China is one of Iran's largest trading partners. Machinery, electronics, spare parts, raw materials and consumer goods travel from China to Iran; petrochemicals, polymers, minerals and agricultural products go from Iran to China. Royan Logistic works this lane with two main options: sea freight to the Persian Gulf ports and rail freight through Central Asia. We decide together which one fits, based on the value, volume and delivery expectations of your cargo.
Sea freight: from Chinese ports to Bandar Abbas
Most container cargo arrives from Chinese ports such as Shanghai, Ningbo, Qingdao, Shenzhen and Tianjin at Shahid Rajaee Port in Bandar Abbas. Some services are direct, others transship at hub ports in the Gulf. Once the cargo arrives, Iranian customs clearance is completed and the container moves by road or rail to Tehran, Isfahan, Mashhad or another city.
- FCL: full containers (20' or 40') for larger, regular volumes.
- LCL: cargo that does not fill a container, consolidated with other shipments.
- Other ports: depending on the cargo and destination, Chabahar or Bandar Imam Khomeini are also considered.
More on port and container planning on our sea freight page.
Rail: the China–Kazakhstan–Turkmenistan–Iran line
Rail is an option for cargo that needs a shorter and more predictable transit than sea. Trains run from China into Kazakhstan (via Altynkol/Khorgos or Dostyk), continue through Turkmenistan and enter Iran at Incheh Borun or Sarakhs. China and Iran use standard gauge (1435 mm) while Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan use broad gauge (1520 mm), so cargo is transshipped or bogies are exchanged at the borders. Cargo usually arrives at dry ports near Tehran or in cities such as Mashhad.
See our rail freight page for details.
Road and intermodal options
For certain cargo, road freight from China to Iran via Kyrgyzstan or Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan can also be planned. Sometimes the best result comes from an intermodal plan combining sea and rail, or rail and road. For Central Asian routes, see our Central Asia freight page.
Comparing the options
| Mode | Usually suits | Approx. door-to-door time |
|---|---|---|
| Sea FCL / LCL | Large and heavy cargo, cost priority | Approx. 4–6 weeks |
| Rail | Mid-value cargo, more predictable timing | Approx. 3–4 weeks |
| Road / intermodal | Special cases, delivery via Central Asia | Depends on the route |
Times are approximate and depend on sailing frequency, transshipment, port and border congestion and customs clearance.
Documents and coordination with your supplier
For an Iranian importer buying from China, the first step is agreeing the Incoterms with the supplier: FOB, EXW or CFR decides who handles which stage. Typical documents include:
- Commercial invoice and packing list
- Bill of lading for sea, rail consignment note for rail
- Certificate of origin
- Standards and conformity documents required in Iran for the product
- Import declaration in Iran, prepared by the customs broker
Because we work in Chinese, we can contact your supplier directly about the loading date, packaging and documents. Payment and documentation requirements are reviewed for each shipment.
From Iran to China
In the other direction, polymers and petrochemicals, minerals, stone and agricultural products go from Iran to China, usually by container from Bandar Abbas or by rail through Turkmenistan and Kazakhstan.
What to send for a quote
- Supplier address or port of loading in China and the delivery point in Iran
- Cargo type, HS code if known, and packaging
- Number of cartons or pallets, dimensions, total weight and volume (CBM)
- Incoterms and target cargo-ready date
Send the details through the form on our contact page and we will come back with a comparison of sea and rail options.
Frequently asked questions
Which port does cargo from China arrive at in Iran?
Most container cargo arrives at Shahid Rajaee Port in Bandar Abbas. Depending on the cargo and destination, Chabahar or Bandar Imam Khomeini are also considered.
How long does sea freight from China to Iran take?
Approximately 4–6 weeks door to door, depending on whether the service is direct or transships, port congestion and customs clearance.
Is there a rail option from China to Iran?
Yes. Trains run via Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan and enter Iran at Incheh Borun or Sarakhs. Because of the gauge difference, cargo is transshipped or bogies are exchanged at the borders; door-to-door time is approximately 3–4 weeks.
Is LCL possible for small volumes?
Yes. Cargo that does not fill a container is consolidated as LCL. Costs are shared by volume, although consolidation and distribution can add some time.
Can you contact our supplier in China directly?
Yes. We work in Chinese and can coordinate the loading date, packaging and documents with your supplier directly.
Do you also ship from Iran to China?
Yes. We plan polymers, petrochemicals, minerals and agricultural products to China by sea from Bandar Abbas or by rail through Central Asia.
