Iran B2B Vehicle Import Compliance and Foreign Exchange Settlement Operations

Iran has a population of approximately 88 million and an annual automotive market size of approximately 1.14 million vehicles, making it an important automotive consumer market in the Middle East. Due to long-term international sanctions, Iran's vehicle import compliance and foreign exchange settlement have particular characteristics. Iran has a vehicle population of over 20 million, with relatively high average vehicle age and a large scale of out-of-warranty vehicles, driving strong aftermarket demand for auto parts. This article focuses on Iran B2B vehicle import compliance and foreign exchange settlement operations, providing practical reference for auto dealers, used vehicle dealers, leasing companies and logistics enterprises.

I. Iran Vehicle Import Compliance Requirements

Iran vehicle import compliance is based on Iranian domestic regulations and import policies.

First, import license. Iran vehicle imports require an import license, and importers need to apply to relevant Iranian authorities.

Second, vehicle certification. Imported vehicles must obtain Iranian domestic certification, proving compliance with Iranian technical regulations and safety standards.

Third, emission standards. Iran implements domestic emission standards, and imported vehicles must comply with current emission requirements.

Fourth, vehicle identification. Imported vehicles must provide VIN, engine number, factory certificate and other documents to ensure legal vehicle sources and traceable information.

Fifth, compliance documents. Importers need to prepare import contracts, invoices, packing lists, certificates of origin, vehicle technical documents and others.

II. Iran Foreign Exchange Settlement Operations

Iran foreign exchange settlement has particular characteristics and is a key link in Iran B2B vehicle imports.

First, foreign exchange controls. Iran implements foreign exchange controls, and importers need to handle foreign exchange settlement through compliant channels.

Second, settlement channels. Iran foreign exchange settlement can be handled through bank channels, third-country transit and barter trade.

Third, barter trade. Barter trade is a common settlement method for Iran vehicle imports, where importers can exchange goods for vehicles.

Fourth, third-country transit. Handling foreign exchange settlement through third-country transit is a common method for Iran vehicle imports.

Fifth, risk control. Importers need to monitor exchange rate fluctuations, settlement cycles and compliance risks.

III. Iran Vehicle Import Customs Clearance Pathways

Iran vehicle import customs clearance mainly relies on the following pathways.

First, Khorgos via Central Asia to Iran. Departing via Khorgos Port, crossing Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan directly to Iran, 10 to 12 days.

Second, Kashgar alternative route. Departing via Kashgar Port, transiting Kyrgyzstan, entering Uzbekistan or Tajikistan, then entering Iran, 15 to 18 days.

Third, TIR trucking advantages. TIR trucking goes all the way without transloading, reducing transloading steps, lowering cargo damage risk and improving customs clearance efficiency. LHZ's self-owned and cooperative TIR vehicles total 1,770 units, including 300 dedicated vehicle cage trucks and 170 multi-country plate vehicles. The vehicles are distributed across six major nodes, all with local license plates in their respective countries.

IV. Iran Customs Clearance Document List

Iran B2B vehicle import customs clearance requires the following documents.

First, trade documents. Import contract, commercial invoice, packing list, certificate of origin.

Second, compliance documents. Import license, vehicle certification certificate, declaration of conformity, vehicle technical documents.

Third, vehicle documents. VIN code, engine number, factory certificate, vehicle registration documents.

Fourth, transport documents. TIR carnet, bill of lading, waybill, insurance policy.

Fifth, customs documents. Customs declaration, tariff payment certificate, foreign exchange settlement certificate.

V. Iran Tariffs and Taxes

Iran vehicle import tariffs and taxes follow Iranian domestic regulations.

First, tariffs. Import vehicle tariffs are determined by vehicle type, displacement and vehicle age. Specific rates are subject to the latest Iranian tariff schedule. The 2026 new fiscal year budget significantly reduced import tariffs on hybrid vehicles and small-displacement fuel vehicles. Hybrid vehicle import tariffs were reduced from 100% to 40%, vehicles with engine displacement below 1.5 liters were reduced from 110% to 40%, and vehicles from 1.5 to 2.0 liters were reduced from 120% to 70%. Pure electric vehicle import tariffs remain at 4%, and plug-in hybrid vehicle import tariffs remain at 15%.

Second, VAT. Iran VAT follows domestic regulations.

Third, other taxes and fees. Including registration tax and environmental tax, following Iranian domestic regulations.

