Customs Clearance of Medical Goods
With Specialized Legal Services from Rahamco’s Trading Department
Importing and Customs Clearance of Medical Goods
Importing and clearing medical goods through customs is one of the most crucial and complex stages in the supply chain for the healthcare, treatment, and medical equipment sectors. Given their direct impact on public health, these items are subject to stricter legal and regulatory requirements than most other product categories. Success in this area demands full mastery of customs regulations, obtaining Ministry of Health licenses, accurate selection of HS tariff codes, and leveraging the expertise of professional customs clearance and trade consulting companies.
Legal Structure and Steps in Medical Equipment Customs Clearance
The clearance process for medical equipment is conducted under stringent oversight and requires obtaining specialized permits from relevant authorities. Omitting any step can lead to legal consequences, heavy fines, or even seizure or return of goods. Leveraging its experienced legal and specialist team, Rahamco’s Trading Department covers all the following steps in accordance with the latest laws and directives:
Order Registration in the Integrated Trade System:
The initial step is to register the order for medical equipment in the Ministry of Industry, Mine and Trade’s integrated trade system. At this stage, detailed information regarding the goods, country of origin, nature and intended use, and product authenticity are identified.
Obtaining Specialized Permits from the Ministry of Health (Medical Devices Department):
Most medical equipment requires an entry license (IMED) from the Medical Devices Department of the Ministry of Health—ensuring compliance with national standards and safety.
Submitting Proforma Invoice and Finalizing Order Registration:
Uploading the foreign seller’s proforma invoice and other related documents in the trade system and receiving final order registration approval is necessary to proceed.
Submitting Shipping Documents to Customs, Technical and Tariff Assessment:
Upon arrival in Iran, documents such as the Bill of Lading, warehouse receipt, final invoice, and permits must be submitted for technical assessment and customs duty calculation. Accurate HS Code determination is the crucial part of this stage.
Payment of Customs Duties and Value-Added Tax:
Duties are calculated based on CIF value and other legal charges. Prompt payment is necessary for obtaining customs release. Discrepancies or delays can incur legal penalties.
Final Procedures and Issuance of Customs Release:
After final document verification, payment of fees, and authentication, the customs release permit is issued, and the goods are transferred from the customs warehouse to the designated recipient, in full legal compliance.
Legal advice: Entrusting these processes to unqualified individuals significantly increases risks of fines, delays, or legal complications.
Required Documents for Medical Goods Customs Clearance
Legal clearance of medical equipment is only possible with the full and accurate provision of the following documents:
- Valid Proforma Invoice with itemized specifications, unit and total price
- Bill of Lading / Air Waybill with official shipping details
- Approved Order Registration from the integrated trade system
- IMED License from the Medical Devices Department (essential for importation)
- Certificate of Origin issued by the Chamber of Commerce of the country of origin
- Commercial Invoice (final purchase invoice)
- International Transport Insurance Certificate
- Completed Customs Declaration registered in the EPL system
- Official customs warehouse receipt
- Final customs release permit
Legal Note: Any deficiency, tampering, or non-conformity in documentation can lead to seizure, heavy fines, or even legal prosecution. Documents should only be prepared and finalized with reputable companies.
Medical Equipment Tariffs and Customs Duties Calculation
HS Code Determination:
The foundation for calculating import duties, charges, and the requirement for permits rests on the correct entry of the HS Code.
Valuation Based on CIF:
Duties are calculated using the formula: (item price + insurance cost + shipping cost).
Exemptions and Preferential Tariffs:
Some consumable medical goods may qualify for exemptions or lower tariffs given their healthcare nature—determined only by expert assessment.
Value-Added Tax (VAT):
In addition to formal tariffs, a 10% VAT is added to the full value of goods and associated costs.
Ancillary Charges:
Includes warehousing, laboratory, Ministry of Health inspection, and broker fees, all of which should be considered in the overall clearance cost calculations.
Legal Advice: Any error in tariff code selection or under-declaration of value is considered an offense and may be legally prosecuted by customs authorities.
Key Legal and Practical Tips to Expedite Medical Goods Clearance
- Full preparation and verification of all documents before goods arrive
- Accurate HS Code assignment based on the nature and function of devices
- Timely coordination with the Medical Devices Department and other regulatory authorities
- Engaging specialized customs attorneys and experienced trading companies
- Prompt payment of all due duties and taxes
- Verification and validation of all transport, shipping, and invoice documents
- Online tracking of case status via EPL and Trade System portals
- Maintaining ongoing, effective communication with customs and health officials
- Utilizing digital tools to control and minimize delay risks
Rahamco Trading Department’s Professional Medical Goods Clearance Services
The Rahamco Trading Department, backed by a proven track record, full command of up-to-date regulations, and a certified legal-commercial team, provides a complete suite of legal consulting, document preparation and follow-up, coordination with relevant authorities, and execution of all operational steps in the fastest and most secure manner:
- Expert consulting in tariff selection and documentation
- Obtaining IMED permits and related clearances
- Managing all order registration steps and direct coordination with the Ministry of Health and Customs
- Providing cost-reducing and risk-mitigation solutions
- Real-time status reporting via the EPL system
- Active Rahamco representatives at customs sites to expedite procedures
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Do all medical devices require Ministry of Health permits?
Yes, nearly all medical equipment must obtain a license from the Medical Devices Department before import; only a few simple items may be exempt.
How long does the medical goods clearance process take?
Provided that documents and permits are complete, typically 3–7 working days. Otherwise, the timeline depends on the specific issue.
Can importers clear goods on their own?
Legally, yes. However, due to complex technical and legal requirements, it is strongly recommended to use specialized firms like Rahamco’s Trading Department.
What are the main reasons for delays or holds in clearance?
Incomplete documentation, lack of permits or proper approvals, incomplete order registration, or incorrect HS Code entry are the main causes.
Contact Rahamco Trading Department for Medical Goods Clearance
Rahamco’s experts are committed to providing professional, transparent, and responsible support throughout the entire process—from order registration to final delivery of goods.