The World Trade Organization (WTO) has confirmed Iran sent a summary of its commerce policies to the global trade regulator to start membership talks, Press TV reported.
The move would pave the way for Iran to join the 153-member influential trade group.
"I can confirm that the members have received today the memorandum from Iran," Reuters quoted a WTO official as saying on condition of anonymity.
The document covers all aspects of Iran's trade and legal regime and is essential for joining the trade body.
Iran is among several large countries, including Russia, that remain outside the WTO.
The trade body agreed to allow Iran to commence membership talks in May 2005 nearly a decade after the Islamic Republic first began its quest for ascension to the organization.
Until then, the United States had stymied Iran's efforts to enter the WTO in large part because of opposition to Iran's nuclear program.
WTO members can veto new candidates based on the body's system of decision by consensus.
Trade sources say Switzerland's WTO ambassador, Luzius Wasescha, would chair a working group to lead the negotiations with Iran.
WTO rules require candidates to negotiate with the working group which represent the trade body. WTO entry negotiations may take years to complete.