Trade between China and Iran continues to expand steadily in 2025, supported by strong cooperation in machinery, automotive, electronics, textiles, and construction materials.

Despite certain international trade restrictions, logistics between China and Iran remain active through direct sea and air freight routes, as well as regional transit hubs in the UAE, Turkey, and Oman.

Shipping from China to Iran requires careful planning to balance cost, transit time, and customs compliance.

Thanks to modern logistics networks and specialized DDP (Delivered Duty Paid) services, importers can now receive goods door-to-door in Tehran, Shiraz, Isfahan, and Mashhad — without the need for a local import license.

🔹 Key Shipping Highlights

Most shipments to Iran are routed through UAE or Oman to ensure smooth customs processing and compliance with trade regulations.

🔹 Why Iran is a Key Trade Partner for China

• 🇨🇳 China is Iran’s largest trading partner, accounting for over 25% of total imports.
• 🇮🇷 Iran’s key imports from China include industrial machinery, spare parts, electronics, and textiles.
• The Bandar Abbas and Chabahar ports handle over 80% of Iran’s seaborne imports, making them essential logistics gateways.
• The Tehran Imam Khomeini International Airport (IKA) manages most air cargo shipments, supported by customs zones in Mashhad and Shiraz.

Even with global restrictions, cross-border trade remains stable due to long-term economic cooperation under regional agreements like the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO).

🔹 Challenges & Opportunities (2025 Outlook)

Challenges

• Limited direct shipping lines due to international sanctions
• Currency and banking restrictions (USD payment limits)
• Extra clearance steps for certain goods (electronics, chemicals)

Opportunities

• Strong demand for Chinese industrial goods & spare parts
• Reliable DDP services that simplify import formalities
• Growing e-commerce trade with Tehran-based distributors

Smart logistics routing — such as consolidating cargo in Dubai or Muscat before re-export to Iran — helps maintain both speed and compliance.

🔹 Recommended Strategy for 2025

1. Use DDP Air or DDP Sea if you don’t have an import license in Iran.
2. For bulk shipments, use FCL Sea Freight via Dubai → Bandar Abbas route.
3. For small, urgent goods, choose Air Freight via UAE or Qatar.
4. Always confirm your forwarder is experienced in Iran customs & re-export procedures.
5. Request all-in-one quotations covering freight, customs, and final delivery to avoid hidden fees.

🔹 Example Quote Snapshot (2025 Average)

All rates are reference averages based on 2025 data. Actual quotes vary by season, cargo type, and pickup location.

Shipping costs from China to Iran in 2025 depend mainly on shipping mode, route, cargo type, and transit country.

Due to ongoing regional sanctions and limited direct routes, most shipments move via UAE, Oman, or Turkey, which slightly increases total lead time and handling fees.

Below is a 2025 snapshot of average freight rates and delivery times for major routes.

🔹 Average Freight Rates & Transit Times (2025 Reference)

All prices are 2025 averages based on 1–5 CBM or 100–300 kg shipments. Rates fluctuate seasonally due to fuel cost and vessel availability.

🔹 Breakdown of Shipping Costs (Sea & Air)

DDP quotes include all taxes and final delivery charges, so they appear slightly higher but eliminate hidden fees.

🔹 Factors Affecting Shipping Rates to Iran (2025)

• Transit Route: Direct vs via UAE / Oman / Turkey impacts both time and cost.
• Fuel Surcharge: Higher oil prices since late 2024 increase sea freight rates by 8–12%.
• Customs Risk Surcharge: Applied to sensitive goods (e.g. electronics, chemicals).
• Cargo Volume & Weight: LCL shipments are charged per CBM; Air freight by chargeable weight.
• Port Congestion: Seasonal delays at Dubai Jebel Ali or Bandar Abbas affect lead time.

For most small importers, DDP Sea and DDP Air remain the most cost-effective and predictable options in 2025.

Quick Example Scenarios

Sea freight is the most cost-effective and reliable method for shipping bulk cargo from China to Iran.

In 2025, due to regional restrictions and limited direct sailings, most sea shipments are routed via Dubai (UAE) or Sohar (Oman) before reaching Bandar Abbas or Chabahar Port in Iran.

For large-volume cargo such as machinery, building materials, or consumer goods, sea freight remains the preferred choice — offering the best price-per-unit ratio and stable schedules throughout the year.

🌊 Main Sea Routes from China to Iran

Direct routes between China and Iran remain limited, so most shipments transit through UAE or Oman under re-export terms.

🚢 Sea Freight Service Options

All rates are 2025 reference averages for standard goods (non-hazardous). Prices may vary due to port congestion or customs inspection fees.

