending on the product imported. This is because Iran introduced a tariff barrier policy to protect and support local businesses as opposed to foreign imports.  

Necessary Documents

When shipping from China to Iran one must make sure that they possess all necessary documents. If not, the process of shipping can become quite a headache. Therefore preparing all documents needed is key in order to ensure a smooth process of shipment. Here are the most important documents you need to prepare:

• Non-Preferential Certificate of Origin

This document might be the most important one. Certificate of Origin or CO as its name suggests, certifies that the product was indeed manufactured in a specific place. For the certificate to be accepted it must be released by a notary public or the government. The document must also be signed by the exporter.

• Original Invoice

This too is an important document to have because customs will check whether the items listed on the document correspond with the actual goods being imported from China to Iran.

• Bill of Lading

The Bill of Lading (or Airway Bill) is an important document as well when it comes to shipping from China to Iran.  It is issued by the carrier to prove that the cargo has been received. Besides its exact location for instance on the carrier ship is stated as well. This document is key because it informs and ensures both parties about their end of the business having been fulfilled. It assures the importer that they will get their goods and the exporter that the payment has been conducted successfully. 

• General License
  When it comes to importing goods from China to Iran a general license is also needed. This document will be issued by the Iranian Ministry of Commerce. This document also needs an additional one, approval from the relevant ministry depending on what types of goods are being imported.

• Commercial Card
  The Iranian Chamber of Commerce has to issue a commercial card. This also has to be approved by the Ministry of Commerce.
• Import License
  Import License can be requested. This form will change according to the type of goods you wish to import from China to Iran. 

At times additional documents are required depending on the goods you order. In that case, it is best to reach out to the Iranian customs department to avoid any unnecessary delays or fines.

Duties and Taxes In Iran

When shipping goods from China to Iran duties and taxes will be important to be well-informed about. Iran uses a system implemented all around the world. This will make it easier to fulfill the requirements. The identification of goods happens with the Harmonized System or HS. Codes consisting of 6 figures are assigned to the products. The code will indicate the specific tax codes assigned to the products based on their types. This will serve as a universal code understood the same everywhere in the world.

When it comes to shipping from China to Iran the customs process is important as well. During this stage of the shipping, duties, and taxes will be determined based on the type and volume of goods you wish to transport. Here is the most common way customs will take place:

• The Products You are Shipping are Unloaded and Taken In For Custody.
• A Document Regarding All Imported Goods Must Be Filled Out.
• The Document is Forwarded to the Customs Office. 
• The Carrier Sends IGM (Import General Manifest) to Customs.
• Goods Examination and Determination of Taxes And Duties.
• Payment of Duties and Taxes.
• Issuance of Release Letter
• Release of Goods
• Sending the Goods On Their Way or Collection

Trade Relations Between China and Iran

Both China and Iran are powerful economies when it comes to their respective territories. They also complement each other’s exports well. China supplies Iran with electronics, technologies, and heavy infrastructural advancements, like railways, the cement industry, transportation equipment, and so on. Iran in exchange provides China with natural resources like coal, zink, and oil. China was the first trade partner to Iran both in terms of export and import. During the past decade trade flow between the 2 countries has been valued at 12 billion dollars annually.

Prohibited and Restricted Items

When it comes to shipping from China to Iran it is important to take into consideration items that are prohibited. This will significantly reduce the chances of delay or additional unwanted fees. Some items are not fully prohibited but are restricted and need special permission. The following items are prohibited to be imported to Iran:

• Explosives
• Biohazards
• Chemicals
• Tobacco
• Corrosive
• Counterfeit
• Batteries
• Flammable
• Firearms
• Drugs
• Counterfeit Notes
• Drug Contraband
• Pornography
• Knife
• Hazardous Material

Sea Freight To & From Iran

When shipping from China to Iran, sea or ocean freight can be a great method. This will be a good choice for you and your business if the suppliers sought are near a larger Chinese port, if the transported goods are larger than 2CBM, and if the delivery time is not urgent.

Major Ports of Iran

• Port of Bandar Abbas
  This port is located in the Hormuz Strait. The port is also well connected to Tehran by train. Their annual cargo tonnage was over 42 million tons.
• Port of Chabahar
  Located near the Pakistani border as well as the north shore of the Gulf of Oman. This is the only Iranian port that is right by the ocean. The annual turnover of cargo exceeds 2 million tons.
• Port of Kish Island – Lenjeh Port

This port is known for accommodating large oil companies. These companies located oil management platforms at the port and increased their annual activity.

