Shipping Cargo via Iran: Key Transit Routes and Customs Information

Executive Summary

Iran’s strategic geographic location as a land bridge connecting Asia, Europe, and the Middle East, coupled with its participation in major international trade corridors like the North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC) and China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), positions it as a potentially advantageous route for cargo transit. This report provides a comprehensive analysis of shipping cargo through Iran, detailing the primary transit routes available across land, sea, and air. It elaborates on the necessary customs procedures and documentation, highlights the associated tariffs, fees, and costs, and addresses the significant impact of international sanctions imposed by the United States and the European Union. Furthermore, the report outlines regulations for specific cargo types, including dangerous and prohibited goods, and discusses the political and economic factors that influence the decision to utilize Iran as a transit hub. The information presented aims to offer practical guidance for businesses and individuals considering or currently engaged in shipping operations via Iran, emphasizing the importance of thorough due diligence and compliance in a complex regulatory and geopolitical landscape.

Introduction: Iran as a Strategic Transit Hub

In the ever-evolving world of global trade, Iran stands as a pivotal transit hub, offering a unique geographical advantage by connecting the major economic regions of Asia, Europe, and the Middle East. Its location is particularly significant as it borders the Caspian Sea to the north and the Persian Gulf to the south, effectively serving as a natural land bridge. Additionally, Iran shares land borders with key countries such as Turkey, Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Iraq, making it a crucial point for multimodal cargo movement.

Iran’s strategic importance is further underscored by its position along several vital international trade corridors. Notably, it is a key participant in the North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC), a multimodal network designed to link India and Russia through Iran and the Caucasus region. This corridor is projected to offer a more cost-effective and time-efficient alternative to traditional routes. Furthermore, Iran’s central role in China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) highlights its significance in Beijing’s global trade and infrastructure development strategy.

Choosing to transit cargo via Iran presents several potential advantages. For businesses involved in transporting goods from Central Asia to Europe or shipping products from China to the Gulf States, Iran offers a significant reduction in both distance and delivery time, especially benefiting landlocked countries such as Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, and Azerbaijan. Moreover, land-based and multimodal transit through Iran can be a more environmentally responsible and budget-conscious option. With the increasing costs of fuel and stricter environmental regulations, overland routes that minimize carbon footprints and lower expenses are becoming increasingly attractive to businesses.

The volume of cargo transiting through Iran has seen a notable increase recently. In the eleven months leading up to February 2025, transit through Iran rose by 26 percent compared to the same period in the previous year, with a total of 20.3 million tons of goods being moved. This growth reflects the Iranian government’s efforts to enhance its role as a transit hub and increase revenues from transit fees. The country has set an ambitious target of 8 million metric tons for international rail freight transit in the coming year, indicating a strong focus on developing its transit infrastructure and capacity. This upward trend, from 13 million metric tons of cargo transit in 2022, suggests that Iran is becoming an increasingly important link in the global supply chain.

Major Cargo Transit Routes Through Iran

Iran’s geographical position facilitates a diverse range of transit routes, catering to various origins and destinations. These routes encompass land corridors, sea ports connected to global maritime networks, and air cargo pathways.

Land Transit Routes and Key Border Crossings

Several key land transit routes traverse Iran, connecting different regions and facilitating trade. The route from Bandar Abbas to Sarakhs and onward to Central Asia is particularly suited for shipping goods to Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, and other countries in the region. Another significant route is from Chabahar to Zahedan and into Afghanistan, which serves as a crucial corridor for Indian exports to Afghanistan, effectively bypassing Pakistani ports. The Iran-Turkey-Europe route stands out as a high-capacity land corridor enabling rapid shipments from China or Central Asia to Europe. Additionally, the route connecting Southern Ports through the North Caucasus to Russia is frequently utilized by Russian and Iranian traders for the exchange of agricultural and industrial goods.

For shipments destined for Kyrgyzstan, routes originating from Tehran and passing through Turkmenistan, followed by either Uzbekistan (via the Serkhetabat and Lutfabad border crossings) or Tajikistan (via the Serkhetabat and Friendship border crossings), are available. Transit times for these routes typically range from 8 to 12 days via Uzbekistan and 10 to 14 days via Tajikistan.