⚙️ How DDP Sea Freight Works to Iran

Due to import restrictions, most DDP sea freight shipments operate through a re-export system via UAE or Oman:

1. Goods are shipped from China → Dubai / Sohar.
2. Your forwarder clears customs in the transit country.
3. Cargo is re-labeled or consolidated for export to Iran (Bandar Abbas or Chabahar).
4. The forwarder handles Iranian customs and tax declaration.
5. Goods are trucked to final destinations like Tehran, Shiraz, or Isfahan.

✅ Benefits of DDP Sea Shipping

• No import license required
• Taxes and duties included
• Simplified customs clearance
• Delivery directly to your warehouse or address in Iran

📦 Top Product Categories for Sea Freight to Iran

• Industrial machinery & spare parts
• Electrical and construction materials
• Furniture, tiles, sanitary ware
• Consumer electronics and home appliances
• Textiles and clothing in bulk
• Auto parts and equipment

Iran’s import market heavily depends on maritime routes — over 85% of cargo arrives via sea freight through Bandar Abbas and Chabahar.

💬 Pro Tips for Importers

• Book early: Weekly sailings can be limited; book at least 7–10 days before ETD.
• Choose FCL if your shipment exceeds 15 CBM — it’s safer and faster.
• Provide accurate HS codes and product descriptions to prevent customs delays.
• Use Form E (Certificate of Origin) to enjoy tariff reductions under China–Iran agreements.
• Partner with forwarders experienced in Dubai re-export logistics to avoid compliance issues.

Air freight is the fastest and most reliable shipping method from China to Iran, especially for time-sensitive or high-value cargo such as electronics, auto parts, and machinery components.
While direct flights are limited, transit via Dubai, Doha, or Istanbul makes air shipping to Iran both efficient and stable in 2025.

Air cargo typically arrives at Tehran Imam Khomeini International Airport (IKA) — Iran’s main air freight hub — with customs clearance and onward delivery available to major cities such as Isfahan, Shiraz, Mashhad, and Tabriz.

🔹 Key Air Freight Routes (2025 Reference)

Most shipments transit through UAE or Qatar for customs compliance and smoother clearance into Iran.

📦 Air Freight Rate Overview (2025 Reference)

Rates depend on season, airline capacity, and transit route (direct vs via Dubai/Doha).

⚙️ How Air Freight & DDP Air Work for Iran

Standard Air Freight Process

1. Cargo pickup from supplier (China).
2. Export customs clearance at origin airport (e.g., PVG, CAN, SZX).
3. Air shipment via Dubai / Doha / Istanbul transit.
4. Arrival at Tehran IKA Airport.
5. Import customs clearance and delivery to consignee.

DDP Air Freight (Recommended for SMEs)

1. Goods are shipped to a UAE transit hub (e.g., Dubai).
2. Forwarder handles re-export documents and Iran customs.
3. Shipment arrives at Tehran with all duties & VAT prepaid.
4. Goods are delivered door-to-door in Iran.

✅ Advantages of DDP Air Freight

• No import license required
• All-inclusive pricing (tax, customs, delivery)
• Faster release at Tehran IKA
• Ideal for small importers & e-commerce shipments

💰 Chargeable Weight Calculation (Simplified)

Instead of a complex mathematical formula, you can use this simple reference:

Chargeable Weight = The Greater of Actual Weight or Dimensional Weight

Dimensional Weight Formula:

L(cm) × W(cm) × H(cm) ÷ 6,000

Example:
A box measures 60 × 50 × 40 cm → (60×50×40)/6,000 = 20 kg.
If the actual weight is 18 kg → the chargeable weight = 20 kg.

Always check your packaging size before booking to avoid overpaying for volumetric weight.

🧾 Required Documents for Air Freight to Iran

• Commercial Invoice
• Packing List
• Air Waybill (AWB)
• Certificate of Origin (Form E preferred)
• Import License (for DAP shipments only)

💬 Pro Tips for Air Freight Importers

• Book early — air capacity fluctuates around Ramadan and Q4 peak season.
• Consolidate shipments if under 200 kg to save on handling fees.
• Ensure Form E is correctly issued for tariff reduction.
• Avoid shipping restricted goods (batteries, chemicals) without MSDS.
• For smaller cargo, DDP Air is faster and easier than standard CIF air freight.

For most importers, especially those without an Iranian import license, the easiest and safest way to ship from China to Iran is through Door-to-Door (DDP) shipping.
This service covers customs clearance, duties, VAT, and final delivery — allowing you to receive your goods anywhere in Iran without managing any local paperwork.

