Shipping from China to Iran: July 2026 Rates & Guide
Your cargo link for ocean FCL/LCL, priority air freight, and customs clearance from China to Bandar Abbas, Tehran (IKA), and Bandar Imam Khomeini.
Streamlined Freight & Customs Solutions connecting China and Iran
Importing commercial goods into Iran requires deep knowledge of IRICA customs regulations, Sabt-e-Sefaresh import registry, and shipping logistics. Speedline Logistics manages your container transport, customs clearing, and safe inland distribution across Iran.
Shipping Modes & July 2026 Update
For July 2026, shipping rates from China to Iran remain firmed on main Middle East container corridors. Ocean container FCL rates to Bandar Abbas run $1,900–$2,600 per 20GP and $3,000–$3,900 per 40HQ, with a transit time of 18 to 25 days. The table below outlines current rates and transit times:
| Shipping Mode | Cost (July 2026) | Transit Time | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sea FCL (20GP container) | $1,900–$2,600 | 18–25 Days | Most economical for bulk freight to Bandar Abbas |
| Sea FCL (40HQ container) | $3,000–$3,900 | 18–25 Days | Best value for high-volume cargo |
| Sea LCL (Consolidation) | $85 / cbm | 20–28 Days | Ideal for small shipments under 15 CBM |
| Air Freight – IKA Airport | $4.50–$6.20 / kg | 4–6 Days | Priority air cargo for time-critical goods |
| Express Courier | $11.80 / kg | 3–5 Days | Door-to-door delivery for small parcels |
Sea Freight (FCL & LCL Container Cargo)
Ocean shipping is the primary transport mode for China-Iran trade, delivering cargo into Bandar Abbas (Shahid Rajaee Port), which handles the vast majority of Iran’s maritime imports. We operate weekly consolidation and full container departures from Shanghai, Ningbo, Shenzhen, and Guangzhou.
| Cargo Option | Average Transit Time | Best Suited For | Pricing Model |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full Container Load (FCL) | 18–25 Days | Large commercial orders, machinery, electronics | Per-container flat rate |
| Less than Container Load (LCL) | 20–28 Days | Smaller palletized cargo | Per-CBM consolidated rate |
Air Freight Services to Tehran Imam Khomeini (IKA)
For time-sensitive commercial shipments or high-value items, air freight provides rapid access to Iranian markets. We secure cargo space allocations on leading airlines flying from China hubs into Tehran Imam Khomeini International Airport (IKA).
| Iranian Airport Gateway | Standard Transit | Urgent Express Transit | July 2026 Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tehran Imam Khomeini (IKA) | 4–6 Days | 3–4 Days | $4.50 – $6.20 / kg |
All-Inclusive Door-to-Door DDP Shipping
Navigating Iranian import licensing (Sabt-e-Sefaresh) and customs clearance procedures can be challenging. Our Delivered Duty Paid (DDP) service provides a completely hands-off importing experience for businesses.
We pick up the goods from your supplier in China, manage export documentation, handle sea or air transport, clear Iranian customs, settle import duties, the 9% VAT, and handle destination transport to your warehouse in Tehran, Karaj, or Isfahan.
| DDP Service Layer | Responsibilities Handled by Speedline | Customer Action Required |
|---|---|---|
| Origin Logistics | Supplier pickup, packing list verification, China customs clearing | Provide supplier details |
| Freight Transport | Ocean container consolidation or air cargo booking | None (managed by us) |
| Customs & Duties | IRICA customs entry filing, duty calculation, 9% VAT payment | Provide import authorization |
| Destination Delivery | Local trucking and delivery to destination in Tehran/Bandar Abbas | Receive goods at door |
IRICA Customs Clearance & Import Regulations
All imports entering Iran are subject to customs audits by the Islamic Republic of Iran Customs Administration (IRICA). Customs duties are based on the national tariff schedule. Below is an indicative reference table showing standard tax rates for common product categories:
| Product Category | Estimated Customs Duty | Standard VAT Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical Machinery & Parts | 5.0% – 15.0% | 9% |
| Textiles & Apparel Products | 20.0% – 40.0% | 9% |
| Computers & IT Components | 4.0% – 10.0% | 9% |
| Toys & Games | 20.0% – 30.0% | 9% |
| Handbags & Leather Cases | 30.0% | 9% |
Importers must secure the necessary import registration code (Sabt-e-Sefaresh) from the Ministry of Industry, Mine and Trade, and ensure correct commercial documentation to prevent cargo holds at Bandar Abbas ports.
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Get an Iran Shipping Quote!
Provide your origin city, Iran delivery address, carton dimensions, and HS codes. Our team will calculate customs duties and send a custom quote.
About Speedline
Speedline Logistics is a licensed customs broker and international freight forwarder. We specialize in container shipping, priority air cargo gateways, and all-inclusive Iran DDP door-to-door logistics.
Frequently Asked Questions — Shipping China to Iran
Ocean transit from major China ports to Bandar Abbas Shahid Rajaee Port typically takes 18 to 25 days. Transit can vary depending on transshipment routing. We recommend booking 2 to 3 weeks in advance.
Sabt-e-Sefaresh is the mandatory import registration system in Iran managed by the Ministry of Industry, Mine and Trade. Importers must register their cargo details and obtain approval before shipping goods from China.
The standard VAT rate on imports is 9%. Under our DDP service, we handle all duty and tax calculations and make payments on your behalf.
Yes, we offer priority air freight from major China airports directly to Tehran Imam Khomeini International Airport (IKA). Transit takes 4 to 6 days, which is ideal for urgent cargo.