By John Lee.
Iraq's General Customs Authority has reported its highest-ever monthly customs revenues, exceeding IQD 137 billion (USD 105 million) in January 2026, reflecting the impact of recent regulatory and administrative reforms.
The Authority said the increase followed the full implementation of Decision No. 957 across all customs centres, improving revenue collection efficiency and compliance while updating operating mechanisms in line with professional standards that balance trade facilitation and protection of public revenues.
It noted that, while a limited slowdown was recorded at some border points during the initial phase of applying the new procedures, the measures have delivered tangible positive results in terms of organisation, collection efficiency, and workflow, supporting confidence in the system and medium-term trade stability.
The Authority stressed that the new procedures do not affect essential goods and basic commodities linked directly to daily living needs, confirming its commitment to maintaining market stability and the availability of goods at reasonable prices.
Further revenue growth is expected in the coming months, supported by the following measures:
- Reducing the assessed value rate in the ASYCUDA system by 25%
- Exempting accumulated goods from additional fees
- Speeding up procedures across customs centres to reduce processing times
- Reopening closed manifests to support traders and improve goods flow
The Authority rejected reports circulating in some media outlets claiming revenue losses due to the new tariff structure, stating that these claims are inaccurate. (Iraqi economist Nabil Al-Marsoumi was quoted by Iraqi News as warning of "catastrophic consequences" for Iraq's economy following the implementation of the ASYCUDA customs automation system.)
It said that the current 25% level of imports is generating revenues equivalent to those achieved in the months prior to the implementation of Decision 957.
The statement concluded by reaffirming the Authority's commitment to ongoing institutional modernisation, strengthening cooperation with the public and private sectors, enhancing transparency, and supporting the national economy while maintaining a balance between trade facilitation and safeguarding public funds.
Click here for more guidance on the new customs regulations.
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(Sources: General Customs Authority / Iraqi News)
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