Iranian Association Calls for Stable Regulation Due to Widespread Use of Crypto

Iran’s association of importers has stressed the need for a stable regulatory framework for cryptocurrencies now that the Iranian government is officially using crypto to pay for imports.

Alireza Managhebi, the chairman of Iran’s Importers Group and Representatives of Foreign Companies (Imports Association), highlighted concerns about the country’s crypto regulation Saturday, local media reported.

He stressed that a stable regulatory framework for cryptocurrencies should be established for cryptocurrencies to be successfully used as a means of payment for imports.

Managhebi explained, "Our main and most important concern is that this new method cannot be exploited by some people. The main question is whether the Iranian government has provided fixed rules for the use of cryptocurrencies that will not change for several months, and in the meantime businesses active in this digital field will not be harmed."

The government of Iran recently announced the official use of cryptocurrency to pay for imports. However, Managhebi clarified that the claim that this would immediately end the dollar dominance in Iran is not very accurate because both the dollar and cryptocurrency have their own places in the Iranian market.

The association official also mentioned, "It is absolutely necessary to educate and train people to use this new technology in Iran as well as have stable regulations in this regard."

Earlier this month, Alireza Peymanpak, Vice Minister of Iran’s Ministry of Industry, Mine and Trade and President of the country’s Trade Promotion Organization (TPO), said the first official import order was successfully placed with cryptocurrency.

“By the end of September, the use of cryptocurrencies and smart contracts will be widespread in foreign trade with target countries,” he added.

However, in other developments related to Iran and its attempt to regulate the industry, authorities in have continued to seize illegal mining rigs in Tehran over the past few months.