Customs Clearance at Khorramshahr Customs

Customs clearance at Khorramshahr Customs is one of the most important steps in the country’s import chain — a stage that many businesses face when bringing goods into Iran, often accompanied by its own complexities and detailed procedures. This article provides a comprehensive look at the strategic role of Khorramshahr Customs, its unique position in Iran’s trade landscape, and the impact of working with a professional service provider — such as the TAV360 Trading Group — on the speed and cost of clearance.

If you’re looking to optimize your import process, this guide offers a clear understanding of the benefits, requirements, and key features of clearing goods through this customs location.

The Importance of Clearance at Khorramshahr Customs

Khorramshahr Customs is considered one of the country’s main commercial gateways. With proper infrastructure and accurate logistical access, it enables faster cargo unloading, transportation, and customs clearance.

Working with trading companies and brokers who have hands-on experience at this port significantly reduces errors, cuts costs, and prevents unnecessary delays.

Why Khorramshahr Is an Attractive Choice for Importers

25% commercial profit duty discount
This advantage results in a significant reduction in final costs, especially for bulk and industrial imports.

Long-term tax exemptions
Businesses operating within this customs zone can benefit from up to 15 years of tax exemption, extendable to 30 years.

Modern loading and unloading equipment
Advanced berths, heavy-duty cranes, and real-time monitoring systems make cargo handling faster and more precise.

Strategic geo-economic position
Proximity to Iraq and direct access through the Shalamcheh border make this customs office a key transit route.

Key Features and Advantages of Khorramshahr Customs

Khorramshahr lies within the Arvand Free Zone, granting traders access to additional incentives. Many companies — including TAV360 — consider this customs location one of the best gateways for importing goods due to its facilities and benefits.

Notable advantages include:

• Full access to Arvand Free Zone regulations and incentives
• Container shipping capability from the UAE and other major regional ports
• Faster clearance due to combined sea and land access
• Ideal route for exports and transit to Iraq
• Free flow of capital with no restrictions
• Extensive tax exemptions
• Duty-free import of machinery and equipment
• Access to local vessels for regional cargo movement

A Brief History of Khorramshahr Customs

Khorramshahr Customs has been active for more than a century. At certain points in history, a major portion of Iran’s imports entered through this port. Before the Iran–Iraq war, nearly 90% of the country’s imports passed through Khorramshahr.

After the war and through years of reconstruction, the port regained its position and now operates as Iran’s second-largest container hub. Its proximity to Iraq and strategic location have once again made it one of the most important clearance points in southern Iran.

Geographical Position and Infrastructure

Situated between the Arvand and Karun rivers and just minutes away from the Shalamcheh border, Khorramshahr holds a uniquely advantageous location.

The customs zone:

• Covers around 230 hectares
• Has 20 active berths
• Supports an annual cargo capacity of 12 million tons
• Utilizes heavy machinery, refrigerated containers, and mechanized systems

These features allow 4,000 to 6,000 tons of cargo to be processed daily.

Steps of Customs Clearance in Khorramshahr

The clearance process typically includes:

• Cargo handover by the carrier
• Issuance of the arrival notice to the importer
• Receiving the delivery order, warehouse receipt, and freight settlement
• Verification of documents and bank-issued currency allocation notice
• Completing the declaration in the customs system
• Executing customs formalities
• Paying duties, taxes, and obtaining required permits
• Receiving the green customs license
• Internal transport registration and cargo exit
• Providing documents to the bank for foreign exchange obligation settlement

Required Documents for Clearance

Necessary documents include:
Warehouse receipt, bill of lading, invoice, packing list, certificate of origin, order registration, proforma invoice, insurance policy, freight documents, health and standard permits, EPL user access, coding documents, and the Central Bank tracking code.

Clearance Timeline

The standard clearance time ranges from 10 to 15 business days.
In special cases — such as banking issues, system outages, or currency shortages — the process may extend to 20 to 35 business days.

Common Types of Goods Cleared Here

A significant portion of the imports and exports passing through this port are associated with Iraq, the UAE, Kuwait, China, Turkey, and India.

Common goods include:

• Industrial parts and raw materials
• Machinery and equipment
• Construction materials
• Vehicles and auto parts
• Cosmetics
• Clothing and textiles
• Steel and metal products
• Mobile phones and electronics

Choosing the Right Partner for Khorramshahr Clearance

Coordinating customs procedures, logistics, banking documents, and regulatory permits requires deep familiarity with Khorramshahr’s operational structure. Companies like TAV360 provide integrated services from cargo arrival to final clearance, ensuring controlled, transparent, and efficient progress. This integration reduces time and minimizes additional costs.

Cost Components

Clearance costs generally include:

• Value of the goods
• International freight
• Customs duties and taxes
• VAT
• Inspection, standards, and laboratory fees
• Insurance
• Demurrage and delivery order charges
• Warehousing
• Domestic transportation
• Ministry of Roads fees

Key Advantages of Khorramshahr Customs

This customs office plays a major role in Iran’s economy due to the high value of imported and exported goods processed there. Its proximity to Iraq and the Persian Gulf, along with special financial incentives, make it a highly attractive route for traders.

The combination of commercial profit duty discounts and its location within the Arvand Free Zone offers a remarkable blend of financial benefits and fast clearance.

Distances from Khorramshahr to Major Locations

Khorramshahr–Abadan: 75 km
Khorramshahr–Shalamcheh: 20 km
Khorramshahr–Basra: 70 km
To Karbala: 400 km
To Baghdad: 600 km
To Dubai: 1300 km
To Kuwait: 250 km
To Oman: 2100 km

Conclusion

Clearing goods through Khorramshahr Customs, despite its significant advantages and opportunities, requires professional management and hands-on expertise. If you aim to complete your import operations without disruptions and with minimal delays, partnering with a specialized team such as the TAV360 Trading Group provides structure, clarity, and a reliable operational path.