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International firms – importing goods to Iraq

Trade laws and regulations

· CPA Orders – CPA Orders 38, 54, and 70 outline the regulations affecting trade in Iraq

o CPA Order 38 – Calls for a 5% reconstruction levy on all non-humanitarian goods being imported into Iraq; does not affect exports.

o CPA Order 54 – Eliminates all customs tariffs, duties and import taxes, with the exception of reconstruction levy under Order 38. Annex A of the order lists restricted imports and exports and those items for which additional licenses are required.

o CPA Order 70 – Postpones implementation and enforcement of the reconstruction levy to April 15, 2004.

· Import/Export licensing – The Ministry of Trade is responsible for issuing import and export licenses for those goods outlined as requiring them in CPA Order 54. As the Ministry of Trade issues instructions for obtaining such licenses, they will be posted at www.motiraq.org.

· Customs – The Ministry of Interior is responsible for protecting Iraq’s borders and ensuring all goods entering and leaving the country are accompanied by the appropriate documentation. The Ministry of Interior will be responsible for enforcing the 5% reconstruction levy. Instructions for adhering to the new policy and an importers guide can be found here [The MOI has not issued instructions on this yet. Once they do, I will make a page for them. I am also trying to get a copy of an importers guide that they have at the borders.]

Other resources

· Transportation companies in Iraq and neighboring countries – the companies on this list can assist you in transporting goods out of Iraq

· Forwarding and clearing companies in neighboring countries – the companies on this list provide numerous services to exporters (and importers), including shipping, customs clearance assistance, warehousing, and distribution.

· Importing at Umm Qasr port – The cargo port in Umm Qasr is operational and being managed by SSA Marine. For more information, click here.

· Partnering – if you don’t have one already, you will probably need to establish a partnership with a foreign firm to export and sell your goods. Click here to learn more about finding a partner.