Iraq flag Iraq: Buying and Selling

International convention and customs procedures of Iraq

International Economic Cooperation
Given its oil potential, Iraq seeks a larger role in Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and to strengthen its ties with its Arab neighbours.
Iraq is a member of the League of Arab States and the Great Arab Free Trade Agreement. In 20013, Iraq ratified a Trade and Investment Framework Agreement (TIFA) and Partnership and Cooperation Agreement with the European Union in 2012.
Non Tariff Barriers
Non-tariff barriers include inadequate infrastructure and trade capacity, significant customs processing delays, security considerations and some specific import and export bans.
Customs Duties and Taxes on Imports
According to the Ministry of Finance of the Republic of Iraq, the customs average rate was around 10% in 2016. As of December of 2016, Iraq amended customs duty rate on certain imported goods such as cigarettes (75% duty rate), juices (25%), televisions (35%), alcoholic beverages (100%), air conditioners (25%) and sedan cars (25%).
As of the 1st of January of 2018, customs duty rates on other imported goods were amended to reach 30% for some of them.
Customs Classification
Iraq is a member of the World Customs organisation and does comply with the harmonised customs system.
Import Procedures
Private sector imports generally require licenses, although there are limited exceptions. In order to import goods, the following documents must be submitted to the customs authorities: a commercial invoice (including a description of the product, indication of the country of origin and the details of the manufacturer); a certificate of origin (although generally not required, the statement of origin should appear on the invoice); two copies of the packing list; three copies of the bill of lading.
For shipments to Erbil, an authorization letter from the origin agent is required. For more information, click here.
Importing Samples
There are no specific procedures for samples shipments. Sample shipments require the same set of documents as a normal shipment. The value of goods should still appear on the commercial invoice indicating "for customs clearance purpose only'' on the invoice. Zero value invoices are not acceptable.
 

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Latest Update: December 2023

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