Container shipping and air cargo from China to Iran 2026

Ocean Freight (FCL / LCL)

Sea freight is the most cost-effective mode for shipping from China to Iran. The primary gateway is Bandar Abbas Port — Iran's largest and most important commercial port, handling over 80% of the country's maritime trade. Direct services are available from major Chinese ports, with transshipment options via Dubai or Jebel Ali.

• FCL (Full Container Load): Best for cargo >15 CBM. Lower cost per unit, higher security.
• LCL (Less than Container Load): Best for cargo 2‑15 CBM. Pay only for the space you use.
• Service end: Bandar Abbas Port. Consignee arranges customs clearance and final delivery.
• Transit time: 22‑30 days from major Chinese ports via direct or transshipment routes.

Air Cargo to Iran (IKA / SYZ)

Air freight is suitable for high-value electronics, samples, urgent parts, or small-batch shipments. Flights arrive at Tehran Imam Khomeini International Airport (IKA) — Iran's primary international air cargo gateway — or Shiraz International Airport (SYZ) for southern destinations.

• Transit time: 4‑7 business days
• Service end: IKA or SYZ Airport. Consignee handles customs clearance and pickup.
• Best for: Urgent spare parts, medical supplies, electronics, automotive parts
• Note: Air freight is more expensive than sea freight but offers significant time advantages.

International Express (DHL / FedEx / UPS / EMS)

For small parcels, documents, samples, and urgent shipments, express courier offers the fastest delivery to any address in Iran, subject to carrier service coverage.

• Carriers: DHL Express, FedEx Priority, UPS Worldwide, EMS
• Transit time: 2‑5 days door‑to‑door (estimates, not guaranteed)
• Service end: Door‑to‑door delivery to consignee's address (if within carrier coverage)
• Best for: Documents, samples, e‑commerce parcels, urgent small shipments

Express courier service availability depends on the destination. Please contact us to confirm service availability for your specific destination. Services are provided by third-party carriers and subject to their terms. Transit times are estimates, not guaranteed.

Bandar Abbas — Iran's Maritime Hub

Bandar Abbas is Iran's largest and most important commercial port, located on the Strait of Hormuz along the Persian Gulf. It handles over 80% of Iran's containerized cargo and serves as the country's primary gateway for maritime trade. The port has modern container terminals and extensive warehousing facilities.

• Location: Southern Iran, on the Strait of Hormuz
• Key advantage: Iran's largest port, direct connections to major shipping lines
• Alternative ports: Bandar Khomeini, Bandar Bushehr, Bandar Anzali (Caspian Sea)
• Direct services: Available from Shanghai, Ningbo, Shenzhen, and other major Chinese ports

Tehran (IKA) & Shiraz (SYZ)

Iran's main international airports serve as the primary air cargo gateways. Tehran Imam Khomeini International Airport (IKA) is the largest and busiest, handling the majority of air freight. Shiraz International Airport (SYZ) serves the southern region. Mashhad International Airport (MHD) and Isfahan International Airport (IFN) also handle cargo.

• IKA: Largest airport, serving the capital Tehran
• SYZ: Southern gateway, serving Shiraz and surrounding regions
• MHD / IFN: Regional cargo airports
• Major airlines: Emirates SkyCargo, Qatar Airways Cargo, Turkish Cargo, Iran Air Cargo

Key Regulatory & Market Changes

• Sanctions landscape: Continued monitoring of international sanctions and their impact on shipping and banking.
• Customs modernization: Iran Customs Administration (IRICA) continues to implement electronic customs declaration systems.
• Port development: Expansion projects at Bandar Abbas to increase container handling capacity.
• Currency fluctuations: Importers should consider currency risks in pricing and payment terms.

FCL & LCL Pricing

• 20GP (Shanghai → Bandar Abbas): $2,300 – $3,600
• 20GP (Shenzhen → Bandar Abbas): $1,200 – $2,300
• 40GP / 40HQ (Shanghai → Bandar Abbas): $3,800 – $5,600
• 40GP / 40HQ (Shenzhen → Bandar Abbas): $1,800 – $3,200
• LCL (per CBM): Please contact for specific rates
• Rates vary by port of origin, shipping line, and seasonal demand. Direct services may offer more competitive rates.

Air Freight & Express Pricing

• Air Freight (≥45 kg): Approximately $3.50 – $9 per kg
• Express Courier: $12 – $18 per kg
• Note: Air freight and express rates are calculated based on volumetric weight.
• Express channels: Suitable for samples and urgent small shipments

Import Duties & Taxes

Iran's customs duties are calculated based on product type and value according to the Harmonized System (HS) code classification. The IRICA (Iran Customs Administration) manages customs clearance through an electronic system. Import duties vary widely by product category.

• Import Duties: Vary by HS code classification — typically 5‑40%
• Customs Duty Rate: Generally 5‑30% on most consumer goods
• Value Added Tax (VAT): 9% on most imported goods
• Processing Time: Typically 3‑10 days for customs clearance (can be longer during peak periods)
• IRICA: Electronic customs declaration system

Required Documents

You will need the following documents for customs clearance:

• Bill of Lading (sea) or Air Waybill (air)
• Commercial Invoice — With complete description, value, and HS code
• Packing List — Inventory of each container's contents
• Certificate of Origin — For preferential duty rates (if applicable)
• Import License — Required for certain regulated goods
• Pre‑Shipment Inspection Certificate — Required for some product categories
• Health Certificate / Phytosanitary Certificate — For food and agricultural products

Transport from Port to Destination

Iran has a well-developed road and rail network connecting Bandar Abbas to major cities. The port is located approximately 1,000 km from Tehran and 500 km from Shiraz.

• Key destinations: Tehran (12‑15 hours by road), Shiraz (6‑8 hours), Isfahan (8‑10 hours), Mashhad (16‑18 hours)
• Transport modes: Truck (primary), Rail (emerging alternative), Air (for urgent small parcels)
• Recommendation: Engage a reputable, licensed customs broker with local experience

Iran's Trade Landscape

Iran's economy is diverse, with significant oil and gas exports, as well as growing manufacturing and agriculture sectors. China is Iran's largest trading partner, supplying machinery, electronics, vehicles, textiles, and industrial equipment.

• Key Chinese Exports: Machinery, electronics, vehicles, construction materials, textiles, industrial equipment
• Key Iranian Exports to China: Crude oil, petrochemicals, fruits, pistachios, carpets
• Major Shipping Lines: MSC, Maersk, COSCO, CMA CGM, Hapag‑Lloyd, ONE, Yang Ming, IRISL (Islamic Republic of Iran Shipping Lines)
• Trade routes: Direct services from Chinese ports to Bandar Abbas, as well as transshipment via Dubai, Jebel Ali, or Salalah