For road exports to Iran, the core document set is the commercial invoice, packing list, export declaration registered in Turkey, CMR consignment note and the TIR carnet that covers the border crossing. An Iranian proof of origin is added if preferential duty is claimed, and ADR paperwork for dangerous goods. Because the import formalities in Iran are handled by the buyer and their customs broker, the list should be confirmed with the buyer before loading.
Why does export paperwork for Iran need separate planning?
Iran export documents are the set of papers that links the goods' exit from Turkey, the road transport, the border crossing and the import procedure in Iran. The Turkish Ministry of Trade's October 2024 note on Iran states that Iran's customs procedures can be quite complex and lengthy. For this reason, the documents are prepared before the loading day and checked against the buyer's written requirements.
What is each document for, and who prepares it?
| Document | Purpose | Prepared by |
|---|---|---|
| Commercial invoice | Description and value of the goods, buyer and seller details; the basis of the customs value declaration in Iran | Exporter |
| Packing list | Number of packages, type of packaging, gross and net weight | Exporter |
| Export declaration | Official record that the goods have been exported from Turkey | Exporter or customs broker |
| CMR consignment note | Evidence of the contract of carriage; signed by the consignee on delivery | Sender and carrier |
| TIR carnet | Lets the sealed load cross borders under a guarantee | Carrier (guaranteeing association in Turkey: TOBB) |
| Iranian proof of origin | Reduced customs duty for goods covered by the Turkey–Iran PTA | Exporter; endorsed by the customs office |
| ADR transport document | Class, UN number and quantity of the dangerous goods | Sender and carrier |
Each document being correct on its own is not enough; the description of the goods, the number of packages and the weight must be the same across all the paperwork. For transit documents in general, see the documents required for transit transport entry.
What distinction applies to the origin document?
A Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA) has been in force between Turkey and Iran since 2015. For products on the agreement's lists, the document used to claim reduced duty is the Iranian proof of origin; the A.TR and EUR.1 are not used in this trade. If the product is not on the lists, or the buyer does not claim preferential duty, the buyer may ask for a certificate of origin showing non-preferential origin. The distinction is set out in a table in the Iranian proof of origin entry.
Is the TIR carnet or T1 used for the border crossing?
Because Iran is not part of the common transit area, the transit document for entering Iran is the TIR carnet. According to the Turkish Ministry of Trade, if the goods are described in general terms such as "foodstuffs" in box 10 of the TIR carnet, the invoice must be attached to the carnet; a clear description of the goods makes this step unnecessary. The options for cargo from Europe are in the TIR carnet or T1 for Iran cargo entry.
Which procedures in Iran are the buyer's responsibility?
The import declaration in Iran, payment of duties and taxes and taking delivery of the goods are the job of the buyer and their customs broker. Two names come up in this process: the Iranian customs administration IRICA and the national single window for trade, NTSW; registrations in these systems are handled by the buyer. In addition, according to the ministry's note, Iran has banned imports under 2,150 eight-digit tariff lines; the status of a product is checked using the method in the Iran import ban entry.
Pre-loading checklist
- Do the description, tariff code (GTİP) and weight on the invoice match the packing list and the declaration?
- Has the buyer stated in writing which documents they need as originals and which as copies?
- Has the type of origin document been agreed with the buyer?
- If there are dangerous goods, are the ADR documents and package markings ready? Have the permit and acceptance conditions on the Iranian side been confirmed with the buyer?
- Do the consignee's name and the delivery address on the CMR match the invoice?
What does Voltim Global do in this process?
Voltim Global has no office or agent in Iran; the company follows the document set with its own team so that it moves in step with the transport and the border crossing. Support with declarations on the Turkish side is also available through export customs clearance. To settle the document list and get a price, share the loading place, delivery place, type of goods, dimensions and weight, packaging, ready date and ADR/out-of-gauge status; the overall flow of the lane is described on the Turkey–Iran road freight page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the A.TR or EUR.1 used for exports to Iran?
Who finalises the document list?
Which additional documents are needed for dangerous goods?
Sources
- Turkish Ministry of Trade – Frequently asked questions about Iran (October 2024, PDF, in Turkish)
- Official Gazette of Turkey (14 November 2015) – General Customs Communiqué (International Agreements) Serial No. 8 (in Turkish)
- Turkish Ministry of Trade – Frequently asked questions on the TIR carnet (in Turkish)