China–Iran freight routes: rail vs sea in 2026
Rail from China to Iran via Central Asia was reported at 14–18 days in 2024–2026; Iranian ports have been under a US naval blockade since 14 July 2026.
Insights
Guides and dated corridor notes from our trade desk on moving goods between Iran and China. Each piece lists its sources and the date we last reviewed it.
Guides
How the corridor works: routes, documents, terms and rules.
Shipping documents for Iran–China trade, by route
Iran–China shipments need an invoice and packing list, usually a non-preferential certificate of origin, and a transport document that changes by route.
Food and agricultural exports from Iran to China
Since 1 June 2026, overseas food plants must register with China's customs (GACC) under Decree 280, and each category from Iran needs market access first.
Choosing an Incoterm for Iran–China trade
Under Incoterms 2020, Iran–China containers by rail or sea suit FCA, CPT or CIP; bulk by sea suits FOB, CFR or CIF; DAP suits delivery to site.
Corridor notes
Dated status notes. A new note replaces the last one; older notes stay as a record.
Iran–China rail and sea status: October 2026
October 2026: China–Iran rail was operating at the latest report; Iranian ports are under a US naval blockade and ships to or from them are redirected.
Discuss a trade with us
Check routes and corridor status on the trade desk, or send an enquiry with the goods, quantity, destination and timing.