Ship vehicles from China to Iran with full IRICA duty estimates and import license support.

Total taxes vary dramatically based on engine size. The 'rights of entry' (Hoquq-e-Voroudi) combines customs duty and commercial benefit tax: 20% (≤1,500cc), 40% (1,500–2,000cc), 155% (2,000–2,500cc), 180% (2,500–3,000cc), 190% (>3,000cc). Hybrids pay 15%, and EVs pay just 4%. VAT at 9% on CIF plus duty.

Iran enforces a strict 5-year age limit for used vehicle imports, calculated from the production date (model year encoded in the VIN), not the date of first registration. For 2026 imports, the vehicle must be a 2021 model year or newer. Used vehicles must have a maximum of 100,000 km on the odometer.

Generally, no — standard vehicle imports are restricted to licensed importing companies registered with MIMT. However, Iranian nationals residing abroad with valid residency permits may import one vehicle per person under the 'Iranian Abroad' scheme, outside the main import quota.

No. Iran drives on the right-hand side of the road and IRICA strictly prohibits the import of RHD vehicles. RHD vehicles are refused entry regardless of age, condition, or documentation.

The Sabt-e-Sefaresh (Import License / Order Registration) is a mandatory pre-approval from MIMT that authorizes the import of a specific vehicle. It must be obtained before the vehicle is shipped from China. Without a valid Sabt-e-Sefaresh, the vehicle cannot be loaded onto a vessel for Iran.

Under Article 10 of the Automotive Industry Reform Law (2021), every vehicle imported into Iran requires a scrappage certificate (gavahi-ye-esghat). This means one end-of-life vehicle must be scrapped for each new import. The cost is typically $200–$500.

Yes, and it is strongly encouraged. Electric vehicles attract only 4% import duty, compared to 20–190% for petrol vehicles. A typical EV import would pay: 4% duty on CIF + 9% VAT on (CIF + duty), for a total tax burden of approximately 13–14% of CIF.

Yes, and hybrids benefit from a reduced duty rate of 15% — significantly lower than petrol equivalents (20–190%). For example, a mid-size hybrid SUV pays 15% duty versus 40% for its petrol equivalent.

American-origin vehicles are strictly banned; RHD vehicles are prohibited; diesel-powered passenger cars are not allowed; super-luxury vehicles face additional restrictions; and vehicles without an established after-sales service network in Iran are effectively blocked.

The Central Bank of Iran does not provide foreign currency for vehicle imports through the banking system. Importers must source their own foreign currency from export proceeds, foreign bank accounts, or foreign investment. Using unauthorized currency channels can result in the import license being revoked.

Chery is the leading Chinese brand in Iran, with the Tiggo 7 and Tiggo 8 being highly popular through its partnership with MVM. Changan follows closely with the CS35 Plus and CS55. BYD is the leading EV brand. Geely has a presence through the Bahman Group partnership.

Yes, a licensed customs broker (Tarkhis Kar) is required for all vehicle imports into Iran. A customs broker typically charges $300–$800 depending on vehicle value and complexity.

Day 1–5 vehicle selection and Sabt-e-Sefaresh application; Day 6–10 procurement and pre-shipment inspection; Day 11–16 documentation preparation; Day 17 container loading; Day 18–42 sea transit to Bandar Abbas (20–28 days); Day 43–50 customs clearance (5–10 business days); Day 51–53 inland trucking to Tehran. Total: approximately 7–8 weeks.

The Commercial Invoice and Certificate of Origin must be dual-attested — first by CCPIT and then legalized by the Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Beijing. The legalization process takes approximately 5–7 working days. Cost is approximately $100–$200 per document set.

All vehicles are fully insured during transit from our facilities in Beijing and Guizhou until arrival at Bandar Abbas. We insure at 110% of the CIF value. We have maintained a 95% damage-free delivery rate on the Iran route.