Sea Freight Transit Times

Sea freight while cheaper, it will take longer to have your goods shipped than with air freight. The delivery time will depend mostly on the entry and loading port, but seasons, holidays, and geopolitical events can also have an impact. The following are 3 typical routes with their usual delivery times:

Tianjin to Port of Chabahar ~ 24 days 

Dalian to Port of Chabahar ~ 23 days

Ningbo Port of Chabahar ~22 days

Sea Freight Rates

Sea freight rates will change mostly based on the type, and volume of goods delivered. However, the type and size of container used for freight forwarding will also influence the final rates. Using a 20-foot FCL (Fully Container Load) for instance will cost on average between $1800-3200. Using LCL (Less than Container Load) the final cost will depend more on the volume than the container size. Checking with the specific freight company is always a good idea. 

Air Freight To & From Iran

When shipping from China to Iran, air freight will be the fastest solution. However, this method will limit the amount of goods you can have shipped at once. The freight must be smaller than 2CBM and 200kg. Iran has several international airports that support air freight. Among others, these airports connect Iran with China and the rest of the world. Some of the most popular airports are:

• Ahvaz International Airport
• Birjand International Airport
• Shahid Hashemi Nejad Airport
• Shahid Dastghaib International Airport
• Mehrabad International Airport

Air Freight Transit Times

Depending on how quickly you need to have your goods delivered from China to Iran there are 2 popular options for air freight. Door-to-door shipping, express air freight, and standard shipping. Door-to-door shipping is best if the desired goods’ delivery is time-sensitive. This will cost more but on average the freight arrives in approximately just 9 hours from port to port. Express air freight will take about 4 days. As for standard delivery, the goods usually take up to 7 days to arrive at their destination in Iran.

Air Freight Rates

On average air freight rates will cost between $3.5-8 per kilogram. The exact price will be determined based on the type of goods, their weight as well as their route. And of course, other fees like handling and service fees may apply. Then as mentioned above, the type of air freight services chosen will also influence the final price. When in doubt it is always a good idea to consult with a freight forwarder.

 

Inland Trucking in Iran

When the goods arrive from China to Iran they may need to be transported further. In this case, there are different options to pick from. Most commonly rail or road freight is planned and executed. It is important to find the right airport that might be better connected to rails or road freight possibilities. This way the goods can be quickly put onto trains or trucks. This can speed up the delivery process significantly. Finding the right combination of air freight and inland tracking from China to Iran will likely reduce costs as well.

Freight Insurance

In order to protect the business and avoid extra costs when the goods are delayed or damaged, freight insurance is always recommended. When it comes to shipping goods from China to Iran, most commonly freight insurance will be calculated between 0.2-1% of the total value of the products. There are different insurance options. Basic coverage options like named perils or single coverage will be available at a lower cost. 

On the other hand all-risk complex packages will, of course, cost more. Often the shipping route will have a great influence on the prices of coverage. Should the freight move through a dangerous part of the ocean, the coverage cost of coverage surely will be higher too. Generally, insurance will cover common factors like theft, natural disasters, lost items, or damages while handling. Consulting a freight forwarder might be useful as they are experts at finding the best solution for the business in question.

Conclusion

Shipping from China to Iran can be done through air sea or rail freight. Air and sea freight are most popular. Using air freight is a good match when the goods delivered are not too large in volume. This method also works when the shipment is time-sensitive. Sea freight on the other hand can be beneficial if there is no time pressure. This method will also be able to accommodate large volumes of cargo. It allows for customized shipping based on volume requirements. You can choose between FCL (Fully Container Load) and LCL (Less than Container Load) depending on your needs.

Both shipping methods from China to Iran are customizable. Duties and taxes in Iran are based on a universal HS system. It is important to consult a freight forwarder because they are experts in the entirety of this process. They can save you time and money by pointing you in the right direction. They will find the best fitting method, ports, services, and coverage for you. Consulting with the right professional is worth the time and investment. It will allow you to go on with your business smoothly and avoid complications.

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