Iran Customs Extends Bourse Kala Purchase Certificate Requirement for Copper, Sponge Iron and Hot Rolled Steel Exports to January 20

Iran's Customs Administration issued a new circular postponing the requirement that exporters present a purchase certificate from the Iran Mercantile Exchange's (IME) export ring for three strategic products, copper cathode, sponge iron and hot rolled steel sheet. The rule, originally set to take effect October 7, 2026 (15 Mehr 1405), has been delayed to January 20, 2027 (30 Dey 1405), with approval from the Trade Development Organization and the Mining Affairs Deputy of the Ministry of Industry, Mines and Trade.

Under the circular, published Wednesday, September 30, 2026 (8 Mehr 1405), all customs offices nationwide must continuously monitor the process and prevent the export of shipments lacking a valid IME purchase certificate. The three month extension gives exporters in the sector room to continue their export plans through the end of autumn and early winter without facing the exchange requirement immediately. The same circular also makes petrochemical product exports subject to the exchange requirement starting Aban 1 (October 23, 2026).