Iran shares extensive land borders with several countries, and key border crossings facilitate cargo transit. The Sarakhs border crossing with Turkmenistan is the most important for both road and rail transportation to Central Asia, connected by the Sarakhs-Mashhad Railway Line. The Lotfabad border crossing, also with Turkmenistan, provides another vital link to Central Asia. On the eastern border with Afghanistan, the Dogharoun border terminal is significant for outbound transit and connects to Afghanistan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan. On the western border with Turkey, the Bazargan crossing is the busiest, operating 24/7 and facilitating road transport between Dogubayazit and Tabriz. In the northwest, the Nordooz crossing is the sole land border with Armenia, while Astara and Bileh Savar serve as major crossings with Azerbaijan. On the southwestern border, the Shlamcheh crossing connects Iran with Iraq, and in the southeast, Mirjaveh is an important crossing with Pakistan.

The province of Khorasan Razavi plays a pivotal role as a key hub for land transit in Iran. Over three million tons of transit goods exited the country through its land borders in the past year, ranking it first nationally for outbound land transit. The Dogharoun border terminal in this province handles the largest share of outbound transit, while the Lotfabad terminal leads in inbound transit.

Sea Ports and Maritime Routes

Iran’s strategic location is further enhanced by its access to three major bodies of water: the Persian Gulf, the Gulf of Oman, and the Caspian Sea, each hosting significant seaports that facilitate international cargo transit.

Bandar Abbas, situated on the shores of Hormuz Bay, is Iran’s most crucial maritime gateway, particularly for shipments originating from China. Its excellent road and rail connections to major Iranian cities, including Tehran, make it a vital node in Iran’s logistics infrastructure. The port handles an impressive annual cargo volume of approximately 37 million tons and 1 million TEUs. Recognizing its strategic importance, Kazakhstan is investing in the development of Bandar Abbas to enhance its logistics network and create a stable transit route to global maritime lanes. Furthermore, Bandar Abbas serves as a significant transit point for cargo destined for Iraq and Afghanistan.

Chabahar Port, located in the Sistan and Baluchestan province on the Indian Ocean, is Iran’s only deep-water port with direct access to international shipping routes, bypassing the Strait of Hormuz. This port has the potential to become a major logistics hub for Central Asia, Afghanistan, and the CIS countries. India has been instrumental in the development and operation of Chabahar Port, investing significantly to establish a viable transit route for goods heading to Afghanistan and Central Asia.

The Port of Khorramshahr, situated in southwestern Iran near the border with Iraq, is Iran’s most important port for trade with Iraq and other Gulf countries. Its connection to the Iranian Railway system provides further inland connectivity. Bushehr Port, located on the Persian Gulf, is one of Iran’s oldest and most significant ports, primarily handling the export of oil, gas, agricultural products, and consumer goods. Bandar Khomeini is another well-known port, particularly for sea shipments from China to the UAE. Lastly, Bandar Anzali, the largest port on the Caspian Sea, serves as the main gateway for Northern Iran and connects to Turkmenistan and other Caspian Sea littoral countries. Its strategic location offers potential time and cost savings for transit within the Belt and Road Initiative.

Maritime routes to Iran include the common sea route from Vietnam, which traverses the South China Sea, the Strait of Malacca, the Indian Ocean, and finally enters the Persian Gulf to reach Iranian ports such as Bandar Abbas, Chabahar, or Bushehr.

Key Table 1: Major Iranian Seaports for Cargo Transit

Air Cargo Routes and Airports

Air cargo offers a faster alternative for shipping goods through Iran, with several international airports equipped to handle freight.

Imam Khomeini International Airport (IKA), located south of Tehran, is Iran’s largest and most modern airport, serving as the primary gateway for international flights and cargo. It connects Tehran to major global hubs like Istanbul, Dubai, Paris, and Beijing. IKA is a significant cargo hub, equipped with advanced facilities. Mashhad International Airport (MHD), in northeastern Iran, handles substantial passenger traffic, including religious pilgrims, and also provides cargo services, connecting to cities in the Middle East and beyond. Shiraz Shahid Dastghaib International Airport (SYZ) in southern Iran also plays a role in international air traffic and cargo handling. Mehrabad International Airport (THR), located in west Tehran, primarily handles domestic flights but has some international capacity. Other notable international airports include Tabriz International Airport (TBZ), focused on trade with neighboring countries; Bandar Abbas International Airport (BND), supporting trade in the south; and Chabahar Konarak International Airport (ZBR), strategically important for regional trade and port activities.

