Importing to Iran? What a Trade Lawyer in Iran Can Do for You As global interest in Iran’s market rebounds—especially amid improving diplomatic signals—international companies are reassessing the benefits of doing business in the Iran. With over 80 million consumers, a growing demand for foreign products, and relatively untapped sectors like pharmaceuticals, tech, and heavy machinery, Iran offers immense opportunity. But those opportunities come with complexity.
If you are an exporter, logistics provider, or customs agent seeking to import goods into Iran, success depends not only on your product or price—but on your compliance. Iranian import regulations are heavily codified, Persian-language-based, and influenced by both local economic policies and global sanctions regimes.
This is where retaining a lawyer in Iran—specifically one with trade and customs expertise—becomes more than a convenience. It becomes essential.
The Legal Framework of Importing to Iran
A Brief Overview of Iran’s Trade System
Iran’s trade system operates under a combination of domestic laws and international agreements, such as:
- The Export and Import Regulations Act
- Customs Affairs Law
- The Iranian Commercial Code
- Central Bank (CBI) directives on foreign exchange and payment
- Regulations by the Ministry of Industry, Mine and Trade (MIMT)
A trade lawyer in Iran is trained to interpret these regulations, advise on local practices, and assist foreign clients in avoiding both legal pitfalls and bureaucratic dead-ends.
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Import Licensing in Iran: A Closer Look
?When Is a License Required
Iran requires a license for nearly every category of imported goods. This applies to:
- Raw materials and industrial inputs
- Consumer electronics
- Agricultural products
- Pharmaceuticals and medical devices
- Pharmaceuticals and medical devices
- Textiles and fashion
Importers must also ensure the goods are not on Iran’s “prohibited list,” which includes items forbidden for religious, environmental, or strategic reasons
How the Process Works
To apply for an import license in Iran:
Register as a commercial entity with an active business license from the Iran Chamber of Commerce.
Submit a formal request through the MIMT’s online portal.
Provide supporting documentation, including:
Pro forma invoice
Catalogs/specs (translated into Persian)
Product classification codes
Obtain a “Green Card” from the CBI if foreign currency allocation is required.
Register the order with the Trade Promotion Organization of Iran.
This multilayered process is bureaucratically heavy and subject to local interpretations. Many first-time importers find themselves stalled by minor technical errors—such as incorrect HS codes or translation issues.
Tip: A lawyer in Iran who works closely with trade advisors can ensure your submission aligns with MIMT expectations and industry-specific guidelines.
Sanctions Compliance: Legal Exposure for Foreign Businesses
The Sanctions Maze
Iran is subject to an evolving patchwork of international sanctions—some lifted, some re-imposed, and many partially active. These include:
- U.S. Treasury Department’s OFAC sanctions
- EU Council Regulations
- UN Security Council provisions (previously, now mostly lifted)
🔍 What Does a Lawyer Do Here?
A trade lawyer in Iran helps clients:
- Conduct sanctions risk assessments
- Ensure counterparties are not Specially Designated Nationals (SDNs)
- Structure payments and letters of credit in non-sanctioned currencies (often using UAE or Oman intermediaries)
Draft force majeure clauses referencing international sanctions
Customs Clearance and Disputes
The Role of IRICA
The Iranian Customs Administration (IRICA) enforces duties, tariffs, and product classification. Goods arriving at Iranian ports undergo valuation, inspection, and document cross-checking. Common issues include:
- Misclassification of goods under HS codes
- Underreported value
- Failure to declare dual-use components
- Discrepancies in currency settlement documents
How Lawyers Handle Disputes
A trade lawyer in Iran will:
- File objections or re-evaluation requests
- Represent clients in customs hearings
- Liaise with port agents to prevent unnecessary penalties or confiscation
Initiate appeals under the Customs Affairs Dispute Resolution Board
Mistakes That Can Cost You
| Mistake | Risk |
| Relying on foreign counsel alone | Misses Persian-language nuances, local practices |
| Ignoring dual-use regulations | Shipment seizure, criminal investigation |
| Submitting untranslated documents | License denial |
| Misclassifying goods | Retroactive fines, customs holds |
| Failing to vet local partners | Contract voiding or sanctions breach |
Why Hire a Trade Lawyer in Iran?
A trade lawyer does more than just paperwork. They:
- Provide end-to-end support from planning to clearance
- Act as your official legal representative before ministries and customs
- Draft bilingual contracts enforceable under Iranian law
- Ensure your compliance strategy is aligned with both Iranian and foreign legal regimes
- Help mitigate financial and legal risk
This kind of expertise can prevent costly mistakes and protect your company’s reputation
Our Firm’s Approach
At MJK Law Firm, our lawyers specialize in cross-border transactions, customs litigation, and sanctions compliance. With attorneys fluent in Persian, Arabic, and English, and deep relationships within regulatory institutions, we offer:
- Trade deal structuring for European and Arab exporters
- Contract drafting that anticipates enforcement challenges
- Customs dispute resolution with on-the-ground representation
- Legal monitoring of sanctions law updates
- Compliance audits for supply chain security
We are not just lawyers—we are your legal bridge to the Iranian market.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I import to Iran from Europe or Asia without violating sanctions?
Yes, if you avoid restricted sectors and follow proper due diligence. A local trade lawyer helps you stay within international law.
What payment channels are allowed for Iranian imports?
Payments are generally processed via indirect routes, using banks in friendly jurisdictions. Your lawyer can advise based on the latest CBI and OFAC rules.
How long does customs clearance take in Iran?
If documents are correct, clearance may take 3–10 days. Disputes can delay this significantly. Lawyers help preempt and resolve such delays.
Do I need to register a branch office in Iran to import goods?
No, but you need a local commercial partner or registered importer. Many firms work with Iranian distributors—your lawyer will draft a safe and enforceable agreement.
What if my goods are seized at Iranian customs?
You have the right to appeal. A trade lawyer will file a complaint and argue your case before customs review boards.
Let’s Talk Trade – Contact a Lawyer in Iran Today
Whether you’re an experienced global exporter or just entering the Iranian market, professional legal support can mean the difference between opportunity and obstruction.
📩 Get in touch with a Lawyer in Iran today to ensure your compliance, protect your cargo, and grow your business the smart way.