In contrast, DAP (Delivered at Place) means the forwarder only delivers to the destination port or airport, and you must handle customs and pay duties locally.

🔹 DDP vs DAP — Key Differences

In 2025, over 65% of China–Iran small and medium imports use DDP shipping via UAE re-export due to simplified clearance and payment convenience.

⚙️ How DDP Door-to-Door Shipping Works (via UAE / Oman)

1. Pickup in China → Your forwarder collects cargo from the supplier’s warehouse.
2. Export from China → Goods are shipped to Dubai (Jebel Ali) or Sohar (Oman).
3. Re-export to Iran → The forwarder handles export and re-labeling for compliance.
4. Customs Clearance in Iran → Managed by forwarder using import partner’s credentials.
5. Final Delivery → Delivered directly to your warehouse, factory, or retail shop in Iran.

✅ What’s Included in DDP:

• Export & import customs clearance
• Duties, VAT, and re-export documents
• Delivery to your door
• Cargo tracking & insurance
• Customer support throughout the process

📦 Available DDP Shipping Options (2025)

All prices include customs, VAT, and last-mile delivery within Iran (Tehran, Isfahan, Shiraz, Mashhad, Tabriz, etc.).

⚖️ When to Choose DDP or DAP

💬 Pro Tips for Importers

• Always confirm your forwarder uses registered importers in Iran for customs.
• Request a DDP quotation with a full cost breakdown before booking.
• For mixed goods, choose LCL DDP Sea Freight — cheaper per CBM than air.
• For small e-commerce shipments, use DDP Air Express via Dubai hub.
• Avoid undervaluing invoices — Iranian Customs enforces strict penalties.

🎯 Why Choose DDP with Our Team

• Operate dedicated DDP routes via UAE and Oman
• Experienced customs partners in Tehran and Bandar Abbas
• Transparent, fixed pricing (no hidden charges)
• Real-time cargo tracking and support
• Proven on-time delivery record (95%+)

Simplify your China-to-Iran logistics with a single contact — from pickup to door delivery.

Express shipping from China to Iran is ideal for samples, documents, and small parcels (below 100 kg) that require fast and reliable delivery.

However, due to international sanctions, direct courier services (DHL, FedEx, UPS) to Iran are restricted or temporarily unavailable.

In 2025, most express shipments are routed via Dubai (UAE) or Muscat (Oman) under DDP Express Re-export Channels, which ensure full delivery to Iran within 6–12 days.

🚀 Available Express & Courier Solutions

Most courier shipments to Iran are now processed through regional re-export hubs (Dubai or Muscat). Direct door delivery in Tehran, Isfahan, Shiraz, Mashhad, and Tabriz is supported via local partners.

🧾 When to Choose Express Shipping

• You’re sending samples, prototypes, or urgent replacement parts
• Cargo weight is below 100 kg
• Delivery needs to be within 6–12 days
• You need VAT and clearance handled automatically
• You want real-time tracking + guaranteed delivery

🚫 Avoid standard express channels if:

• You’re shipping large / bulky goods (prefer DDP Air or Sea)
• You need customs declaration for commercial invoices above $5,000
• Your shipment contains restricted items (chemicals, lithium batteries, etc.)

📦 Examples of Express-Eligible Goods

• Electronic components, sensors, PCB boards
• Jewelry, watches, and small accessories
• Automotive spare parts
• Medical or lab instruments
• Samples or trade show materials
• Urgent replacement machinery parts

All items are subject to customs inspection and must include a detailed invoice & packing list.

⚙️ How DDP Express Works (via UAE Transit)

1. Your goods are picked up from supplier in China.
2. Forwarder consolidates multiple parcels into a UAE-bound shipment.
3. Cargo clears export in China and arrives at Dubai hub.
4. Goods are re-labeled and re-exported to Iran as “regional deliveries.”
5. Local delivery partners handle customs and final door-to-door delivery within 1–3 days after arrival.

✅ What’s Included

• Export & import customs
• Duties and VAT
• Air transport
• Final delivery to recipient
• Real-time parcel tracking

💬 Pro Tips for Express Shippers

• 🧾 Always print 3 copies of your invoice and attach outside the parcel.
• 📦 Avoid shipment descriptions like “electronic devices” — use “electronic parts” or “LED modules”.
• 📞 Include recipient’s local phone number and postal code for faster delivery.
• 🚫 Don’t ship batteries, perfumes, liquids, or magnets without prior declaration.
• 💡 For shipments between 50–100 kg, use DDP Air Express instead of courier — cheaper and faster overall.

🧭 Express vs DDP Air Freight Comparison

In 2025, most importers prefer DDP Air Express because it guarantees customs clearance and includes all charges upfront.

