Transit guide
Transit through Iran, step by step
Transit cargo enters Iran at a port or border, crosses the country under customs control, and leaves at another border without paying Iranian import duties. Here is how a typical shipment moves.
Before the cargo ships
Most transit problems start with the paperwork at origin. Before loading, make sure that:
- The bill of lading shows the final destination country and the final consignee, and states that the cargo is in transit through Iran.
- The commercial invoice and packing list match the bill of lading in description, weight and number of packages.
- The goods are allowed to transit Iran. Some goods need a transit permit and some cannot transit at all. We check this before you book.
The journey through Iran
- Arrival and dischargeThe vessel discharges at the Iranian port and the cargo enters the customs area.
- Transit declarationOur customs broker files the transit declaration at the port customs office, naming the exit border.
- GuaranteeCustoms needs security for the duties that would apply if the goods stayed in Iran: a TIR carnet, a bank guarantee or an insurance bond.
- Inspection and sealingCustoms may inspect the cargo. The truck, wagon or container is then sealed for the journey.
- Transport to the borderA licensed carrier moves the cargo by road or rail to the exit border within the time limit set by customs.
- Exit and releaseExit customs checks the seals and closes the transit declaration. The guarantee is then released.
- Onward deliveryThe cargo continues to the consignee, with our partners handling clearance in the destination country.
Documents you will need
- Original bill of lading or sea waybill
- Commercial invoice
- Packing list
- Certificate of origin, where required
- Transit permit, for goods that need one
- TIR carnet or CMR consignment note for road transport
Where shipments get delayed
The most common causes are a mismatch between the bill of lading and the invoice, a missing permit, and late payment of port charges. Each of these can hold a container at the port for days.
Most of the time lost in transit is lost on paper, not on the road. The mistakes we see most often at Bandar Abbas (Shahid Rajaee) and Chabahar:
- The bill of lading does not say transit. If the B/L names an Iranian consignee or does not show the final destination, the cargo is treated as an import and the transit declaration cannot be filed until the B/L is corrected or switched.
- Descriptions that do not match. The B/L, invoice and packing list must describe the goods, weights and number of packages the same way. Vague words like “spare parts” or “general cargo” almost always lead to an inspection.
- Weight differences. A container that weighs very differently from the B/L at the port weighbridge is held until the difference is explained.
- Permits found too late. Goods that need a transit permit should be checked before booking, not after discharge.
- Free time runs out. The shipping line's free days for the container start at discharge. Transit to a landlocked country takes longer than an import, so agree enough free time and the empty return depot with the line before shipping.
- The guarantee is arranged late. Customs will not release transit cargo without its guarantee, so the TIR carnet, bank guarantee or bond should be ready when the ship arrives.
Bandar Abbas has the most sailings and services. Chabahar is closer to Afghanistan and eastern routes but has fewer direct calls, so check the feeder connection before choosing it.
General guidance, last reviewed November 2026. Rules change often; ask us to confirm the requirements for your shipment.