A Guide to Exporting Steel Billets to Afghanistan via the Mahirud Route
As one of the target markets for Iranian steel exports, Afghanistan maintains active engagement with Iranian producers and exporters through Mahirud customs (South Khorasan province). Successfully exporting steel billets via this route requires precise adherence to legal, technical, and financial procedures.
General Stages of the Export Process
The process of exporting steel billets from origin to destination generally consists of four main phases:
- Pre-export preparation: obtaining the necessary permits from the Ministry of Industry, Mine and Trade, and registering the order in the Comprehensive Trade System
- Contract and financial engineering: determining the Incoterm, payment method, and financial structure suited to the counterparty’s risk
- Customs clearance and shipping: following export customs procedures, coordinating shipping, and observing the designated time windows for crossing at the Mahirud border
- Settlement and closing the currency obligation: repatriating export proceeds in accordance with NIMA system regulations
Key Points
Mahirud customs, one of Iran’s most active border crossings with Afghanistan, handles a notable share of export tonnage and truck traffic. Staying current on the Ministry of Industry, Mine and Trade’s circulars regarding steel-chain export duties, and coordinating closely with a customs broker, are among the most important factors for success on this route.
Risk Management on This Route
Currency fluctuations, regulatory changes, and the Afghan counterparty’s credit risk are all factors that need to be assessed before every shipment. Drawing on the export guarantee instruments of the Export Guarantee Fund of Iran (EGFI) can significantly offset these risks.
Farshavard’s Role
As the official representative of the Export Guarantee Fund of Iran, Farshavard Trading Company facilitates the process of exporting steel billets to Afghanistan for exporters — from preparation through to closing the currency obligation — with risk coverage and precise management of customs procedures.
For expert guidance on exporting steel to Afghanistan, contact Farshavard’s team.