In 2021, Iran moved a total of 273.58 million ton-kilometers of cargo by air. Major airlines operating in Iran include Iran Air, Mahan Air, Qeshm Air, and Zagros Airlines, which handle both passenger and freight services. Imam Khomeini International Airport alone handled 142,000 tonnes of cargo in the fiscal year ending March 2019, with cargo flights operated by international carriers such as Lufthansa Cargo, Qatar Airways Cargo, and Turkish Cargo.

Key Table 2: Major International Airports in Iran for Cargo Transit

Customs Procedures and Documentation for Transit Cargo in Iran

Shipping cargo through Iran necessitates adherence to specific customs procedures and the provision of comprehensive documentation to ensure smooth transit.

Required Documentation

For commodities being imported into Iran, which serves as a basis for transit, a standard set of documents is generally required. This includes packing lists that detail the contents of each container or package, health certificates and phytosanitary certificates for certain goods (especially agricultural products), a certificate of origin declaring where the goods were manufactured, a weight certificate, and a fumigation certificate if applicable. Additionally, a radioactivity measurement certificate may be needed for certain items, along with a shelf-life certificate (or certificate of crop year for agricultural products) and a commercial invoice detailing the transaction.

Specific mandatory data must be provided for air cargo shipments destined for Iran. This includes the 8-digit Harmonized System (HS) Code, the 10-digit consignee postal code, and the National Identification number (NID), Foreign Identification number (FIDA), or Passport Number of the consignee. This information must be transmitted in the FWB (XFWB) message prior to the cargo’s acceptance.

For air cargo clearance upon arrival in Iran, the following documents are typically required: a commercial invoice (which can also be accepted as a certificate of value), packing lists showing the contents of each package, a certificate of origin, the air way bill, and an extract of the air waybill in Persian provided to the consignee as proof of ownership. If the goods are to be stored in customs warehouses for any period, a certificate of insurance is also necessary.

General documents required for shipping cargo to Iran, regardless of the mode of transport, include a commercial invoice, a packing list, an export declaration, and a certificate of origin. For sea freight, a bill of lading is required, while for air freight, an air waybill is necessary. Depending on the nature of the goods, additional permits or certifications might be mandated.

To obtain final clearance of goods from Iranian customs, a more extensive list of documents is needed. This includes a certificate of clearance, a warehouse receipt, the bill of loading, a pro forma invoice, the invoice, a packing list, a certificate of origin, an order of registration, and an insurance policy. Furthermore, documents related to the owner of the goods, such as their commercial card and national identification card, along with copies of their business cards, are required. If a representative is handling the clearance, they must also provide their original and a copy of their national identification card, as well as the original and a copy of a notarized power of attorney.

For shipping documents specifically to Iran, the main requirements are the commercial invoice detailing the package contents and value, the packing list inventorying the shipment, the export declaration submitted to customs authorities, and the certificate of origin declaring the products’ manufacturing origin.

Customs Clearance Process

Freight forwarders experienced in Iranian transit can provide valuable assistance with customs clearance at all major entry and exit points, helping to navigate the process efficiently. Iran has a well-established customs infrastructure designed to handle transit goods effectively. By working with experienced freight forwarders, shippers can often minimize clearance delays and ensure full compliance with all relevant regulations. For UN Agencies in Iran, the customs clearance procedure is notably free of charge, and tariffs are exempt for humanitarian aid shipments. The customs clearance process for cargo in transit is generally less complicated than that for goods being imported for domestic use. It is important to clearly indicate “INSTRUCTION OF TEMPORARY IMPORT” on the invoice for transit goods.

After a recent explosion at Shahid Rajaee Port, customs clearance procedures for direct transport, foreign transit, exports, and imports have resumed, highlighting the port’s crucial role in the country’s trade and transit operations.

The general steps for obtaining customs clearance in Iran involve first fulfilling a declaration within the Electronic Product Licensing (EPL) system. This is followed by authentication of the declaration and the assignment of a unique registration or cottage number. Subsequently, the goods undergo product control where customs tariff experts examine them and compare them with the documentation, also reviewing previously obtained permits. After final approval, the owner of the goods is required to pay the determined customs fees. Upon receiving the receipt of the green permit from customs, the cargo can be claimed.

