General Information on Bitumen Export from Iran

Iranian bitumen is known for its high quality, competitive pricing, and reliable delivery timelines. Iran’s strategic geographic location allows for efficient access to key international markets. Additionally, the country’s largescale production capacity supports longterm supply agreements and timely fulfillment of export orders.

  •  Competitive and stable pricing due to high production volumes
  •  Conformance with international quality standards
  •  Access to various viscosity grades and specifications
  •  Flexible packaging and shipping options (bulk, drum, jumbo bag)
  •  Proximity to major shipping routes and ports

Payment and Commercial Registration

Yes, foreign companies can pay in Rials (IRR) through their official representatives in Iran or via trusted currency exchange institutions operating under legal frameworks.

Only legal entities (companies) can register. Required documentation includes:

  • Articles of Association
  • Valid business licenses
  • Financial statements
  • Tax and national ID codes
  • CEO or board members’ identification documents
  • For foreign firms, all documents must be authenticated by the Iranian Consulate or Embassy in the country of origin

Pricing, Ordering & Stock Market Involvement

Prices are announced based on supply, demand, and company policy, and become fixed upon transaction completion on the Mercantile Exchange

Buyers may check listing conditions via the exchange or supplier’s website, and submit official purchase requests through certified brokers.

No. Once a transaction is finalized, the agreed price remains fixed, regardless of posttransaction market fluctuations.

Packaging & Transportation Options

  • Bulk (cheapest, suitable for largescale industrial use)
  • Steel drums (185 kg per drum; up to 110 drums in a 20foot container)
  • Jumbo bags / meltable bags (widely used for oxidized bitumen)
  • Flexitanks (for rubber process oil RPO)

Drum packaging involves additional steel cost ($60/ton), compared to jumbo bags ($10/ton), resulting in a higher total price per metric ton.

Exports can be arranged under:

  • ExWorks (EXW)
  • Free On Board (FOB Bandar Abbas)

Cost and Freight (CFR)

These costs are the responsibility of the buyer.

Customs & Delivery

The exporting company manages all customs operations once payment is complete.

  • Bulk bitumen: Ready within 20 days of draft issuance
  • Drumpacked bitumen: 40day draft validity
  • Customformulated bitumen: 15 working days (minimum 2,500 MT)

Technical & Product Specifications

VG (Viscosity Grade) bitumen is graded based on viscosity at 60°C, e.g., VG 60/70 has double the viscosity of VG 30/40, suitable for different climatic and performance requirements.

Oxidized bitumen is categorized by softening point and penetration grade, such as 115/15, commonly used in waterproofing and roofing applications.

These bags reduce environmental impact and disposal costs, especially in regulated zones.

Rubber Processing Oil (RPO)

  • Aromatic RPO: Dark, rubbercompatible, widely used in tire production
  • Paraffinic RPO: Lighter color, higher viscosity, used in specific rubber applications

Yes. Flexitanks are costeffective for bulk shipping and can hold up to 22 metric tons inside a 20foot container (not suitable for 40foot containers).

Viscous RPO may require heating pads installed with the flexitank, using hot water or steam to facilitate discharge.

  • Reduced packaging costs
  • Improved cash flow
  • Efficient inland transportation
  • Alternative to costly storage solutions

Gilsonite and Other Derivatives

Gilsonite is a naturally occurring asphaltic resin used in drilling fluids, asphalt modification, ink, and paint industries. It is graded based on hardness and softening point.

Sanctions & Legal Trade

It is advised to cooperate with experienced local exporters who are wellversed in compliant, legal logistics and international payment solutions. These professionals help buyers navigate documentation, bank transactions, and transport under the current international conditions.

Environmental and Safety Considerations

Yes, when produced to international standards, paraffin and microcrystalline waxes are safe and nontoxic.

  • Paraffin wax: Lower melting point, more brittle
  • Microcrystalline wax: Malleable, used in cosmetics and premium candles