New Mechanism to Automate Customs Duty Pre-Payment in Iraq

An implementation mechanism for the pre-collection of customs duties has been finalised under Cabinet Decision No. 413 of 2026. Minister of Finance Faleh Sari chaired a meeting on Thursday to complete the mechanism, attended by Central Bank of Iraq Governor Nizar Nasser Hussein, Director General of the General Customs Authority Dr Thamer Qasim Daoud, the Director General of the Investments Department, the Deputy Director General of the General Tax Authority, and a representative of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD).

The meeting addressed the technical, financial, and regulatory requirements for implementing the decision, as well as mechanisms for coordination between the relevant bodies. The finalised mechanism operates through the ASYCUDA (Automated System for Customs Data) and approved electronic payment systems.Iraq business events

According to the Ministry of Finance, the initiative forms part of a broader drive to automate customs procedures, reduce evasion and manipulation, and increase non-oil revenues.