For goods transported under a TIR carnet (Transport International Road), the process is streamlined, allowing for direct transport to Payam Special Economic Zone with minimal formalities. In cases where the TIR carnet is not used, the transport company must declare the goods at the border customs and complete the transit formalities by depositing a sufficient guarantee, such as insurance, before proceeding to the final destination.

Cargo Inspection Procedures

Shipments arriving in Iran undergo rigorous inspections by customs officials, who verify the item descriptions against the actual contents, particularly looking for restricted goods. Several third-party inspection bodies, such as Andishehpardazan Sanat Persia Co. (ASP), are authorized by the Iranian National Standards Organization (INSO) to ensure compliance with relevant standards and regulations.

Pre-Shipment Inspection (PSI) is a common service that includes inspecting the quantity and quality of goods, their packing and marking, the condition of containers, supervising loading and unloading, taking samples, and conducting laboratory analysis or other relevant tests. These inspections help ensure that goods comply with either international reference standards or Iranian national standards (ISIRI), and inspection companies issue a VOC (Verification of Conformity) certificate upon successful assessment. While inspections can be carried out at the origin, some suppliers and manufacturers prefer inspection at the destination customs to expedite the importing process and avoid potential delays in their production lines. IGS Company is another significant player in Iran’s inspection industry, with experienced inspectors and branches located in southern and northern ports. Pre-shipment inspection often involves verifying labeling, conducting tests, reviewing processing history, checking packaging, confirming the origin of materials and parts, and assessing storage and transport conditions.

Regulations for Goods in Transit

The regulations governing the transit of foreign goods through the territory of the Islamic Republic of Iran are detailed in specific laws and implemental regulations. External transit is defined as the stages through which goods of foreign origin, destined for a third country or for storage in safeguarded areas for later on-carriage, enter and exit Iran via a border terminal.

Goods and their carrying containers that are in transit through Iran are not considered final imports or exports. As such, they are generally exempt from customs duties, commercial benefit tax, and other taxes and dues. However, they are subject to the payment of customs as well as operational charges, unless specific inter-governmental agreements dictate otherwise. Goods-carrying containers are treated as packing items and are free from customs levies, with their entry and exit merely registered by customs for statistical purposes.

The external transiting of all forbidden imported goods is prohibited, with the exception of arms and ammunition, which may be allowed under specific conditions approved by the Council of Ministers based on the proposal of the State Security Council. Additionally, the external transiting of livestock, agricultural, and chemical products may be subject to the permission of the relevant authorities. Customs officials have the authority to remove the seal of containers and inspect their contents in exceptional cases of vehement suspicion, with a process verbal issued to document the inspection. The Ministry of Road and Transportation plays a key role in administering transit matters, establishing necessary facilities, and coordinating standards for the transit of agricultural and livestock products with countries along international transit routes. Levying any kind of duties on transiting goods is subject to the approval of the Council of Ministers, based on the proposal of the High Council of Transport Coordination.

Tariffs, Fees, and Costs Associated with Cargo Transit

Shipping cargo through Iran involves various tariffs, fees, and logistics costs that shippers need to be aware of.

Overview of Transit Fees and Port Charges

The Iranian government is actively focused on increasing its revenues from international cargo transit fees, recognizing the economic potential of its strategic location. While goods and containers in transit are generally exempt from customs duties and taxes, they are subject to the payment of customs as well as operational charges.

Port fees represent a significant component of the overall shipping cost. These fees typically include charges for cargo handling, storage, and various service provisions within the port facilities. Major Iranian ports, such as Bandar Abbas, tend to have relatively higher fees due to the stringent security measures and inspection procedures in place. The tariffs for port and maritime services across Iran are regulated by the Ports and Maritime Organization (PMO).

Depending on the port, discounts on storage charges may be available for transit cargo. For instance, export and returned transit cargo might receive a 25% discount on storage fees, while external transit and transship containers could be eligible for a 50% discount. It’s important to note that northern ports and the port of Chabahar may have their own specific discount rates for storage charges.

