Transporting goods to Iraq

Transporting goods and logistics in Iraq and Erbil can be a challenging task due to the country’s complex customs procedures and regulations. However, with the help of reliable transport and logistics companies, businesses can successfully import and export their goods to and from Iraq. The country has several methods of transporting goods, including air, sea, and land transport. It also has several customs terminals located at its borders with neighboring countries, which are responsible for inspecting goods entering and leaving the country and collecting customs duties. The customs tariff in Iraq is based on the Harmonized System (HS) of classification, and the steps for importing and exporting goods in the country include obtaining an import or export license, submitting a customs declaration, paying any applicable taxes and duties, having the goods inspected by customs officials, and releasing the goods from customs.

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Methods of Transporting Goods to Iraq and Erbil

There are several methods of transporting goods to Iraq and Erbil, including road, air, and sea transport. Road Transport: Road transport is the most common method of transporting goods to Iraq and Erbil. The country has a well-developed road network that connects it to neighboring countries such as Turkey, Iran, and Syria. The road transport system is also well-maintained, making it a reliable option for businesses. Air Transport: Air transport is another option for transporting goods to Iraq and Erbil. The country has several international airports, including Baghdad International Airport and Erbil International Airport. However, air transport can be more expensive than road transport. Sea Transport: Sea transport is also an option for transporting goods to Iraq and Erbil. The country has two major ports, Umm Qasr Port in the south and Khor Al-Zubair Port in the north. Sea transport is ideal for businesses that need to transport large quantities of goods. Land and Sea Customs Terminals To import goods into Iraq and Erbil, businesses must go through customs clearance at the land and sea terminals. The main land customs terminals are Safwan Border Crossing and Al-Shalamcha Border Crossing. Safwan Border Crossing is located on the border with Kuwait and is the main land crossing for goods entering southern Iraq. Al-Shalamcha Border Crossing is located on the border with Iran and is the main land crossing for goods entering northern Iraq. The main sea customs terminals are Umm Qasr Port and Khor Al-Zubair Port. Umm Qasr Port is the largest port in Iraq and handles most of the country’s imports. Khor Al-Zubair Port is located near Basra and handles most of the country’s oil exports.

Tariff and Steps

Iraq imposes tariffs on imported goods, which vary depending on the type of product. The tariff rates range from 5% to 80%. To import goods into Iraq and Erbil, businesses must follow these steps:

1. Obtain an Import License: Businesses must obtain an import license from the Ministry of Trade before importing goods into Iraq.

2. Submit Customs Documents: Once the import license is obtained, businesses must submit customs documents to the relevant customs authority.

3. Pay Customs Duties: Businesses must pay customs duties on imported goods based on the tariff rates.

4. Clear Customs: Once the customs duties are paid, businesses can clear customs and transport their goods to their destination.

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Statistics and challenges of transporting goods to Iraq and Erbil

According to the World Bank, Iraq’s exports in 2020 were valued at $60.7 billion, while imports were valued at $41.9 billion. The country’s top export products include crude oil, refined petroleum, and gold. Its top import products include cars, packaged medicaments, and wheat. The exchange rate for the Iraqi dinar (IQD) to the United States dollar (USD) as of August 2021 is approximately 1,450 IQD to 1 USD. While there are opportunities for businesses to import and export goods to Iraq and Erbil, there are also challenges associated with transporting goods to these markets. Security: The security situation in Iraq remains volatile, with ongoing conflicts in some parts of the country. Businesses must take precautions to ensure the safety of their goods and personnel during transport. Infrastructure: While Iraq has a well-developed road network, there are still areas where infrastructure is lacking or in need of repair. This can lead to delays in transport times and increased costs. Customs Regulations: Iraq’s customs regulations can be complex, and businesses must ensure they comply with all requirements to avoid delays or penalties. There are several transport and logistics companies operating in Iraq and Erbil that can assist businesses with importing and exporting their goods. These companies offer a range of services, including freight forwarding, customs clearance, warehousing, and transportation our company is a leading logistics and cargo transportat