Iran is closing in on its three-day customs clearance target after average processing times plunged from 143 hours to 73 hours — a near 50 percent cut. The Ministry of Economic Affairs and Finance says the gain reflects a wider push to ease foreign trade and cut red tape at the border.
Hassan Alidousti, acting deputy for planning and international affairs at Iran Customs, credits a bigger share of low-risk goods on the “green path,” broader use of risk profiles, smarter digital systems, and streamlined procedures. Risk management now lets officials classify consignments and tailor controls accordingly.
Because more than 20 agencies handle border and trade processes, Tehran is also pursuing coordinated border management and seamless transport. The aim is less duplication and fewer unnecessary stops between entry points and destinations.
Essential goods get priority: grains, livestock inputs, edible oil, medicine and medical equipment move faster. Roughly 4.5–4.6 million tons are being cleared nationwide, with Imam Khomeini Port handling a large share. Officials caution that permits, transport and foreign-currency allocation also affect total time, stressing coordination with the Central Bank. Further gains are expected as more shipments qualify for the green path and manual steps give way to digital procedures.
