Customs clearance in Bandar Abbas and at Imam Khomeini Airport
Customs clearance is the last and most sensitive stage of a shipment's journey: a single error in the documents or tariff can hold cargo at customs for days. Sivan Port specialists check the documents before the cargo arrives and follow the customs procedures until the cargo is released.
Customs inspection lanes
The customs system assigns a lane to each declaration
Green lane
Clearance without document checks or physical inspection
Yellow lane
Document check, no physical inspection
Red lane
Document check and physical inspection of the goods
Benefits of customs clearance with Sivan
Document check before arrival
Missing or incorrect documents are identified and fixed before the cargo is unloaded.
Correct tariff classification
The correct tariff code (HS Code) prevents fines and held cargo.
Follow-up until release
We track the declaration and assessment status until the cargo is released from customs.
Combined with freight and insurance
Place clearance, freight and cargo insurance in a single order.
How it works
Customs clearance steps
Cargo arrives
The cargo is unloaded at the port or airport and a warehouse receipt is issued.
Document check
Shipping, purchase and permit documents are completed and checked.
Customs declaration
The declaration is filed in the integrated customs system (EPL).
Assessment
Depending on the green, yellow or red lane, the documents or the goods are inspected.
Payment and release
Import duties are paid and the cargo release permit is issued.
Customs lanes
What do the green, yellow and red lanes mean?
After the declaration is filed, the customs system assigns an inspection lane based on the risk profile of the goods and the cargo owner.
| Lane | Inspection type |
|---|---|
| Green | Clearance without document checks or physical inspection |
| Yellow | Document check, no physical inspection of the goods |
| Red | Document check and physical inspection of the goods |
In the red lane, clearance takes slightly longer because of the physical inspection.
Documents
Documents required for customs clearance
Having complete documents before the cargo arrives is the most important factor in shortening clearance time.
- Bill of lading or air waybill (B/L or AWB)
- Commercial invoice and packing list
- Certificate of origin
- Warehouse receipt
- Required permits such as standards, health or quarantine approvals, depending on the type of goods
- Import registration documents for commercial imports
Customs offices
Which customs offices handle clearance?
Sea customs
Shahid Rajaee Port Customs
Bandar AbbasIran's largest container port; clearance of container and LCL shipments.
Shahid Bahonar Port Customs
Bandar AbbasA port next to the city of Bandar Abbas; clearance of general cargo and smaller sea shipments.
Chabahar Customs
Sistan and BaluchestanIran's ocean port on the Gulf of Oman; clearance at Shahid Beheshti Port and the free zone.
Bushehr Customs
BushehrThe main port of Bushehr Province on the Persian Gulf; clearance of sea shipments.
Air customs
Imam Khomeini Airport Customs
TehranClearance of air shipments.
FAQ
Customs clearance FAQ
How long does customs clearance take?
It depends on the type of goods, how complete the documents are and the lane assigned by customs. When the documents are ready before the cargo arrives, clearance is shorter.
What is an HS Code and why does it matter?
It is the tariff code of the goods in the Harmonized System. Import duties and required permits are determined by it, and choosing the wrong code can lead to fines or held cargo.
What do customs clearance costs include?
Import duties and customs levies, storage and port service charges, and customs clearance service fees. The share of each depends on the type and value of the goods.
What are port storage charges?
After unloading, cargo is held in the port warehouse, and after a set grace period a daily storage fee applies. Timely clearance reduces this cost.
Does the red lane mean there is a problem with the cargo?
Not necessarily. The red lane means the goods are physically inspected in addition to the document check; this may make clearance slightly longer.
Related services
Other Sivan Port services
Import goods
Order registration, freight, clearance and delivery from China, the UAE, Turkey and Oman.
Cargo insurance
Cover for the value of your goods against damage and transit risks.
Sea freight
Container shipping (FCL) between Bandar Abbas and ports in the UAE, Oman and China.
Get a customs clearance quote
Send us your cargo details or place the order directly in the Sivan portal.