Iran Mandates Exchange Trading for Steel and Basic Commodity Exports

New Export Regulation and Legal Framework The Islamic Republic of Iran Customs Administration (IRICA) has implemented new operational guidelines for the export of strategic commodities, specifically focusing on hot-rolled steel coils (HRC).
Following a decision by the Ministry of Industry, Mine and Trade, the regulation mandates that the international sale of these products must be conducted exclusively through the Iran Mercantile Exchange (IME) export ring.
Scope and Documentation Requirements Under the new system, both manufacturers and intermediary export firms are required to possess an official "Purchase Certificate" obtained through the IME.
While the regulation primarily targets hot-rolled flat steel products under customs tariff code 7208, other essential materials such as cement, gray clinker, sulfuric acid, and copper cathodes are also included in the scope.
Digital Oversight and Pricing Standards Aimed at increasing transparency in export processes, customs declarations will now be completed via the electronic EPL system using a 13-digit exchange contract number.
The system will automatically verify the exporter's identity, HS codes, and export quantities against exchange records.
Furthermore, unit prices determined by the IME will be accepted as the sole valid reference for customs valuation, limiting the independent pricing authority of customs officials.
This transition, where physical documents are entirely replaced by digital data, aims to strengthen centralized control over commodity trade.