Steps for exporting goods from Iran to neighboring countries

Exporting goods is one of the most beneficial routes for economic growth, foreign exchange inflows into the country, and market development for companies. However, this route, while attractive, is full of legal, customs, and logistical challenges and complexities; especially when the destination is neighboring countries with different laws, active land borders, and specific market needs, such as Turkey, Azerbaijan, or Iraq. This article examines the steps of exporting goods from Iran to these three countries step by step so that business operators can enter this field with full and professional knowledge.

Target Market Analysis Before Exporting

Before any practical action for exporting, a detailed analysis of the destination market must be conducted. Understanding demand, active competitors, technical requirements, consumer culture, and the capacity to accept Iranian products are among the determining factors. For example:

In Turkey, there is high competition and stricter European standards. Products must have acceptable export quality and packaging.
In Azerbaijan, there is a lot of interest in Iranian brands, but registering the brand and packaging language is of great importance.
In Iraq, there is a high demand for food, construction and pharmaceutical products, but security, payment and legal disputes must be taken seriously.

Obtaining a business card

A business card is the first official step towards exporting. This card is issued by the Chamber of Commerce and is required for individuals or legal entities active in international trade. The required documents include

Company registration or business license
Economic code
Certificate of no criminal record
Educational certificate
Valid bank account
Obtaining export and health permits

Depending on the type of goods

permits must be obtained from the relevant organizations. For food or pharmaceutical goods, a health and standard permit is required. For industrial products, a quality certificate, a certificate of analysis and approval from the National Organization of Standards of Iran are required.

For exports to Turkey and Azerbaijan, CE certification and compliance with Eurasian standards (EAC) may be required. For Iraq, COI and SGS standards are important.

Packaging and labeling of goods

Packaging plays a key role in exports. In the Turkish market, labels should be in Istanbul Turkish. In Azerbaijan, Azeri is recommended, and in Iraq, Arabic is recommended.

The following should be noted on the packaging
Inclusion of production and expiration dates
Registered trademark
Product information, net and gross weight
Storage conditions (especially for food or pharmaceutical products)
Contact information of the exporting company

Setting up a professional export contract

As mentioned in the previous article, the export contract should cover all aspects of cooperation, delivery methods, payment, termination conditions, insurance, arbitration and governing law.

For markets such as Iraq, it is recommended to use contracts with cash payment or through a bank guarantee. In Turkey, it is more possible to use a letter of credit (LC). In Azerbaijan, valid financial guarantees are also usually accepted.

Choosing a transportation method

Exporting to Turkey

Land transportation via the Bazargan or Razi border is common. Rail or sea freight can also be used via Mersin Port. Turkish logistics companies can also be used for door-to-door delivery.

Export to Azerbaijan

Road transportation is carried out from the Astara, Bilesavar or Julfa border. Rail transportation is also possible on some routes. Speed and high security are the advantages of this route.

Export to Iraq

There are three main routes for exports to Iraq: Khosravi border (for Baghdad), Parvizkhan border and Bashmaq (for the Kurdistan Region). Land transportation is the most common option but requires careful coordination.

Customs clearance and export declaration

The export declaration must be registered through the EPL system of Iranian Customs. Required items:

Invoice
Packing List
Bill of Lading (BL or CMR)
Certificate of Origin
Health and standard permits

After customs approval, the goods are prepared for export and a customs stamp is placed on the documents.

Cargo insurance on the export route

Export insurance plays a very important role. Especially for the Iraq route, where security or theft risks are higher. It is recommended to obtain at least cargo insurance with coverage C or B for the goods. Export insurance makes the export of goods safer and more predictable for the investor.

Receiving foreign exchange from exports

According to the regulations of the Central Bank of Iran, the exporter must import the foreign exchange from exports through the NIMA system or authorized methods. In exports to Azerbaijan and Iraq, sometimes the return of foreign exchange is delayed and the exporter must have a liquidity forecast.

Common currencies for exporting to these countries:

Turkey: Turkish Lira, Euro or Dollar
Azerbaijan: Manat or Dollar
Iraq: Iraqi Dinar or US Dollar

Brand Registration and Sustainable Presence in the Destination Market

If your goal is to sustainably export and develop the market in one of these countries, registering a brand in the destination country is important. You can also choose a local representative or distributor by participating in international exhibitions to establish a more effective connection with the end customer.

For example:

Istanbul Food Fair
Erbil Construction Industry Fair
Baku Medical Equipment Fair

Specific Challenges of Exporting to Each Country

Turkey:
High competition, strict customs, technical supervision of goods and tax requirements are among the challenges of entering the Turkish market.

Azerbaijan:
Lack of transparency of some processes, language differences and cultural sensitivities, and the need for accurate brand registration or official translation of documents.

Iraq:
Security issues, payment instability, contract enforcement challenges, and customs clearance complexity. To export to this country, it is also essential to understand the political and commercial relations between the two countries.

Strategies for increasing export success
Cooperation with

Legal consultants specializing in international trade
Using customs services and professional clearance agents
Arranging very precise contracts by specifying performance guarantees
Choosing a secure payment method such as a letter of credit or bank guarantee
Regular market analysis and attendance at exhibitions
Choosing transportation with appropriate insurance and low-risk routes
Regulating a brand, obtaining representation, and being actively involved in the destination country’s social networks

Mahir Group; a reliable partner on the export path

In a situation where any small mistake in exporting can lead to the loss of capital, time, and reputation of the company, having expert support is not only a smart choice but also a necessity. Mahir Group, with a team of commercial, legal, customs, and tax experts, offers you a complete set of export services.

From market analysis to drafting export contracts, from carrying out customs formalities to arbitration consulting and following up on potential disputes, Mahir Group makes all the steps smooth and safe for you. If you are planning to export to Turkey, Azerbaijan or Iraq and need a professional, experienced and international team, Mahir Group will be a safe and professional choice.

Conclusion

Successful export to neighboring countries requires full preparation, understanding of the complexities of the market, accurate documentation and reliable partners. Whether in Turkey with its strict standards, in Azerbaijan with its language sensitivities, or in Iraq with its logistical challenges, only successful exporters will be those who enter the market with complete knowledge, a professional team and a clear strategy. Our advice is to start your export journey with careful planning and with the help of expert consultants like Mahir Group to create a sustainable and profitable future.