Importing timber from Russia to Iran: phytosanitary requirements, routes and sourcing
This article is for Iranian importers and Russian suppliers who want to understand how timber is supplied from Russia to Iran. It is informational and is not an advertisement.
Quarantine and customs rules can change. Before each deal, confirm the current requirements with the Plant Protection Organization of Iran and with Rosselkhoznadzor (Russia).
At a glance
| Goods | Debarked coniferous sawn timber and logs |
|---|---|
| Origin | Russia |
| Destination | Iran (northern ports such as Anzali; Astara border crossing) |
| Key condition | Phytosanitary certificate with an additional declaration and a treatment recorded on the certificate |
| Official bodies | Plant Protection Organization of Iran; Rosselkhoznadzor |
1. Which timber and from where
Russia is one of the suppliers of coniferous timber to the Iranian market. The official letter of the Plant Protection Organization of Iran on which this article is based covers imports from Russia of debarked coniferous sawn timber and logs of the genera Pinus, Picea, Abies, Cupressus, Juniperus, Cedrus and Pseudotsuga (including pine and spruce).
2. Phytosanitary requirements
A summary of the letter of the Plant Protection Organization of Iran dated 16 February 2021, published by Rosselkhoznadzor:
- A valid Russian phytosanitary certificate with an additional declaration that the consignment is free of pests including Monochamus, Ips, Sirex and Bursaphelenchus mucronatus. The scientific names of the pests must appear on the certificate, otherwise the documents are considered invalid.
- The wood must be completely free of bark and of holes made by insect larvae, and free of soil and rotting plant debris.
- One treatment method must be applied and recorded on the certificate: fumigation with methyl bromide or phosphine, heat treatment, gamma irradiation, or freezing.
- For heat treatment, the core temperature must be held for a set time, for example 4 hours at 70 °C or 15 minutes at 120 °C. The original thermograph printout, stamped by the exporting country's quarantine service, must be presented at the border.
- If pests are found at customs, the consignment must be destroyed or returned to the country of origin, and the importer bears the disinfection costs.
- For transit through a third country, a stamped copy of the original certificate and a re-export phytosanitary certificate are required.
- Wood from countries where the pine wood nematode (Bursaphelenchus xylophilus) has been recorded is banned; Russia is not on that list.
The letter dates from 2021. Check technical details (such as fumigant doses) and any later changes with the official bodies.
3. Common routes
Typical options include sea shipping across the Caspian from Russian ports such as Astrakhan to northern Iranian ports such as Anzali, and road or rail routes via Astara. The choice depends on the season, port capacity, the type of cargo and customs rules.
4. Typical documents
Documents usually include a commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading, certificate of origin, the phytosanitary certificate (with the additional declaration and the recorded treatment) and a customs declaration. The exact list is set by the customs broker or the official bodies.
5. How UPBC works
UPBC supplies timber made to order, after receiving an order from Iranian customers, from the Perm, Solikamsk and Kirov regions, through factories it has contracts with. In recent years it has completed more than 12 timber supplies to Astara, Astrakhan and Anzali.
To send a request, see the cooperation request page.
Frequently asked questions
Must the wood be debarked?
Yes. According to the official letter of the Plant Protection Organization of Iran, the wood must be completely free of bark and of holes made by insect larvae.
Which treatment method is accepted?
One of the following: fumigation with methyl bromide or phosphine, heat treatment, gamma irradiation, or freezing. The method used must be recorded on the phytosanitary certificate.
What happens if pests are found at customs?
The consignment must be destroyed or returned to the country of origin, and the importer bears the disinfection costs.
Is made-to-order supply possible?
Yes. UPBC supplies timber made to order, after receiving an order, from the Perm, Solikamsk and Kirov regions, through factories it has contracts with.
Where can I get the current rules?
From the Plant Protection Organization of Iran, Rosselkhoznadzor and a customs broker.
Source
Related
This article is informational and is not legal, customs or quarantine advice. Check the requirements with the official bodies before you ship.
