Tariff Stability Crucial, But Difficult

EghtesadOnline: Keeping tariff rates steady has priority over their revision since it will allow importers to measure the competitiveness of their commodities and make informed decisions, the head of Iran Export Confederation said.

News ID: ۷۷۹۳۷۵

23 September 2017

Referring to the recent announcement made by Minister of Industries, Mining and Trade Mohammad Shariatmadari on keeping tariff rates unchanged for the next four years, Mohammad Lahouti said, “I personally do not believe the minister would succeed in fulfilling this promise, as departments other than the Ministry of Industries, Mining and Trade are involved with the tariff system.”

The official noted that the problem with the business environment in Iran is the inconsistency of rules and regulations, and that subjective changes in these rules or their interpretations have had undesirable effects on businesses in Iran, Tehran Chamber of Commerce, Industries, Mines and Agriculture’s news portal reported.

Noting that back-to-back changes have undermined investment in the country and confused business owners, Lahouti said such overnight changes in regulations include sudden hikes or reductions in import tariffs or export duties, or even a ban on order registration of a product such as cars, Financial Tribune reported.