Terminal Handling Charges (THC) are also applicable at Iranian ports. These charges vary based on the size of the container (20ft or 40ft) and whether it is full or empty. Notably, out-of-gauge containers may be subject to a higher THC rate. The collection of port and airport charges is the responsibility of the respective authorities, who levy these fees for the use of their facilities and the services they provide.

Applicable Tariffs and Taxes

While cargo specifically in transit is typically exempt from import and export duties, certain goods might be subject to basic customs duty rates. For example, the HS code 2603 00 10, which covers copper ores and concentrates, has a basic customs duty rate of 5%. This suggests that the nature of the cargo could, in some cases, attract tariffs.

Iran has been actively engaging in agreements with neighboring countries to facilitate trade and transit. A significant example is the removal of a 400% tax that was previously imposed on trucks traveling between Iran and Uzbekistan. Similarly, Turkmenistan has agreed to cease taxing shipments arriving from Iran. Furthermore, discussions are underway with Kazakhstan to potentially ease the movement of cargo between the two nations, which could involve adjustments to tariffs and taxes. In a further move to reduce transit costs, Uzbekistan has exempted Iranian cargo vehicles from transit fees in 2025, based on a reciprocal agreement between the two countries.

Logistics Costs and Considerations

The overall cost of shipping cargo via Iran is influenced by various factors, including the mode of transport, the specific routes taken, and the logistics service providers involved. Shipping a container from China to Iran can cost anywhere from approximately $1,500 to $4,550 USD, depending on the origin port in China (such as Shanghai, Shenzhen, or Ningbo), the destination port in Iran (Bandar Abbas, Bushehr, or Bandar Imam Khomeini), and the size of the container (20ft or 40ft).

Shipping costs from the United States to Bandar Abbas Seaport can range from £150.00 per cubic meter for Less than Container Load (LCL) shipments to around $1390 for a 20ft Full Container Load (FCL) and $1550 for a 40ft FCL. In addition to the base shipping rates, there are often other costs to consider, such as custom duties (if applicable), container inspection fees, general rate increases imposed by carriers, inland delivery charges, quarantine fees, and insurance.

Some logistics platforms, like TSM, emphasize transparent tariffs to Iran, ensuring that shippers are aware of all costs involved upfront without hidden fees. However, the final price for transportation can be affected by the specific load requirements, the chosen route, and the final destination city within Iran.

For time-sensitive shipments, air freight from China to Iran is an option, with costs typically ranging from $4 to $8 per kilogram. This cost can fluctuate based on the weight and volume of the cargo, the type of goods being shipped, and the prevailing market demand.

Impact of International Sanctions on Shipping Cargo via Iran

Shipping cargo through Iran is significantly impacted by the complex web of international sanctions, primarily imposed by the United States and the European Union. Understanding these sanctions and their implications is crucial for any entity considering this transit route.

Overview of US and EU Sanctions

The United States has implemented extensive sanctions against Iran with the aim of deterring its support for international terrorism, its nuclear and ballistic missile development programs, its destabilizing activities in the region, and its human rights abuses. These sanctions target a wide array of sectors within the Iranian economy, including oil, gas, petrochemicals, finance, shipping, and aviation.

The European Union has also imposed various sanctions on Iran, primarily in response to concerns about its nuclear program, its human rights record, and its support for Russia in the conflict with Ukraine. These measures include restrictions on trade, financial transactions, and the transfer of specific goods and technologies.

The United States has pursued a “maximum pressure” campaign aimed at significantly reducing Iran’s revenue from oil exports and other sources. In response to these US sanctions, the EU has put in place a blocking statute intended to shield EU companies from the extraterritorial effects of US sanctions on Iran. However, the effectiveness of this statute in practice has been limited.

Risks and Challenges for Shippers

Engaging in shipping cargo through Iran, especially if it involves Iranian entities or the transportation of certain goods, carries significant risks of violating international sanctions. Maritime industry participants, including shipping companies, vessel owners, managers, operators, insurers, and port operators, face substantial sanctions exposure.

