Tehran – Iran View24 | The head of Iran’s Customs Administration has announced the full liberalization of mobile phone imports, stating that there are currently no restrictions on the entry of smartphones into the country—provided that importers complete the legal order registration process.
Foroud Asgari, Head of the Iran Customs Administration, stated on the sidelines of a government meeting that the ban on iPhone imports, lifted in November 2024, paved the way for unrestricted entry of all mobile brands. “Currently, no mobile brand is prohibited from being imported. Clearance is being carried out in accordance with legal procedures, just as in previous years,” he said.
iPhone 16 Officially Imported
Asgari further revealed that the latest iPhone models, including the iPhone 16, have been officially imported into Iran following legal order registration. “All data regarding quantities, points of entry, and import conditions are transparently available,” he added.
He emphasized that the Ministry of Industry, Mine and Trade (MIMT) and the Trade Promotion Organization are responsible for issuing import registration permits, and Customs acts in accordance with those approvals.
Surge in Orders After Ban Lifted
Following the official lifting of the ban on smartphones priced above $600—including iPhones—a wave of import registrations for various models began. According to Customs, most shipments entered the country via Imam Khomeini Airport, Shahid Bahonar Port, and Mashhad Customs.
Import Tariffs Based on Phone Value
According to the 2025 national budget law and the export-import regulations book, phones valued over $600 carry an import duty of 15% in commercial procedures and up to 30% in other processes. In contrast, phones under $600 are subject to a 4% duty.
The Future of Smartphone Imports
With the removal of legal barriers and a more structured import registration system, Iran’s smartphone market is expected to move toward greater transparency, increased competition, and a reduction in unofficial imports. Experts say this trend could help stabilize prices and improve consumer access to newer models.
