Import and Export Company Registration in Iran
Establishing economic relations with other countries is essential for strengthening and sustaining a nation’s economic cycle. In general, the movement of goods through customs for dispatch to foreign countries is categorized as export, while the entry of goods into Iran through customs is categorized as import.
Companies engaged in import and export activities must be properly registered in accordance with Iranian commercial regulations to operate lawfully.
Requirements and Documentation for Import and Export Company Registration
Import and export companies in Iran may be registered as either a Private Joint Stock Company or a Limited Liability Company. The company’s field of activity must expressly include import and export operations and be reflected in its Articles of Association.
The procedures differ slightly depending on the chosen corporate structure.
Registration as a Private Joint Stock Company
In a Private Joint Stock Company, the capital is divided into shares, and each shareholder’s liability, profit, and loss participation correspond to the number of shares held.
The number of shareholders is fewer than in a Public Joint Stock Company, and all shares must relate to commercial activities.
Registration as a Limited Liability Company
A Limited Liability Company is one of the most common forms of company registration. It is frequently established among family members or close business associates. In this structure, the capital is not divided into shares. Instead, each member’s liability is limited to their contribution.
Classification of Export and Import Goods
Under the Law on Export and Import Regulations, goods are classified into three categories:
- Permitted Goods: Goods that may be imported or exported without requiring special authorization, provided regulatory requirements are observed.
- Conditional Goods: Goods that may be imported or exported only upon obtaining the necessary permits. Pharmaceutical products are a common example.
- Prohibited Goods: Goods whose import or export is legally forbidden, such as alcoholic beverages.
Required Documents for Import and Export Company Registration
The following documentation is required for registration:
- Completed the company application form.
- All members signed the multi-purpose company application form.
- Signed minutes of the General Assembly, Board of Directors, and founders.
- Completed the company formation document.
- Articles of Association.
- Certified copies of the identification documents of directors, inspectors, and shareholders.
- Official Gazette publication, including notice of incorporation or latest amendments.
- Certificate of no criminal record for board members.
- Appointment letters of representatives, if shareholders are legal entities.
- Required licenses are subject to approval by the Companies Registration Office.
- Board resolution confirming the company is non-governmental.
- Payment and calculation of registration fees.
- Valuation statement.
It is important to note that engaging in commercial import and export activities requires a valid Commercial Card. This card must be submitted together with the above documents. The Commercial Card is issued by the Iran Chamber of Commerce, Industries, Mines, and Agriculture, and approved by the Ministry of Industry, Mines, and Trade.
Conditions for Registration of a Limited Liability Import and Export Company
- Minimum initial capital of one million Rials.
- Minimum of two members.
- Submission of required documentation.
- Power of attorney if registration is conducted through legal counsel.
- Registration is typically completed within 15 working days.
Conditions for Registration of a Private Joint Stock Import and Export Company
- Minimum initial capital of one million Rials.
- Inclusion of the phrase Private Joint Stock Company before or after the company name.
- Submission of required documentation.
- Power of attorney if registration is conducted through legal counsel.
- Payment of at least 35 percent of the initial share capital.
- Registration is typically completed within 20 working days.
Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Import and Export Company Registration
Import and export company registration refers to the establishment of a legal entity authorized to export goods abroad or import goods into Iran. Such companies may be registered as a Private Joint Stock Company or a Limited Liability Company. Their Articles of Association must include import and export activities.
The requirements include a minimum capital of one million Rials, at least two members, submission of identification documents, and a power of attorney if registration is conducted through legal counsel. The registration process is typically completed within 15 working days.
The requirements include a minimum capital of one million Rials, inclusion of the phrase Private Joint Stock Company in the company name, submission of identification documents, a power of attorney if applicable, and payment of at least 35 percent of the initial share capital. Registration is typically completed within 20 working days.
Goods are classified into three categories: permitted goods that require no special authorization, conditional goods that require official permits such as pharmaceuticals, and prohibited goods whose import or export is legally forbidden such as alcoholic beverages.
Required documents include the company application form, Articles of Association, minutes of meetings, certified identification documents, Official Gazette publication, certificate of no criminal record, required licenses, and payment of registration fees. A valid Commercial Card is also required for conducting commercial activities.
A Commercial Card is mandatory for conducting commercial import and export operations. It is issued by the Iran Chamber of Commerce, Industries, Mines and Agriculture and approved by the Ministry of Industry, Mines and Trade. Without this card, a company may not lawfully engage in commercial import and export transactions. What is import and export company registration?
What are the requirements for registering a Limited Liability import and export company?
What are the requirements for registering a Private Joint Stock import and export company?
How are import and export goods classified?
What documents are required for import and export company registration?
What is the role of the Commercial Card in import and export activities?
Do I need to register a company in Iran before I can legally import goods from another country?
Companies involved in import and export activities in Iran generally need to be properly registered and have their business activities reflected in their corporate documents. Additional requirements, such as obtaining a Commercial Card, may also apply depending on the type of activity. The exact requirements depend on the business structure and circumstances.
Can a foreign citizen own an import and export company in Iran?
Foreign individuals and companies may have options for establishing business activities in Iran, subject to applicable regulations and registration requirements. The available structure and required documents can vary depending on the investor’s situation and the type of company being established.
What is the difference between registering an LLC and a private joint stock company for import and export?
The main differences relate to ownership structure, liability, management, and legal requirements. In Iran, import and export activities can generally be carried out through different company structures, including Limited Liability Companies and Private Joint Stock Companies. Choosing the appropriate structure depends on factors such as the number of partners and business goals.
If I register an import company, can I import any type of product?
Not necessarily. Imported goods may fall into different categories, including permitted, conditional, and prohibited goods. Some products require specific approvals or licenses before importation. The classification of the goods and applicable regulations should be checked before starting the transaction.
Can I start an export business in Iran without having a physical office?
The requirements for starting an export business depend on the legal structure, registration process, and commercial requirements involved. A company must generally meet the necessary registration and operational requirements before conducting lawful commercial activities. The specific situation should be reviewed based on the intended business model.
How long does it usually take to register an import and export company in Iran?
The timeline can vary depending on the type of company, completeness of documents, and administrative procedures. For example, different company structures may have different registration processes and requirements. Delays can occur if additional documents or approvals are needed.
Is a Commercial Card required for every company that wants to export from Iran?
A Commercial Card is generally required for carrying out commercial import and export activities. However, the exact requirements and exceptions may depend on the nature of the activity and applicable regulations. It is important to confirm the requirements before beginning commercial operations.
If my company is already registered in Iran, do I need to change the company documents to add import and export activities?
If a company intends to engage in import and export activities, its corporate purpose and documents may need to include those activities. Whether an amendment is required depends on the existing company documents and the intended operations.
Can two people register an import and export company together in Iran?
The possibility of registering a company with two partners depends on the chosen legal structure and the applicable requirements. For example, Limited Liability Companies and Private Joint Stock Companies have different rules regarding members and ownership structure.
What documents should I prepare before applying to register an import and export company?
The required documents may include company formation documents, identification documents of shareholders and directors, meeting minutes, official publications, and other required approvals depending on the company type. The exact list depends on the chosen structure and the circumstances of the applicants.