Iran has been known to employ deceptive practices to circumvent these sanctions. One common tactic is the use of a “shadow fleet” of older, poorly maintained tankers that operate outside of standard maritime regulations to transport Iranian oil. Another method involves ship-to-ship (STS) transfers, often conducted at night or in unsafe waters, to obscure the origin and destination of the cargo, particularly oil. Additionally, Iran-linked networks frequently falsify cargo and vessel documents, such as bills of lading and certificates of origin, to conceal the true nature of the shipments. Vessels transporting Iranian cargo have also been observed disabling or tampering with their Automatic Identification System (AIS) transponders to mask their movements, including port calls and STS transfers. The use of complex vessel ownership and management structures, often involving shell companies in high-risk jurisdictions, further complicates the process of identifying sanctioned parties. Oil brokering networks operating outside Iran also play a role in facilitating these transactions, often creating or distributing falsified documents.

Shippers must also be aware of the risk of dealing with Iranian port operators and other entities that may be under sanction, as this could lead to violations. Insurers may be hesitant to provide coverage for Iranian interests due to the potential for breaching UN and US sanctions. Furthermore, EU sanctions include denying access to EU airports for cargo flights operated by Iranian carriers or originating from Iran. There have also been reports of Iran using international shipping companies to transport weaponry illegally, which could implicate unwitting shippers.

Compliance and Due Diligence

Given the significant risks associated with international sanctions, thorough due diligence is paramount for any entity involved in shipping cargo through Iran. This includes a comprehensive understanding of the regulations issued by the US Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) and the European Union. It is advisable to partner with carriers that have proven experience in shipping to sanctioned countries like Iran and maintain strict adherence to OFAC regulations.

OFAC recommends verifying the origin of the cargo, ensuring that vessels have adequate and legitimate insurance coverage, and scrutinizing the vessel’s flag registration and ownership history. The principle of “Know Your Vessel” (KYV) is as important as “Know Your Customer” (KYC) to avoid inadvertently engaging with sanctioned entities or vessels involved in illicit activities. Obtaining contractual assurances from all counterparties in the maritime supply chain regarding their compliance with US sanctions is also a critical risk mitigation strategy. Port agents, operators, and terminals are advised to refuse service and port entry to vessels that are under sanction.

Maintaining complete and accurate shipping documentation is essential, as is screening all parties involved in the transaction against lists of blocked persons and sanctioned entities. When selecting a freight forwarder, it is important to verify their OFAC compliance procedures and their experience in handling shipments to Iran.

Regulations for Specific Cargo Types

The transit of certain types of cargo through Iran is subject to specific regulations, often due to safety, security, or international agreements.

Dangerous Goods

The air transport of dangerous goods is primarily governed by the regulations set forth by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and the International Air Transport Association (IATA). These international bodies classify dangerous goods into nine main categories, each with detailed requirements regarding packaging, labeling, and handling procedures for air transport. In Iran, the acceptance of portable dangerous goods for air cargo is based on these IATA regulations and the specific procedures of “Homa,” which is the brand name of Iran Air. Shippers intending to transport dangerous goods by air must complete and sign a dangerous goods declaration form. Generally, items that could pose a risk to the health and safety of passengers or the aircraft, such as perfumes, shampoos, cosmetics, and alcoholic beverages, are forbidden as part of passenger freight.

For the transportation of dangerous goods by road, Iran has recently approved the Agreement concerning the International Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Road (ADR Convention). This adoption is expected to enhance road transport safety standards and facilitate the access of Iranian fleets carrying dangerous goods to the global market.

The transit of non-Community dual-use items through the European Union’s customs territory to destinations outside the EU may be subject to specific restrictions, authorization requirements, or outright prohibitions based on national legislation. Furthermore, the European Union’s Iran Regulation generally prohibits the transit of certain products, including nearly all dual-use items, to Iranian individuals, organizations, or institutions.

Restricted and Prohibited Items

Iran has specific regulations regarding items that are prohibited from import, which would also apply to goods intended for transit if they fall under these categories. These prohibitions are based on concerns related to the country’s economy, public health, cultural values, and Islamic laws. Prohibited items include narcotics and psychotropic substances, alcoholic beverages, weapons (firearms, explosives, cold weapons), gambling equipment, and materials deemed immoral or against public chastity.56 There are also restrictions on the import and export of certain textiles, medicinal, health, and cosmetic products, as well as some electronic devices and telecommunication equipment. The export of gold coins is strictly forbidden, and antiques and items of cultural heritage cannot be exported without obtaining special permits from the relevant authorities.

