Exporting goods from Iran to Russia: free trade agreement, documents and routes

This page is informational and non-promotional. It explains the framework for exporting goods from Iran to Russia: the free trade agreement between Iran and the Eurasian Economic Union, the certificate of origin, quarantine requirements for agricultural products, typical documents and delivery routes. Figures and rules are taken from official sources and reputable media.

Please note: regulations and tariffs depend on the commodity code and may change. Before each shipment, check the tariff code and the requirements for the specific product with the official authorities.

At a glance

1. Which goods are exported from Iran to Russia

According to media reports, agricultural products account for about 45% of Iran's exports to Russia. Industrial goods make up 37%, petrochemical and polymer products 10%, and minerals about 7–8%.

In 2020–2022 exports were about USD 500 million, more than 90% of it fruit and vegetables, so the share of industrial goods has risen noticeably over three years. Iranian officials name steel and petrochemicals as key export drivers under the free trade agreement.

2. The Iran–EAEU free trade agreement

The agreement was signed in St. Petersburg in December 2023 and has been in force since 15 May 2025. Russia is a member of the EAEU, so the agreement directly affects the terms on which Iranian goods enter the Russian market.

According to an official of Iran's Trade Promotion Organization, tariffs are eliminated on about 87% of traded goods. The agreement has 11 chapters, including trade in goods, technical barriers, sanitary standards, rules of origin and customs cooperation. The exact rate for each product is set out in the tariff commitment schedules and should be checked against the product's tariff code. Iran's economy minister has also named financial transaction problems and differing product standards as remaining obstacles.

3. Certificate of origin and rules of origin

To benefit from tariff preferences, goods must have Iranian origin and be accompanied by a Form CT-3 certificate of origin. According to the text of the rules of origin published by the Eurasian Economic Commission:

• goods must be wholly produced or obtained in Iran, or their non-Iranian inputs must have undergone the required change in tariff classification, or they must have at least 50% value added calculated on the EXW price, unless the product-specific annex sets a different rule;
• simple operations such as packaging, washing, cutting and labelling do not by themselves confer origin;
• the certificate is issued by an authorized body of the exporting country before or at the time of export and is valid for 12 months;
• the exporter and producer must keep records for at least three years.

No certificate is needed for qualifying goods valued at up to EUR 200.

4. Agricultural products: quarantine requirements

The EAEU unified quarantine phytosanitary requirements (EEC Council Decision No. 157 of 30 November 2016) require high-risk plant products to arrive with a phytosanitary certificate issued by the plant quarantine authority of the exporting country. Low-risk products do not need a certificate. The additional declaration of the certificate must confirm that the product was produced in an area free from the specified pests. Each package of plant products must show the product name, the country of origin and the exporting country. If a quarantine pest is found in a consignment, it must be disinfected, returned or destroyed.

In 2026 Russia's Rosselkhoznadzor asked Iran to suspend certification of flowers for Russia until bilateral talks, because it doubted the origin of some consignments. The case shows that genuine origin and accurate documents matter a great deal for an exporter.

5. Typical documents and routes

Documents usually needed for a shipment:

• contract, commercial invoice and packing list;
• phytosanitary certificate (for fruit, vegetables, nuts and similar products);
• CT-3 certificate of origin (to claim the preferential tariff);
• veterinary certificate for products of animal origin;
• conformity documents under EAEU technical regulations, for example food safety (TR CU 021/2011) and labelling (TR CU 022/2011);
• transport documents (CMR, rail or sea waybill) and the customs declaration in Russia.

Common routes: across the Caspian Sea from Iran's northern ports (Anzali, Amirabad) to Astrakhan, Olya and Makhachkala, and a road and rail route through Azerbaijan linked to the North–South corridor. Some Iranian exporters have long asked to send part of their cargo by the Caspian route so as to avoid passing through Azerbaijani territory.

6. The role of Universal Partner

Universal Partner (UPBC) is a trading company working in Iran–Russia trade. It helps buyers and sellers with sourcing, documents and delivery. To discuss a specific product, please send a cooperation request.

Frequently asked questions

Which goods are exported most from Iran to Russia?

According to media reports, agricultural products account for about 45% of exports, industrial goods 37%, petrochemicals and polymers 10%, and minerals about 7–8%.

Since when has the Iran–EAEU free trade agreement been in force?

Since 15 May 2025. According to an Iranian official, tariffs are eliminated on about 87% of traded goods; check the rate for a specific product against its tariff code.

What is a CT-3 certificate of origin?

A document proving Iranian origin of goods so that the preferential tariff can be applied. It is valid for 12 months and is not required for qualifying goods valued at up to EUR 200.

What documents do agricultural products need?

High-risk plant products need a phytosanitary certificate from the exporting country, and packages must show the product name and country of origin. Products of animal origin need a veterinary certificate.

Which route does the cargo take?

Usually across the Caspian Sea to Astrakhan, Olya or Makhachkala, or by road and rail through Azerbaijan.

Sources

Tehran Times: export statistics and structure · Tehran Times: free trade agreement · Interfax: agreement enters into force · Iran–EAEU rules of origin (Eurasian Economic Commission) · Decision No. 157 (Eurasian Economic Commission) · Expert.ru: Iranian flowers, July 2026

Related page

Facts & FAQ about UPBC

This text is general information and is not a substitute for customs or legal advice.