When shipping between China and Iran, selecting the right ports and airports is crucial for minimizing transit time, cost, and customs delays.
Most sea shipments travel through UAE or Oman as re-export hubs before reaching Bandar Abbas or Chabahar, while air cargo typically transits via Dubai, Doha, or Istanbul before arriving at Tehran Imam Khomeini Airport (IKA).

Below is an overview of the most commonly used seaports and airports for China–Iran trade in 2025.

⚓ Major Seaports in China for Shipping to Iran

Among these, Shanghai and Ningbo handle over 60% of containerized cargo to the Middle East.

🚢 Major Seaports in Iran (2025)

Most shipments from China arrive at Bandar Abbas, Iran’s busiest port, connected to all major inland cities by road and rail.

✈️ Major Airports in China for Air Freight to Iran

PVG (Shanghai) and CAN (Guangzhou) remain the top two origin airports for Iranian air freight due to their high frequency and competitive rates.

🛬 Major Airports in Iran for Imports from China

Tehran’s IKA Airport serves as Iran’s main international air freight gateway, offering direct and transshipped routes from UAE and Qatar.

🌍 China ↔ Iran Port & Airport Summary

Combining optimal departure ports and transit hubs ensures smoother customs clearance and predictable delivery to any region in Iran.

Shipping from China to Iran may seem complex due to sanctions, customs paperwork, and transit routes through the UAE or Oman, but with the right forwarder, the process is straightforward and transparent.

Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of how international shipping from China to Iran works in 2025 — from your supplier’s factory to your warehouse in Tehran, Isfahan, Shiraz, or Mashhad.

Step 1. Get a Quote & Confirm Your Shipping Plan

• Send your supplier’s invoice and packing list to your freight forwarder.
• Confirm your cargo details (weight, volume, HS code, pickup address, and destination).
• Choose your preferred shipping method:
  • Air Freight / DDP Air — fastest option (6–12 days)
  • Sea Freight / DDP Sea — best for bulk goods (30–40 days)
  • Road Freight — for regional shipments via Turkey
• Your forwarder provides an all-in-one quotation (freight + customs + delivery).

💡 Tip: Always request both DDP and DAP quotes to compare total landed cost.

Step 2. Cargo Pickup & Export from China

• Forwarder arranges pickup from supplier’s warehouse or factory.
• Goods are transported to the nearest loading port or airport — e.g., Shanghai, Ningbo, Shenzhen, or Guangzhou.
• The forwarder prepares export documents, including:
  • Commercial Invoice
  • Packing List
  • Export Declaration
  • Certificate of Origin (Form E preferred)
• Cargo is exported under your forwarder’s export license (if you’re using DDP service).

All shipments undergo Chinese customs inspection before departure.

Step 3. International Transit via UAE / Oman / Turkey

• Most China–Iran cargo passes through Dubai (UAE) or Sohar (Oman) for re-export.
• Containers are unloaded, inspected, and cleared under re-export procedures.
• Air shipments may connect via Doha, Dubai, or Istanbul before arriving at Tehran IKA Airport.
• This step ensures compliance and faster clearance at Iranian customs.

Transit hubs such as Dubai Jebel Ali handle 70% of all Iran-bound Chinese shipments in 2025.

Step 4. Customs Clearance in Iran

Depending on your chosen shipping method:

• DDP (Delivered Duty Paid):
  Your forwarder or partner importer handles customs, duties, and VAT in Iran.
  You simply receive your goods after clearance — no paperwork required.
• DAP (Delivered at Place):
  You or your local broker submit import declarations and pay duties manually.

💡 For most small to medium importers, DDP is faster and fully predictable in cost.

Step 5. Inland Delivery to Your Address

• Once cleared, goods are truck-delivered from:
  • Bandar Abbas → Tehran / Isfahan / Shiraz / Mashhad, or
  • Tehran IKA Airport → local delivery via truck / courier.
• Delivery options:
  • Door-to-door delivery (DDP)
  • Warehouse delivery (DAP)
• Cargo tracking updates are provided via your forwarder’s system or WhatsApp notifications.

Tehran delivery typically takes 1–3 days after customs clearance.

🧾 Step 6. Receive Goods & Verify Documentation

• Check your cargo condition, quantity, and packaging upon arrival.
• Confirm receipt and sign delivery note / POD (Proof of Delivery).
• Forwarder sends final documentation set:
  • Bill of Lading (for Sea Freight)
  • Air Waybill (for Air Freight)
  • Tax receipts (for DDP)
  • Insurance certificate (if applicable)

Keep these records for future imports and customs audits.

