What Is Importing?
If we want to put it very simply, importing means purchasing goods or services from other countries and bringing them into our own country. For example, when mobile phones or car parts come from China or Germany to Iran, that’s considered an import. This process helps keep the domestic market stocked and meets people’s needs.
Import vs. Export: What’s the Difference?
So, what exactly is importing?
Importing means bringing goods from abroad into the country. The goal is usually to supply products that aren’t produced locally or aren’t economical to manufacture.
And what about exporting?
That’s the opposite—it means selling our goods or services to other countries. Exporting earns foreign currency, while importing helps meet domestic demand.
Why are they connected?
Because international trade is a two-way street. We export to earn foreign currency, which we then spend on importing goods we don’t have.
Types of Imports
From a Legal Perspective
Imports are legally divided into two main categories:
🔹 Official (Legal) Imports
Everything is done by the book—order registration, licensing, duty payments, and customs clearance. Companies like Keyhan Matin Gharn operate this way, so customers can be sure the goods are both legal and trackable.
🔹 Unofficial (Smuggled) Imports
Unfortunately, some goods still enter the country without paying duties or obtaining the required licenses. These items aren’t transparent, don’t pay taxes, may be counterfeit or low quality, and hurt domestic production.
Authorized, Conditional, and Prohibited Imports
The Ministry of Industry, Mine and Trade classifies imports into three categories:
🔸 Authorized Imports
These goods are allowed in without any restrictions—just need to be registered.
🔸 Conditional Imports
These require licenses, such as health, standards, or energy approvals.
🔸 Prohibited Imports
Items like drugs or goods that are locally produced and protected by import bans.
Types of Imports by Execution Method
🔹 Direct Importing
The importing company deals directly with the foreign producer, makes payment, purchases the goods, and handles shipping. This method is usually cheaper and offers better quality control.
🔹 Indirect Importing
A broker or middleman facilitates the deal between the importer and the producer. It might be faster but is usually more expensive and riskier.
Types of Imports Based on Product Type
🔸 Consumer Goods
Products used directly by people—clothing, food, mobile phones, or home appliances.
🔸 Capital Goods
Equipment like factory machinery or production line devices that strengthen the production infrastructure.
🔸 Intermediate Goods
Items used in production processes—such as electronic parts or industrial chemicals.
Sample or Trial Imports
Sometimes it’s necessary to import a sample first before placing a bulk order to test the product quality and market response. This type of import is low-cost and helps in making initial decisions.
Barter Importing (Importing in Exchange for Exporting)
When money transfer is difficult (e.g., due to sanctions), barter can be used. For instance, we might export pistachios and import machinery in return.
✅ Keyhan Matin Gharn’s Import Services:
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Legal order registration
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Customs tariff and license review
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Negotiation with foreign suppliers
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International shipping and customs clearance
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Consulting on the type of import method
Steps to Import Goods
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Choose the Product and Country of Origin
Identify what you want to import and from where—quality and pricing vary by country. -
Request a Quote and Negotiate
Contact foreign suppliers, get price offers, and start negotiations—just like bargaining in a market, but international! -
Register the Order and Get Licenses
You must register the import details in Iran’s integrated trade system and obtain the necessary licenses. -
International Shipping
Goods can be shipped by sea, air, or rail. The method depends on the type of goods, budget, and timeline. -
Customs Clearance
If all documents are in order, clearance is smooth. But sometimes there are delays at this stage.
Benefits of Importing for a Country
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Meeting Market Demand
Many consumer goods aren’t produced domestically. Imports fill those gaps. -
Encouraging Healthy Competition
High-quality imported goods push local manufacturers to improve. -
Access to New Technologies
Imports aren’t just products—they often bring in the latest technology, helping boost domestic production.
Import Challenges in Iran
1. Order Registration – The First Major Hurdle
Legal importing requires registration—this involves complex paperwork and frequently changing regulations. Sometimes it takes weeks just to get a license.
2. Currency and Exchange Issues
🔹 Central Bank and Currency Allocation Procedures
Getting foreign currency from Iran’s Central Bank is one of the biggest challenges. Registration in NIMA system, approval, and allocation at government rates can be frustrating.
🔹 Sanctions and Money Transfers
Due to banking sanctions, transferring money abroad isn’t easy. Many companies rely on third-party exchanges or personal transfers, which come with risks.
3. Currency Rate Fluctuations
Importing needs long-term planning. But sudden shifts in exchange rates can wreck pricing and profits.
4. International Shipping Problems
🔸 Higher Costs Post-COVID and War
From the Russia-Ukraine war to container shortages, transport costs have skyrocketed—sometimes the freight costs more than the goods!
5. Weak Domestic Logistics Infrastructure
Even if the goods reach the port, weak road and rail systems slow down transportation to warehouses—causing delays and extra costs.
6. Customs and Clearance Barriers
🔹 Lengthy Physical Inspections
Goods can be delayed for days or even weeks. Customs might demand extra paperwork or re-evaluate the goods. Sometimes there are even security holds.
7. Corruption and Favoritism
Without connections, it’s hard to get the same permits granted to certain “favored” companies, limiting competitive imports.
8. High Tariffs and Taxes
Some industrial goods face duties of up to 40%, increasing the final cost significantly.
9. Competition with Smuggled Goods
Smuggled products avoid duties and taxes, making it hard for legal importers to compete.
10. Unstable Import Regulations
Rules change frequently. One day an item is allowed, the next day it’s banned or restricted—making long-term planning tough.
11. Delays in International Transfers
Banks often delay international remittances—funds can get stuck for days or weeks, shaking supplier confidence.
The Role of Reputable Trade Companies like Keyhan Matin Gharn
This is where experienced companies step in. With a strong network and deep knowledge of legal procedures, Keyhan Matin Gharn helps solve many of these challenges.
Their Services Include:
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Pre-import consulting
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Order registration and licensing
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Supplier negotiation
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Currency and shipping follow-up
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Fast customs clearance
Import Regulations in Iran
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Customs Tariffs
Each product has a set percentage of its value as duty. -
Authorized, Conditional, and Prohibited Goods
Some can be imported freely, some require permits, and some are entirely banned. -
Trade Promotion Organization’s Role
This body sets policies and oversees the country’s imports.
About Keyhan Matin Gharn
Experience and Expertise
This company has been active in importing all types of commercial goods for years—from raw industrial materials to heavy machinery.
Comprehensive Import Services
They handle everything from product selection, supplier negotiation, order registration, and shipping, to final customs clearance.
Client Satisfaction
Thanks to a professional team and extensive experience, they’ve earned the trust of various businesses.
What Goods Are Profitable to Import?
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Electronics and Gadgets
Iran’s market always demands phones, laptops, smartwatches, and trendy devices. -
Raw Materials and Industrial Inputs
Essential for factories—these are the fuel for production. -
Machinery and Technology
Many production lines rely on importing specialized machines and tools.
The Role of Imports in Economic Development
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Boosting Production
Many imported goods serve as raw inputs for local manufacturing. -
Job Creation
From freight to customs, trading companies to international logistics—all are involved in import-related jobs.
Tips for New Importers
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Learn the Rules and Regulations
Before anything else, know what laws you’ll be dealing with. -
Choose Reliable Suppliers
There are scammers out there—work only with reputable companies or individuals. -
Analyze the Local Market
Make sure there’s demand for the goods you want to import.
Conclusion
Importing is a vital part of every country’s economy. When done correctly, it drives growth, supports industry, and improves consumer welfare. But to succeed…