Facts as of 1 November 2026. Iraqi customs rules changed several times in 2026. Confirm the current position with your coordinator and the sources listed on this page before you ship.

What changed in Iraqi customs in 2026?

Iraq moved to item-level, system-checked clearance in 2026, so incomplete or inconsistent documents now stop a declaration rather than slowing it down.

• ASYCUDA World went live at the start of 2026 and now processes declarations (Iraq Business News).
• Decision 957/2025 introduced duties calculated per item by HS code, so you can no longer budget a flat amount per container.
• Electronic verification: since 10 July 2026, certificates of origin and commercial invoices must be verified electronically before a declaration is processed; unverified declarations are suspended (Deloitte).
• Kurdistan Region: ASYCUDA pre-declaration was reported to be mandatory for commercial goods at the Ibrahim Khalil crossing from 1 June 2026.
• Congestion: early in 2026 a backlog of more than 50,000 containers was reported at Umm Qasr during the transition; it was later cleared, but it shows how quickly free time can run out.

Key facts

Who can import goods into Iraq?

Only a locally registered importer can clear goods into Iraq, so a foreign supplier cannot be the importer of record.

The consignee on the bill of lading must match the registered importer, and the pre-declaration needs the consignee's tax or national ID. Registration is reported to take several business days, so new importers should start before the goods are ready. Analysts also report that importers who did not pre-declare through the banking system were assessed on estimated values, which often raised the duty; plan the bank step together with your supplier's payment.

Which goods need a Certificate of Conformity?

Products on the regulated list of Iraq's Central Organization for Standardization and Quality Control (COSQC) need a Certificate of Conformity (COC) from an authorised inspection body before shipment; other goods may need a Certificate of Inspection.

The certificate is checked at the Iraqi border, and a non-conformity can lead to penalties, long delays or return of the goods. Lead times of about 2–4 weeks are commonly cited for electronics and toys, and longer for radio equipment; treat these as indicative and book the inspection well before the departure date. Certifiers do not always agree on which bodies are authorised, so confirm the inspection company's authorisation before you pay. The Kurdistan Region also runs separate checks on vehicles and machinery.

How are Iraqi import duties calculated now?

Duties are now calculated line by line from the HS code and the customs value, so the invoice must list each item separately with a precise description.

Customs may value goods from the invoice or from its own reference values. If declared values look low against those references, expect a valuation review and a higher assessment. Budget per item, keep proof of payment that matches the invoice, and avoid vague descriptions such as “spare parts” or “electrical goods”.

Which route should Iraq-bound cargo take?

The best route depends on which carriers call where, your budget and your final destination in Iraq; we compare the options in every quote.

New UAE–Umm Qasr capacity was added in 2026, including a dedicated feeder service launched in July. See China to Iraq and UAE to Iraq for current options.

How do you avoid demurrage at Umm Qasr?

Have every document verified and the importer registered before the vessel arrives, because clearance times reported at 4–10 days leave little margin against 7–10 free days.

• Send the invoice, packing list and certificate of origin for checking before the vessel sails.
• Book the COC inspection three to four weeks before departure.
• Plan around public holidays: customs works slowly or closes around Eid.
• Agree the free days in writing on the quote, and watch the countdown in your case file.

How does Nil Ocean handle an Iraq shipment?

Every Iraq case follows one checklist that you can see in the portal: importer confirmed → bank pre-declaration → e-verification of the certificate of origin and invoice → COC or COI → ASYCUDA declaration → valuation (declared vs assessed) → duty paid → release → delivery. We coordinate clearance with licensed Iraqi customs brokers, show each step with who updated it and when, and warn you if departure is close and the COC has not been issued.