Summary: Shipping from China to Iran in 6 Simple Steps

🚀 With DDP shipping, all six steps are fully managed for you — from pickup to door delivery.

Importing goods into Iran requires strict adherence to customs procedures and import licensing rules.

In 2025, the Iranian government continues to regulate imports through the Islamic Republic of Iran Customs Administration (IRICA), which oversees classification, taxation, and clearance for all foreign goods entering via sea, air, or land borders.

However, through re-export channels via the UAE or Oman, importers can still benefit from DDP shipping solutions that simplify the process dramatically.

1. Overview of Iran’s Customs System

• Authority: Islamic Republic of Iran Customs Administration (IRICA)
• Main Entry Points: Bandar Abbas (sea), Imam Khomeini Intl. Airport (air), Bazargan (land border)
• Currency Used for Valuation: USD (converted to Rial at customs exchange rate)
• Import Tax Components:
  • Customs Duty (based on HS code)
  • Commercial Benefit Tax (CBT) (applied on CIF value)
  • VAT (Value Added Tax, typically 9%)
  • Surcharges / Inspection Fees

For most general cargo, total import duties range between 20%–30% of CIF value in 2025.

2. Required Documents for Customs Clearance

To clear shipments under a CIF or DAP term, importers must prepare the following:

Shipments using DDP terms do not require the importer to handle these documents — the forwarder manages them via partner importers.

3. Typical Import Duty Rates by Product Category (2025)

Rates vary depending on official HS Code classification and Iranian tariff updates.

4. Customs Clearance Timeline

DDP shipments via UAE re-export hubs often complete customs within 1 day, as the forwarder pre-handles duties and VAT.

5. Restricted & Prohibited Imports

Certain categories require special permission or are prohibited from importation into Iran:

Forwarders providing DDP services can pre-screen product lists to ensure compliance with Iranian customs law.

6. Benefits of DDP Customs Handling

DDP is the preferred option for small and medium importers, reducing risk, time, and paperwork.

💬 Pro Tips for Smooth Customs Clearance

• Always provide accurate HS Codes — misclassification causes fines and delays.
• Ensure invoices include product model, quantity, and material details.
• Use Form E to reduce duties for goods originating in China.
• Avoid undervaluing invoices — Iranian customs uses reference price databases.
• Keep scanned copies of all customs documents for at least 2 years.
• For trouble-free imports, use DDP shipping through licensed forwarders with UAE re-export channels.

Here’s a quick comparison table showing the average 2025 shipping cost and transit time from major ports in China to Iran,
including sea, air, DDP, road, and express options.

These estimates help importers quickly decide which method best fits their budget, timeline, and cargo type.

All rates are based on consolidated shipments (1–5 CBM or 100–300 kg).

Note: Shipping time and cost vary depending on cargo volume, season, and customs congestion. All rates reflect early 2025 averages.

Choosing the Right Option (Summary Guide)

💡 For most importers in 2025, DDP Sea Freight offers the best balance between cost, simplicity, and reliability.

Average Cost Trend (2023 → 2025)

Shipping costs have increased slightly due to fuel prices and transit congestion in Dubai and Bandar Abbas.

Many Iran importers source products directly through Alibaba.com, one of the world’s largest B2B trading platforms. While Alibaba makes it easy to connect with Chinese suppliers, shipping arrangements can often be confusing.

🔹 Does Alibaba Include Shipping?

Not always. Some suppliers offer FOB (Free on Board) or CIF (Cost, Insurance, Freight) terms that cover part of the shipping process, but most do not provide full door-to-door delivery to the Iran. Buyers are often responsible for arranging international freight, customs clearance, and last-mile delivery.

🔹 Common Issues Iran Buyers Face

• Unexpected high shipping charges quoted by suppliers.
• Limited visibility on transit time or carrier selection.
• Lack of customs support once the cargo arrives at Jebel Ali or Abu Dhabi.
• Small parcels being routed through expensive courier services by default.

🔹 Best Practice for Alibaba Orders

1. Confirm Incoterms with your supplier (EXW, FOB, CIF).
2. Request dimensions and weight of the cargo before choosing sea/air/express.
3. Work with a trusted freight forwarder to manage the China-to-Iran leg, including customs and delivery.
4. Consolidate multiple Alibaba orders into one shipment to lower costs.

🔹 How We Help

As a professional freight forwarder, we provide:

• Consolidation services for multiple Alibaba suppliers.
• Transparent shipping quotes from China to Iran.
• Full customs clearance and VAT support in Iran.
• Door-to-door delivery for both bulk shipments and small parcels.

👉 This ensures that Alibaba sourcing + reliable shipping works seamlessly for your Iran business.