In addition to Iran’s national regulations, the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) maintains a list of prohibited exports and transhipment to Iran. This list includes items, materials, equipment, goods, and technology that could contribute to Iran’s reprocessing or enrichment-related, heavy water-related activities, or the development of nuclear weapon delivery systems, as well as arms and related matériel.

The United States Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) issues general licenses that authorize certain exports to Iran, including food items, medicine, medical devices, and specific services, software, and hardware incident to communications, provided they meet certain conditions. The European Union also has an arms embargo in place on Iran and restricts the export of dual-use goods and technology that could be used in nuclear activities or for internal repression.

Political and Economic Factors Influencing Transit

The decision to ship cargo via Iran is influenced by a complex interplay of political and economic factors, both on a regional and international scale.

Iran’s strategic geographical location has positioned it as a potentially vital link in major international trade corridors. Its central role in the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC) and its connection to China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) highlight its potential as a key transit hub. The INSTC, in particular, aims to reduce transportation costs and time significantly compared to traditional routes like the Suez Canal.

However, regional geopolitics and Iran’s complex relationships with neighboring countries play a significant role in shaping transit routes and volumes. While Iran aspires to be a major transit hub in Eurasia, it faces competition from other emerging corridors and geopolitical hurdles that can impede its progress.

The imposition of extensive sanctions by the United States has led Iran to actively seek alternative trade routes and strengthen economic partnerships with countries like China and Russia. Despite these sanctions, there has been a notable increase in cargo transit through Iran in recent years, suggesting that it remains a viable option for certain trade flows.

Utilizing Iran as a land route can offer advantages such as reduced transit times and lower costs compared to traditional maritime routes, particularly for trade between Asia and Europe. However, the feasibility of overland routes can be affected by political instability and transit restrictions in neighboring countries like Iraq and Syria.

Bilateral agreements between Iran and other countries, such as the removal of transit fees with Uzbekistan and the cessation of taxation on Iranian shipments by Turkmenistan, can significantly reduce the overall cost and improve the efficiency of cargo transit.

Conclusion and Key Considerations for Shipping Cargo via Iran

Shipping cargo through Iran presents a complex landscape of opportunities and challenges. Its strategic geographical location and involvement in key international transport corridors offer potential benefits in terms of transit time and cost-effectiveness for certain routes connecting Asia, Europe, and the Middle East. A diverse range of land, sea, and air routes are available, providing flexibility depending on the cargo type, destination, and urgency.

Navigating the customs procedures requires meticulous attention to detail, ensuring accurate and complete documentation to comply with Iranian regulations. While transit cargo is generally exempt from customs duties and taxes, shippers must be aware of operational and port-related charges, which can vary based on the specific ports used and services required. Bilateral agreements with neighboring countries have shown a trend towards reducing transit-related fees, which can further enhance the cost-effectiveness of this route.

A critical aspect of shipping cargo through Iran is the significant impact of international sanctions imposed by the United States and the European Union. These sanctions create substantial risks for shippers, potentially leading to violations, involvement in deceptive practices, and difficulties in financial transactions and insurance. Therefore, thorough due diligence, including verifying the legitimacy of all parties involved and the origin/destination of the cargo, is paramount. Partnering with experienced freight forwarders who specialize in Iranian transit and maintain strict compliance with international regulations is highly recommended.

Shippers must also be aware of the specific regulations governing the transit of certain cargo types, particularly dangerous and prohibited goods, to ensure adherence to both national and international standards. Political and economic factors at both regional and global levels can influence the feasibility and stability of transit routes through Iran, necessitating that shippers stay informed of geopolitical developments.

Key considerations for businesses and individuals contemplating shipping cargo via Iran include:

• Thoroughly research and understand the current US and EU sanctions and trade regulations.
• Partner with experienced freight forwarders who have a deep understanding of Iranian transit procedures and sanctions compliance.
• Ensure that all shipping documentation is accurate, complete, and in compliance with Iranian customs requirements.
• Carefully evaluate the potential risks and challenges associated with the chosen transit route, including geopolitical factors and infrastructure limitations.
• Stay informed about any updates in international relations, sanctions, and bilateral agreements that may impact cargo transit through Iran.

Key Table 3: Summary of Key Transit Routes Through Iran

Key Table 4: Key Agencies Involved in Cargo Transit Through Iran