With global infrastructure projects booming across the Middle East and Africa, the demand for high-quality bitumen is rising rapidly. Whether it’s highway construction in Kenya, airport paving in the UAE, or real estate roads in Nigeria, bitumen is a key ingredient — and Iran is one of the world’s largest, most cost-effective suppliers.

This 2025 guide will walk you through how to import bitumen from Iran, covering everything from product grades and HS codes to pricing, packaging, and shipping logistics.

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🏭 Why Iran is a Top Global Bitumen Exporter

Iran ranks among the top 5 producers of bitumen globally, with a refining capacity of over 4 million tons per year. Major suppliers include:

• Jey Oil Refining Company

• Pasargad Oil Company

• Esfahan Oil Refinery

• Bandar Abbas Refinery

Key advantages:

• Abundant feedstock (vacuum bottom) from Iranian refineries

• Government-backed export channels

• Competitive pricing with consistent quality

• Strategic port access to UAE and East Africa

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🧪 Common Grades of Iranian Bitumen

Iranian bitumen is mainly penetration-grade, produced based on ASTM/DIN standards. Here are the most commonly exported types:

Grade	Use Case	Penetration Value
60/70	Road paving in warm climates	60–70 dmm
80/100	Cooler regions, light-duty roads	80–100 dmm
VG-30	High-traffic roads in India/UAE	Viscosity Graded
40/50	Airport runways, industrial zones	40–50 dmm

 

🧠 Tip: Most UAE and African buyers prefer 60/70 or VG-30 for regional weather conditions.

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📦 Packaging Options

Bitumen from Iran is typically exported in the following packaging types:

• New Steel Drums (180–200 kg) – Most common, ideal for container shipment

• Jumbo Bags (1 MT) – Easier to handle, cost-effective

• Bulk Tanker (Ship/Truck) – For large infrastructure projects

• Bitutainers – For long-distance shipping (to Africa or India)

✅ All shipments are inspected by SGS or other international surveyors prior to loading.

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📜 HS Code for Bitumen

For customs and import declarations, the HS Code for penetration-grade bitumen is:

HS Code: 27132000

Description: Petroleum bitumen, obtained from oil refining

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🚢 How to Ship Bitumen from Iran to UAE & Africa

Shipping Ports in Iran:

• Bandar Abbas (main export hub to UAE, Oman, East Africa)

• Bandar Imam Khomeini (southwest)

• Bandar Bushehr

Delivery Timeline:

• To UAE ports (Jebel Ali, Sharjah): 3–5 days

• To East Africa (Mombasa, Dar es Salaam): 10–14 days

• To West Africa (Lagos, Tema): 18–22 days (via transshipment)

Shipping Terms:

• FOB, CIF, or CNF

• Full container loads (20–22 MT per 20′ container)

• Insurance and SGS inspection available on request

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💵 Bitumen Price Trends in 2025

Prices of bitumen are driven by:

• Global oil prices

• Supply-demand cycles (especially in Q2 and Q4)

• Regional infrastructure spending

✅ As of mid-2025, Iranian bitumen 60/70 FOB price is approx $310–$340/MT, depending on volume and packaging.

🔎 Stay updated with weekly prices via PetroExportHub blog or request a quote directly.

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📄 Required Documents for Import

To import bitumen from Iran, buyers typically need:

• Proforma Invoice

• Commercial Invoice

• Certificate of Origin (Chamber of Commerce)

• Packing List

• Inspection Certificate (e.g., SGS)

• Bill of Lading

Note: For Africa, additional product registration may be required.

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🤝 Why Importers Trust PetroExportHub

We connect global buyers directly with verified Iranian bitumen exporters.

Here’s what makes PetroExportHub different:

• Access to multiple refineries and drumming plants

• Transparent pricing and documentation support

• Assistance with shipping, customs, and product selection

• Localized logistics options for UAE, East & West Africa