How to ship clothing from China to Iran？

1. International Sanctions: US and some EU sanctions significantly impact banking transactions and shipping options. Many major international carriers avoid direct services to Iran.
2. Payment Difficulties: Transferring funds internationally can be problematic. Common solutions include:
   • Hawala/Informal Networks: Widely used but carry risks.
   • Third-Country Intermediaries: Using companies in places like UAE or Turkey.
   • Currency Exchange (CNY/RMB): Direct transactions in Chinese Yuan.
   • Pre-Payment: Essential due to credit risks.
3. Limited Carrier Options: Avoid relying on major global integrators like FedEx, UPS, or standard DHL for door-to-door. Focus on:
   • Specialized freight forwarders experienced in Iran.
   • Iranian shipping lines (like IRISL) or airlines (like Mahan Air, Iran Air Cargo).
   • Regional carriers (e.g., Turkish Airlines Cargo, Emirates SkyCargo) with connections.
   • Land transport via Turkey or UAE.
4. Iranian Customs Regulations:
   • Import Licenses: May be required depending on quantity and value (commercial vs. personal). Clothing generally has fewer restrictions than other goods, but large shipments might need permits.
   • Duties & Taxes: Expect customs duties, value-added tax (VAT), and potentially other fees. Duties on clothing can vary significantly. Accurate commercial invoices are critical.
   • Labeling: Goods entering Iran often require Farsi (Persian) labeling, including country of origin ("Made in China" / ساخته شده در چین) and potentially fabric composition/care instructions.
   • Restricted/Prohibited Items: Ensure clothing designs or prints don't violate cultural/religious norms.
5. Documentation: Accuracy is paramount to avoid delays/seizures.

1. Air Freight:
   • Best For: Urgent shipments, smaller volumes (e.g., samples, initial orders), higher-value goods.
   • Pros: Fastest option (3-7 days transit).
   • Cons: Most expensive per kg; strict dimensional/weight limits; highly sensitive to sanctions.
   • Process: Shipper -> Forwarder's China Warehouse -> Airline (e.g., Mahan Air, Turkish Cargo) -> Iranian Airport (IKA/THR) -> Forwarder's Iran Partner -> Customs Clearance -> Final Delivery.
   • Key Players: Specialized forwarders, Iranian/allied airlines, Turkish/UAE airlines.
2. Sea Freight (LCL or FCL):
   • Best For: Larger volumes, bulk shipments, cost-sensitive goods.
   • Pros: Most cost-effective for large volumes; suitable for full container loads.
   • Cons: Slowest (20-45+ days); complex documentation; port congestion possible.
   • Process: Shipper -> Forwarder's China Warehouse -> Port (e.g., Shanghai, Ningbo) -> Vessel (IRISL or feeder services via UAE/Turkey) -> Iranian Port (Bandar Abbas/BND) -> Customs Clearance -> Haulage to final destination.
   • Key Players: Specialized forwarders, IRISL, regional shipping lines transshipping via Jebel Ali (UAE) or Istanbul.
3. Courier Services (Limited):
   • Best For: Very small packages (documents, tiny samples).
   • Pros: Door-to-door tracking (sometimes).
   • Cons: Extremely limited options (DHL has very restricted services, EMS may work but unreliable/slow); very expensive; high chance of customs inspection/delays; strict size/weight/value limits.
   • Options: EMS (via China Post), Skynet (sometimes), TNT/FedEx/UPS generally do not serve Iran.
4. Land Freight:
   • Best For: Shipments originating near western China or for routes via Turkey/UAE.
   • Pros: Can be faster than sea for certain routes; avoids port delays.
   • Cons: Requires transshipment; border crossing delays; multiple handling points.
   • Routes: China -> Kazakhstan/Turkmenistan -> Iran (less common). More common: China -> Sea to UAE/Turkey -> Truck to Iran.

1. Commercial Invoice: MOST CRITICAL. Must be detailed, accurate, and stamped/signed. Include:
   • Full Shipper/Consignee details (name, address, contact, tax IDs).
   • Precise description of goods (e.g., "100% Cotton Men's T-Shirts, Style ABC", HS Code recommended).
   • Quantity, Unit Price, Total Value per item & total shipment (in USD or EUR).
   • Incoterms (e.g., FOB Shanghai, CIF Bandar Abbas).
   • Country of Origin ("China").
   • Reason for Export ("Commercial Sale").
2. Packing List: Details of packages (dimensions, weight, contents per carton).
3. Certificate of Origin (CoO): Often required, issued by a Chamber of Commerce in China.
4. Bill of Lading (Sea) or Air Waybill (Air): Issued by the carrier/forwarder.
5. Customs Declaration: Filed by the customs broker in Iran.
6. Import License/Permit (if applicable): Verify with your Iranian importer.
7. Insurance Certificate (Highly Recommended): Cover risks during transit and customs.

1. Choose a Reliable Freight Forwarder: This is crucial. Select one with proven expertise in China-Iran shipments, especially for clothing. Get quotes (air, sea, LCL/FCL).
2. Finalize Incoterms: Clearly define responsibilities (who pays for what - transport, insurance, customs duties/taxes in Iran). CIF or DAP are common, but ensure responsibilities are crystal clear.
3. Prepare Goods: Pack securely. Consider moisture barriers for sea freight. Ensure labeling complies (Farsi origin labels).
4. Prepare Documentation: Work closely with your forwarder to ensure ALL documents are complete and accurate (especially Commercial Invoice and CoO).
5. Arrange Payment & Insurance: Use agreed secure method. Purchase cargo insurance.
6. Book Shipment: Confirm booking with forwarder.
7. Export Customs (China): Forwarder usually handles this.
8. Transit: Goods move via chosen route.
9. Import Customs (Iran): Your forwarder's Iranian partner (customs broker) handles clearance. Duties/taxes are paid (usually by consignee unless Incoterms specify otherwise). Delays common here.
10. Final Delivery: Haulage from port/airport to final destination in Iran.

• Freight Forwarders: Search for "China to Iran freight forwarder", "Iran logistics specialist". Look for companies with offices/strong agents in both China and Iran. Check references.
• Customs Brokers: Essential in Iran. Your forwarder will usually partner with one.

• Transportation Mode (Air vs. Sea vs. Land)
• Volume/Weight
• Origin/Destination in China/Iran
• Fuel Surcharges
• Customs Duties & Taxes (Iran - based on invoice value, HS code)
• Forwarder Fees (handling, documentation, customs clearance)
• Insurance Premium
• Port/Airport Handling Fees
• Haulage Costs

1. Partner Expertise is Key: Don't use a generic forwarder. Find specialists.
2. Communicate Clearly: With your supplier, forwarder, and Iranian customer.
3. Document Accuracy: Double and triple-check invoices and certificates.
4. Factor in Delays: Build buffer time, especially for customs.
5. Understand Duties: Get an estimate from your forwarder based on your invoice value and HS codes.
6. Insurance: Always insure your shipment.
7. Start Small (if new): Test the process with a sample shipment.
8. Verify Iranian Importer: Ensure they are reliable and understand their responsibilities (customs clearance, payments).

Useful links:

1. China Customs
2. Iran Customs