In the process of carpet exporting, after your product has been manufactured in accordance with the preferences and standards of the destination country (as discussed in the previous stage: Standardization and Product Preparation), we reach one of the most sensitive phases: document preparation for export.
This step is essentially the key to officially launching your export. No product can exit customs or enter the destination country without the proper documents. Every stakeholder—customs, banks, shipping companies, insurers, foreign clients, and even the judicial system in case of disputes—relies on these documents. Therefore, each document must be accurate, authentic, consistent with other paperwork, and legally valid.
In this article, we will clearly and professionally cover all the required documents for exporting carpets (from proforma invoices and final commercial invoices to certificates of origin, packing lists, health certificates, and customs permits). We will also provide real-world examples to help you complete this step without error.
If your goal is to professionally export carpets, this step is crucial because the final success of the transaction depends on the accuracy of these documents.
After product standardization, the most important part of the export process is the accurate preparation of export documents. These documents are the backbone of customs and international shipping procedures. Even minor errors can lead to delays, fines, returned shipments, or even bans from importing countries.
In fact, even if you’ve created a top-tier product, without the complete and correct documents, your export cannot proceed.
That’s why all professional exporters treat this step seriously and often seek assistance from experts or trade companies.
Here are the most important documents required to export carpets from Iran:
This is the first official document between the seller and buyer. It is considered a sales proposal and includes all the key details of the transaction.
It should include:
Example:
If a Saudi buyer wants to order 5 containers of 1200-reed carpets, the first document to confirm the price and shipping conditions is the proforma invoice.
After finalizing the deal and completing the payment, a commercial invoice is issued. This is an official financial document for both Iranian and foreign customs.
Key points:
Important:
Any inconsistency between the proforma and commercial invoice can cause customs delays.
The packing list is a detailed breakdown of how the shipment is packed. Customs and shipping companies use this to verify the container’s contents.
It includes:
Example:
If 50 rolls of 2×3-meter carpets are being shipped, the list must specify the length of each roll and how it is packed in the container.
This certificate is issued by the Iranian Chamber of Commerce and proves the product was made in Iran.
Why it’s important:
Some countries (like Saudi Arabia, Iraq, or European nations) require health certificates to ensure the materials used in carpets are not environmentally harmful or allergenic.
Includes checks for:
Example:
For export to Europe or Scandinavia, lab tests may be required to certify no harmful substances were used.
To exit Iranian borders, a customs declaration must be accurately completed, and an export permit must be issued. This is usually handled by a customs broker.
Includes:
European countries require many imports—including machine-made carpets—to meet CE certification standards.
The CE mark confirms the product complies with EU safety regulations.
Without the CE label:
Export documents form the foundation for logistics, customs clearance, and payment.
Even small errors can lead to:
But when documents are accurate, complete, and standard:
✔ Exports happen quickly
✔ Shipping and clearance costs drop
✔ Buyer trust increases
✔ The process becomes fully legal and professional
This is why professional exporters always get help from document experts or trade firms.
Preparing export documents is one of the most fundamental—and vital—steps in the carpet export process. Any error, mismatch, or omission can halt the entire trade operation, from customs detention to contract cancellations.
This article showed how documents like the proforma invoice, commercial invoice, packing list, certificate of origin, health certificate, and customs permits not only fulfill formal requirements, but also protect your brand’s reputation, build client trust, and accelerate the export process.
If you complete Step 4 thoroughly, the next steps will go much smoother.
Next step (Step 5): Finding Buyers and Export Negotiations
We’ll now turn to the market and your potential customers—where communication skills, branding, and international sales techniques, combined with these documents, shape the final result.