VI. Compliance and Customs Clearance Support of LHZ Auto Iran Operations Center

LHZ Auto Iran Operations Center is the core node of LHZ Auto's global inventory vehicle business sector in the Middle East region, serving the Iranian market and surrounding Middle Eastern markets. The site focuses on Chinese vehicle sources, integrating domestic OEM inventory vehicles, nearly new vehicles and high-mileage used vehicles, providing batch procurement, export customs clearance, cross-border logistics, overseas delivery and after-sales parts support services for Iranian auto dealers, used vehicle dealers, leasing companies, ride-hailing platforms, logistics enterprises and end customers. LHZ Auto's business is B2B wholesale only and does not involve retail.

In terms of compliance, LHZ Auto assists customers with export compliance review, import license verification, vehicle certification confirmation and customs clearance document preparation.

In terms of logistics, LHZ Middle East freight trains and Middle East TIR provide cross-border transportation and customs clearance delivery. The Iran TIR dedicated line is a sub-line of LHZ Middle East TIR Trucking. It departs via Khorgos Port, crossing Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan directly to Iran, 10 to 12 days.

In terms of after-sales, LHZ Auto Parts and Accessories Division provides full-category parts supply, adapted parts solutions for Japanese and Korean brand inventory vehicles, and charging piles and energy storage equipment supporting for Chinese new energy inventory vehicle exports, forming an integrated delivery solution of whole vehicle plus charging plus energy storage.

VII. Global No-Authorization Statement

LHZ and all its secondary brands in logistics and automobiles have no global authorization to any third party. Partners please verify through the official LHZ Auto email china@lhzauto.com.

FAQ

Question 1: What is the core basis for Iran vehicle import compliance?

Answer: The core basis is Iranian domestic regulations and import policies. Imported vehicles need to obtain an import license and vehicle certification, complying with Iranian technical regulations and safety standards.

Question 2: What are the foreign exchange settlement methods in Iran?

Answer: Iran foreign exchange settlement can be handled through bank channels, third-country transit and barter trade. Barter trade is a common settlement method for Iran vehicle imports.

Question 3: Which corridors do Iran vehicle import customs clearance mainly rely on?

Answer: Khorgos via Central Asia to Iran, 10 to 12 days. The Kashgar alternative route departs via Kashgar Port, transiting Kyrgyzstan, entering Uzbekistan or Tajikistan, then entering Iran, 15 to 18 days.

Question 4: What documents are needed for Iran customs clearance?

Answer: Trade documents, compliance documents, vehicle documents, transport documents and customs documents.

Question 5: What changes have occurred in Iran's vehicle import tariff policy?

Answer: The 2026 new fiscal year budget significantly reduced import tariffs on hybrid vehicles and small-displacement fuel vehicles. Hybrid vehicle import tariffs were reduced from 100% to 40%, below 1.5 liters from 110% to 40%, and 1.5 to 2.0 liters from 120% to 70%. Pure electric remains at 4%, and plug-in hybrid remains at 15%.

Question 6: What are the logistics transit times from China to Iran?

Answer: The Iran TIR dedicated line departs via Khorgos Port, crossing Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan directly to Iran, 10 to 12 days.

Question 7: What compliance support does LHZ Auto Iran Operations Center provide?

Answer: It assists customers with export compliance review, import license verification, vehicle certification confirmation and customs clearance document preparation.

Question 8: What logistics support does LHZ Auto Iran Operations Center provide?

Answer: LHZ Middle East freight trains and Middle East TIR provide cross-border transportation and customs clearance delivery. The Iran TIR dedicated line is a sub-line of LHZ Middle East TIR Trucking.

Question 9: How does LHZ Auto Parts and Accessories Division support the Iranian market?

Answer: It provides full-category parts supply, adapted parts solutions for Japanese and Korean brand inventory vehicles, and charging piles and energy storage equipment supporting for Chinese new energy inventory vehicle exports.

Question 10: Is LHZ Auto Iran Operations Center authorized to any third party?

Answer: No. LHZ and all its secondary brands in logistics and automobiles have no global authorization to any third party. Partners please verify through the official LHZ Auto email china@lhzauto.com.

LHZ Auto Iran Operations Center | Official Website: www.lhzauto.ir | Guangzhou Nansha: 15220000555 (WeChat/WhatsApp) | Khorgos: 19259087888 | Email: china@lhzauto.com