Car Export to Iran from China
Wholesale supply to Bandar Abbas with left-hand drive configuration confirmed before deposit, ISIRI-aligned conformity and pre-shipment inspection arranged in China, and a 120-point check before loading.
Why Iran Dealers Buy Chinese Vehicles
Supply origin in this market has shifted decisively toward China over the past few years. Here is what that means for a dealer or importer sourcing stock.
Left-hand drive only, confirmed in writing
Iran is a left-hand drive market, and the specification is mandatory rather than a preference. Steering configuration for every Iran order is confirmed before a deposit is taken, and right-hand drive units cannot be registered.
Displacement stays under the tariff cliff
Iranian import duty steps up sharply with engine displacement, and the band above 2.0 litres is punitive. We build model recommendations around the displacement band rather than around purchase price, because the border charge moves more than the FOB price does.
Permit and conformity paperwork handled in China
The import permit is issued in Iran, and the conformity and pre-shipment inspection steps run in China before loading. We schedule the inspection as soon as shipping space is confirmed so the certificate travels with the documents rather than chasing the vessel.
Bandar Abbas as the primary gateway
Bandar Abbas handles the bulk of Iranian container and vehicle traffic, with Bandar Imam Khomeini serving the northern industrial corridor. We quote against the gateway your clearing agent nominates.
Import Compliance: What Iran Requires
These are the compliance steps for an Iran consignment, in the order they actually happen.
- Import permit and registration of the importerThe Iranian importer registers the consignment and obtains the import permit through the national trade system. The permit carries an authorised quantity, so the size of each consignment is set at this stage rather than after the order is placed.
- Conformity and type approval documentationVehicles must meet Iranian conformity requirements, which cover safety, emissions and equipment. The relevant certification is issued against the model, and the documentation has to be in place before the shipment is presented for clearance.
- Pre-shipment inspection in ChinaAn inspection is carried out at the loading port in China before the vehicle is loaded. It verifies the VIN, manufacturing date, left-hand drive configuration, roadworthiness and equipment against the file, and issues the report the destination requires.
- Customs clearance at Bandar AbbasClearance runs against the bill of lading, commercial invoice, packing list, certificate of origin, conformity documentation and the inspection report. Duty and the tax components are assessed on the CIF value at this point.
- Registration and platesAfter release the vehicle is registered locally against the clearance originals. The document set is kept together, because registration requires the originals rather than copies.
The step that matters most: The calculation that decides whether an Iran consignment works is the displacement band, not the purchase price. Two vehicles of similar size and similar FOB cost can land at very different totals because the duty rate steps up at the engine-capacity thresholds. We read the displacement and the model year off the file before quoting, so you are comparing landed cost rather than FOB price.
Documents we provide
| Document | What it is for | When |
|---|---|---|
| Proforma Invoice | Basis of the import declaration and the letter of credit | Before deposit |
| Certificate of Conformity | Enables destination clearance and registration | Before sailing |
| Bill of Lading | Title document for the delivery order | 3–5 days after departure |
| Commercial Invoice | Customs valuation and duty assessment | Before departure |
| Packing List | Port inspection and VIN verification | Before departure |
| Certificate of Origin | Customs and preferential-duty compliance | On B/L issuance |
| Inspection Report | Independent record of condition before loading | Before final payment |
On document accuracy: destination customs systems cross-check every character across the invoice, packing list, bill of lading and certificate of conformity. We verify all of them against each other before the original bill of lading is printed.
Ports and Shipping to Iran
We ship from Chinese ports to Bandar Abbas and Bandar Imam Khomeini on container and RoRo services.
| Gateway | Typical use | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Bandar Abbas | Primary vehicle gateway | Handles the bulk of container and vehicle traffic; clearing agent nomination drives the routing |
| Bandar Imam Khomeini | Northern industrial corridor | Suited to consignments destined inland toward Tehran and the industrial belt |
| Bandar Anzali / Caspian | Caspian corridor | Used where the inland routing makes the northern approach cheaper; confirm before nominating |
Plan for port-side time, not just ocean time. Clearance at Bandar Abbas adds time after arrival, and storage charges begin once the free period ends. The quotation carries a realistic door-to-door estimate rather than ocean transit alone.
Container loading. A 40HQ container typically carries three to four SUVs or four to five sedans depending on dimensions. Mixed model loads are routine for dealers testing a new line.
How Iran Import Duty Works
We quote FOB or CIF. Assessment happens at destination on the CIF value, in the structure below.
| Component | Applies to |
|---|---|
| Import duty on passenger vehicles | CIF value, banded by engine displacement |
| Value added tax | CIF value plus duty |
| Commercial margin levy | Assessed on the declared value |
| Port and terminal charges | Per consignment |
Why there is no total percentage here: We deliberately do not publish a total percentage. The duty bands move with engine displacement, the age of the unit changes the treatment, and the margin levy is assessed separately from duty. Your proforma invoice sets out the structure for your specific units, and we recommend confirming the final figure with a licensed Iranian clearing agent before you commit.
Vehicle age and eligibility
Iran applies an age window to imported vehicles rather than an open policy, and the permitted range is narrower than most markets we supply. The window is enforced at the permit and clearance stage, so an ineligible unit cannot simply be cleared at a higher rate. We verify the manufacturing date from the VIN and confirm the position for your specific model year before any commitment is made.
Models Iran Dealers Order Most
Drawn from current demand in Tehran, Isfahan and Shiraz. Every model below is available from our catalogue or on allocation.
| Segment | Models in our catalogue | Why it sells |
|---|---|---|
| Compact and mid-size sedans | Toyota Corolla · Kia K3 · Hyundai Elantra · Toyota Camry | The volume segment; chosen on the displacement band |
| Compact SUVs | Toyota Frontlander · Changan CS35 Plus · Nissan X-Trail | Family and urban use at a favourable duty band |
| Mid-size SUVs | Toyota Highlander · Kia Seltos · BYD Song Plus | Where the quota supports a higher-value unit |
| New energy | BYD · Zeekr · Changan electric and plug-in hybrid models | Assessed differently from petrol; confirm banding before ordering |
Need a model that is not listed? Send the model, year and quantity, and our sourcing goes beyond the catalogue shown on this site.
How Ordering Works
- Send your RFQModel list, quantities, target model years and destination port.
- Receive a quote within one business dayStructured FOB or CIF pricing with unit prices, container or routing plan and lead time.
- Confirm and pay a depositVehicles are reserved and the pre-shipment inspection is scheduled. The deposit and balance schedule is set out in your proforma invoice.
- Pre-shipment inspectionPhotographs and video of the actual units before loading, sent to you for approval.
- Balance, loading and departureDocuments are couriered to you so your bank and agent can complete the destination formalities.
Order sizes. Volume wholesale terms apply for dealers and distributors, and single-unit orders can be quoted FOB on request. Tell us your model mix and destination and we will confirm terms for your specific order.
Iran Import FAQ
Is left-hand drive required for Iran?
How does engine displacement affect the cost of importing to Iran?
What conformity and inspection steps does Iran require?
How is an import permit obtained?
How old can an imported vehicle be in Iran?
How long does shipping from China to Bandar Abbas take?
What is the minimum order quantity?
How many cars fit in one container?
How do I start an order?
Do you supply used vehicles as well as new ones?
Request an Iran FOB Quote
Send your model list, quantities, target model years and destination port. Our export team replies within one business day with pricing, a container plan and lead time.