Steps for importing goods to Iran
Step 1: Receive a Proforma Invoice
The first step in importing goods is to receive a proforma invoice from the foreign vendor. The proforma invoice must include the following information:
- Seller and buyer details
- Product description, quantity, weight and technical specifications
- Unit and total price, payment and shipping terms
- Pre-invoice number and date
Step 2: Register an order in the Comprehensive Trade System
Log in to the www.ntsw.ir system and follow the steps below:
- Log in to the user panel
- Select the option to register a new order
- Enter product information according to the proforma invoice
- Attach documents: proforma invoice, licenses (if needed)
- Select the method of providing currency: Nimai currency, applicant’s currency, without currency transfer
- Send a request for review by experts from the Ministry of Health
Step 3: Obtain relevant legal licenses
Depending on the type of product, the following licenses must be obtained:
- Health license, standard license, Atomic Energy Organization, quarantine, veterinary license, Ministry of Culture and Guidance, Ministry of Defense, etc. These licenses are issued in the same Comprehensive Trade System or sometimes through a system inquiry.
Step 4: Allocation and provision of foreign exchange (if needed)
If using the currency of the Gold and Foreign Exchange Center
- The request for provision of foreign exchange is registered in the Comprehensive Trade System.
- The Central Bank confirms the allocation of foreign exchange.
- The operating bank issues the foreign exchange transfer.
- Leave a message for advice on the types of foreign exchange allocation.
Step 5: Coordination of transportation and receipt of shipping documents
After the goods are prepared by the seller:
- The goods are transported (by air, sea, land)
- Once loaded, the shipping documents are sent by the seller, such as: bill of lading, final invoice, packing list, certificate of origin, insurance policy, etc.
- Leave a message for advice on the details of the shipping documents.
Step 6: Declaring goods in the customs system (epl.irica.ir)
- Logging into the EPL customs system
- Registering a customs declaration with detailed information about the goods
- Uploading shipping documents, permits, order registration and other documents
- Receiving a cottage number
Step 7: Review, evaluation and payment of customs duties
- The customs appraiser conducts a physical and documentary examination.
- Determining the value of the goods and calculating customs duties and taxes
- Payment of the amount through the customs payment portal
- Receive a warehouse receipt (if the goods remain in customs)
Step 8: Final clearance and exit of the goods from customs
After final approval:
- A clearance document is issued.
- The goods are cleared from customs and transported to the destination warehouse.
- For more information, please refer to the clearance section.