The Iraqi Customs Authority and Ministry of Finance have begun rejecting all DOD (Department of Defense) contract levy exemption forms citing US SOFA (Status of Forces Agreement) with immediate effect. All freight, including those moved under US reconstruction contracts, is now subject to commercial freight regulations. Following requirements are now applicable to all inbound freight to Baghdad International Airport.
- Hand Signed AWB
- Commercial Invoice in both English and Arabic
- Purchase Order
- Certificate of Origin
- Written approval by Iraqi Embassy at origin country of shipping authorizing customs clearance upon arrival in Iraq.
**Special Note** The Iraqi Customs Authority does not issue any decree in writing. All information received regarding regulations is passed verbally by airport officials. The Iraqi Government also does not publish a listing of Embassies around the world (ref #5 above).
Duty and Tax Rate:
Duty rate is assessed at 5% of commercial value and taxes at 67% of total duty rate to be paid. Total expense is approximately 8% of the customs value and does fluctuate slightly depending on the volatile exchange rate Iraqi Customs applies between the Iraqi Dinar and US Dollar.
