Petrochemical Freight from Iran: 6-Step Complete Guide

Petrochemical freight from Iran starts with one question: is the product dangerous goods or not? Polymer pellets in 25 kg bags usually move in dry containers. Liquids move in ISO tanks or flexitanks. Regulated chemicals follow ADR and IMDG rules.

Petrochemical freight from Iran also needs a clear picture of packaging, equipment and papers. If you buy from Iran or plan a shipment, this guide walks through the main options in plain language, from bags to tanks, and shows how hazard classes change the plan.

1. Start with the product: dangerous goods or not?

Every plan begins with the safety data sheet (SDS). It lists the UN number and the transport class. Common polymer pellets such as polyethylene, polypropylene and PVC are usually not dangerous goods. Some other petrochemicals are.

Methanol, for example, travels as UN 1230. Under ADR it is class 3, a flammable liquid, with a subsidiary toxic hazard of 6.1. Sulphur is UN 1350 in class 4.1. Expandable polystyrene beads are UN 2211 in class 9. For petrochemical freight from Iran, always rely on the SDS and current regulations for the final class.

2. Bags and jumbo bags for polymer pellets

The most common pack for pellets is the 25 kg bag. Bags are stacked on pallets, stretch-wrapped and loaded into a container or truck. The alternative is the jumbo bag, also called FIBC. A standard jumbo bag holds about 1,000 kg. For very large quantities, silo-type bulk tankers are also used. They are discharged by air pressure and kept sealed in transit, which reduces moisture and contamination risk.

The safe working load (SWL) is printed on the bag. Never exceed it. The safety factor is usually 5:1 for single-trip bags and 6:1 for multi-trip bags. For moisture and dust protection, choose a laminated or lined bag. Pellet loss matters for the environment too. Voluntary programmes such as Operation Clean Sweep promote practices that prevent spills during handling and transfer.

• The vehicle floor must be dry, clean and free of protruding nails.
• Damp pallet timber raises the risk of "container rain". Use dry or plastic pallets.
• Desiccant bags and good ventilation reduce condensation.
• Lift jumbo bags by all loops, keeping them vertical.
• Stow tightly without gaps and secure the load with straps.

3. ISO tanks for liquid cargo

An ISO tank is a stainless steel vessel inside a steel frame. In the 20 ft class its capacity is generally 17,500 to 26,000 litres. The vessel is usually insulated. The tank type, such as T11 or T14, depends on how hazardous the product is.

For liquid petrochemical freight from Iran, the ISO tank is the standard choice. For dangerous goods the tank must comply with rules such as IMDG and ADR. The benefit is clean, transfer-free carriage. Ask for the tank cleaning record and the previous cargo. Empty return and waiting time affect the cost.

4. Flexitanks for non-hazardous liquids

A flexitank is a single-use flexible bag fitted inside a standard 20 ft container. Typical capacity is about 16,000 to 24,000 litres. It suits vegetable oils, latex, wine and non-hazardous industrial chemicals. It is not suitable for dangerous goods covered by the IMDG Code.

Know the risks. Container side walls can bulge. If the tank leaks, other cargo may be contaminated. That is why container inspection, a rear bulkhead and a fill measurement matter. Some insurers decline flexitank shipments. Check policy terms first, and read our freight glossary for the terms used.

5. ADR and IMDG: nine classes

ADR sets dangerous goods rules for road carriage. IMDG does the same for sea. Both divide substances into nine classes. Each class changes how petrochemical freight from Iran is booked and documented.

• Class 1: explosives.
• Class 2: gases.
• Class 3: flammable liquids.
• Class 4: flammable solids.
• Class 5: oxidizing substances.
• Class 6: toxic and infectious substances.
• Class 7: radioactive material.
• Class 8: corrosive substances.
• Class 9: miscellaneous dangerous goods.

On the road you need a transport document, written instructions and a driver with an ADR training certificate. Vehicles carry orange plates. The IMDG Code has been largely mandatory under SOLAS since 2004 and is amended every two years. See the Royan ADR dangerous goods page and the UNECE site for background.

ADR is a Europe-centred agreement. Which edition applies can differ by country. Confirm current rules with the relevant authority for every country on your route.

6. Routes, documents and cost of petrochemical freight from Iran

By sea, Iranian ports offer container, tank and bulk solutions. Compare options in container shipping from Iran and learn about the container types and sizes. By road, the hazard class decides the vehicle and route.

• Commercial invoice and packing list.
• Safety data sheet (SDS) and product analysis certificate.
• Certificate of origin, where the buyer's country asks for it.
• Dangerous goods declaration and container packing certificate, if applicable.
• Transport document, such as a bill of lading or CMR.

The list varies by product and destination. Confirm current trade, banking and insurance restrictions with your bank and legal adviser.

Rather than quote figures, here are the drivers of petrochemical freight from Iran. Packaging type, volume, hazard class and destination all matter. So do seasonal congestion, port waiting time and the return of empty tanks or containers. Check the Royan sea freight page for options.

Frequently asked questions

Are polymer pellets dangerous goods?

Common pellets such as polyethylene, polypropylene and PVC usually are not. Still, check the SDS and confirm the class.

Can a flexitank carry hazardous chemicals?

No. A flexitank is not suitable for dangerous goods under the IMDG Code. Use an ADR/IMDG-approved ISO tank instead.

What affects the price of petrochemical freight from Iran?

Packaging, volume, hazard class, destination and season are the main drivers. Send cargo details to get a firm quote.

Jumbo bag or 25 kg bag?

Jumbo bags cut handling for large volumes. The 25 kg bag suits small lots and easy stacking. The buyer's unloading equipment also decides.

How do I prevent moisture inside the container?

Use dry pallets, desiccant bags and ventilation. Inspect the container floor and the bags before loading.

Get a quote for your cargo

Royan Logistic is an international transport and logistics company based in Tehran. It offers road, sea, rail and air freight, groupage and full loads, project cargo, customs coordination and ADR services. Tell us about your petrochemical freight from Iran: product name, UN number, volume and destination, in our quote form and we will plan the right solution with you.

Updated: October 11, 2026