Conflicting Reports on Apple Phone Imports to Iran; Ban or 96% Profit

The ban on importing Apple products to Iran has once again made headlines with conflicting reports from government media. Islamic Republic officials claim that 'the import of any type of Apple phone is banned,' while simultaneously announcing a '96% commercial profit margin for all iPhone models.' According to a report by the Tasnim news agency, close to the Revolutionary Guards, on Thursday, June 10, 'the import of any type of Apple phone,' even 'iPhone 13 and lower,' has been banned. The report cites Alireza Sadri-Khah, the director of the Customs Import Office, referencing a new directive stating that from June 8, 'the import of smartphones bearing the Apple brand is prohibited.' On the other hand, Sadri-Khah mentioned that 'if the entry ban is lifted by the relevant authorities, the commercial profit margin will be set at 96%.' The document published by Tasnim regarding the Apple ban in Iran. The ISNA news agency also announced that 'in accordance with Article 138 of the Executive Regulations of the Customs Affairs Law, the commercial profit of mobile phones imported under the passenger procedure is calculated at double.' This government media also reported that based on its follow-ups with the Trade Development Organization, 'the ban on iPhones still pertains to models from iPhone 14 and onwards, and no changes have been made in this regard.' Meanwhile, previous reports indicated that for the past two years, Apple mobile phones have been categorized under 'Group 27' of goods, and according to importers, there has been no possibility to register orders for them. Additionally, see: The ban on iPhone imports and increasing concerns about the status of other imported mobile phones. Previously, Reza Ghorashi, an economist, stated in an interview with Voice of America that the major problem of the Iranian economy is the existence of the Islamic Republic and its mafia gangs.