The Iranian government has abruptly blocked the path for car imports by Iranians living abroad with a new decree. This decision could have widespread repercussions for the car market and for applicants who intended to import cars based on their personal currency.
Halting car order registration
According to this decree, the registration of passenger car models, even relying on personal currency resources and without using the Central Bank's resources, has been completely halted. This decision was approved in the Cabinet meeting on October 18, 2026, and subsequently, Mohammad Reza Aref, the First Vice President, communicated this decree to the ministries of Industry, Economy, and other relevant institutions on November 1.
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Consequences of halting car imports
Applicants who had completed their order registration processes before this announcement are now facing uncertainty. The Cabinet has completely suspended two previous decrees that specifically defined the regulations for the entry of passenger cars. This action clearly indicates a change in policies regarding car imports and access to currency resources outside the banking network.
The Trade Development Organization had previously issued clearance permits for cases that had completed administrative procedures before the halt and had reached customs until the end of 2026. However, the new decree does not provide any explanation regarding the change in the deadline for previous cases, and the process for accepting new applications remains halted.
Impact on the car market
Given this decision, experts believe that blocking car imports with personal currency could have deep impacts on the prices of imported cars in the domestic market. Especially since the car market in Iran is always influenced by currency fluctuations and changes in government policies.
Now it remains to be seen what consequences this decision will have for car applicants and the market, and whether the government will consider measures to manage this situation. What do you think? Can this decree help control prices in the market, or will it instead increase fluctuations? Share your thoughts with us.
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