By John Lee.
Iraq's General Customs Authority has announced temporary exceptional measures to accelerate the flow of goods and reduce congestion at ports.
According to state-run Iraqi News Agency (INA), the authority said the measures were adopted in line with directives from Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani and in response to exceptional regional conditions affecting ports and trade flows.
Under the new procedures:
- Imported goods destined for public sector entities (ministries and bodies not affiliated with a ministry) may be released upon submission of a legal guarantee issued by the beneficiary entity, committing to complete all formal procedures and settle any applicable fees within the legally prescribed period.
- Goods belonging to the private sector (individuals and corporate entities) may be released upon submission of a valid and unconditional bank guarantee, or cash deposit, for a minimum of 90 days, covering the full value of customs duties and taxes due. Importers must complete all final customs procedures and submit original documentation before expiry of the guarantee, failing which the guaranteed amount will be confiscated in favour of the public treasury in accordance with the law.
The authority said the directives are intended to enhance institutional efficiency and procedural flexibility while maintaining legal controls and safeguarding public revenues, in support of economic activity and trade continuity.
(Source: Iraqi News Agency)
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