How to Import Food Products from Iran: A Step-by-Step Customs Guide

Importing food products from Iran involves a specific set of documentation requirements, payment mechanisms, and regulatory considerations that differ from sourcing in most other countries. This guide is written for importers in the EU, GCC, UK, Southeast Asia, and East Africa — the primary markets IRANCO serves — and reflects the practical reality of what is required in 2025.

Step 1: Understand the Regulatory Landscape

Food imports from Iran are subject to the standard food safety regulations of the destination country, not any Iran-specific restriction in most markets. The key compliance frameworks are:

• EU/UK: EU Food Information Regulation (FIR) 1169/2011, RASFF notification history for the product category, MRL (Maximum Residue Level) compliance for pesticides
• GCC: GSO standards, Halal certification recognition (ESMA, SASO), and country-specific import licences
• UK post-Brexit: UKCA compliance, DEFRA import health certificates for certain agricultural products

Step 2: Confirm the HS Code

Every product category has a specific Harmonised System (HS) code that determines applicable tariff rates and any specific certification requirements. Common codes for Iranian food products:

• Saffron: HS 0910.20
• Pistachios (in shell): HS 0802.51; Shelled: 0802.52
• Dates (fresh/dried): HS 0804.10
• Walnuts (in shell): HS 0802.31; Shelled: 0802.32
• Raisins: HS 0806.20

Step 3: Documentation Checklist

For any food shipment from Iran, you will need the following documents. IRANCO prepares all of these as standard:

• Commercial Invoice — including HS code, unit price, total value, Incoterm, and payment terms
• Packing List — gross/net weights, number of cartons, dimensions
• Certificate of Origin (COO) — issued and authenticated by the Iranian Chamber of Commerce, Industries, Mines and Agriculture (ICCIMA)
• Phytosanitary Certificate — issued by Iran's Ministry of Agriculture for all agricultural products. Required by virtually all destination countries.
• Health Certificate / Certificate of Conformity — from the Iranian Food and Drug Administration (IFDA), confirming the product meets Iranian food safety standards
• Certificate of Analysis (COA) — laboratory test results for relevant parameters (pesticide residues, microbiology, product-specific standards like ISO 3632 for saffron)
• Halal Certificate — from an accredited Iranian halal certification body, required for GCC and most Muslim-majority markets
• Bill of Lading or Airway Bill — issued by the carrier upon shipment

Step 4: Payment Mechanisms

International banking restrictions mean that standard SWIFT transfers are often not available for Iran. The most commonly used mechanisms in 2025 are:

• Letter of Credit (LC) via intermediary banks — the most secure method for large orders. Requires working with banks in UAE, Turkey, or other jurisdictions with Iran clearing relationships.
• T/T via intermediary — telegraphic transfer through a third-country correspondent. Works well for established relationships with partial upfront payment.
• Commodity exchange settlement — some buyers use commodity brokers in Dubai or Istanbul to facilitate payment.

IRANCO's finance team will recommend the most efficient payment route based on your country and transaction size. We handle the banking complexity so you don't have to.

Step 5: Incoterms — Choose the Right One

For first-time importers, we generally recommend CIF (Cost, Insurance, Freight) — IRANCO manages the shipment to your destination port and you take responsibility at the dock. Once you are familiar with the logistics, FOB gives you more control over freight costs by using your own forwarder.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Not checking if your destination country requires a specific Halal certification body (not all Iranian halal certs are accepted everywhere)
• Forgetting to budget for import duties — these vary significantly by product and destination
• Not specifying shelf life requirements — always state the minimum remaining shelf life at point of import in your purchase agreement
• Ignoring pesticide MRL compliance for EU — this is where most Iranian food shipments are rejected. Always request pesticide-screened COAs.