Iran Customs allows bank guarantees in place of import VAT for 90 days

Iran's Customs Administration said in circular number 513286/1405, dated 13 July 2026, that bank guarantees may be accepted in place of value added tax on all imported goods for a period of 90 days. The decision cites clause (t) of article 38 of the law on removing obstacles to competitive production and article 6 of the customs law, and is intended to ease the liquidity shortage of manufacturers and importers. The Supreme National Security Council had earlier allowed value added tax and related duties to be taken as a bank guarantee in the same way as import duties.

Under the circular, the facility applies to goods already cleared into customs offices or entering by the end of Shahrivar 1405 (22 September 2026). Goods must be declared within 30 days of the warehouse receipt being issued, and for warehouse receipts issued before the circular the deadline is 15 days.

For goods held at ports, terminals and border customs offices, use of the facility also requires a written undertaking by the owner to remove the goods in full within 30 days of the customs permit being issued. The guarantee is first taken with 45 days of validity and can be extended for another 45 days once removal is confirmed.