Commercial Legal Services in Iraq
Commerce in Iraq moves fast. Deals are structured, partnerships are formed, and contracts underpin nearly every commercial relationship. In a market shaped by evolving regulations, local practices, and cross-border dynamics, having the right legal support is critical.
At Etihad Law Firm, we advise local and international clients on commercial contracts, transactions, trade, distribution, finance, and regulatory compliance in Iraq. Our commercial law practice is built around one principle: legal advice should enable business, not obstruct it.
We deliver advice that is clear, practical, and focused on achieving commercial outcomes.
Commercial Contract Drafting & Negotiation
Contracts are the foundation of every commercial relationship. Poorly drafted agreements create risk, delay, and disputes. We assist clients with: Drafting and negotiating commercial contracts across sectors Supply, service, and framework agreements Infrastructure and large-scale project contracts Risk allocation and liability structuring Contract review and dispute prevention Our approach ensures that contracts are clear, enforceable, and aligned with commercial objectives.
Commercial Transactions - M&A
We advise on a wide range of commercial transactions, from strategic partnerships to complex acquisitions. Our services include: Transaction structuring and negotiation Legal due diligence Regulatory approvals and compliance Acquisition and investment agreements Post-transaction integration support Our experience spans transactions from early-stage deals to transactions exceeding USD 200 million.
Commercial Agency & Distribution
Expanding into Iraq often requires local agents, distributors, or commercial representatives. We support clients in: Drafting and negotiating distribution and agency agreements Structuring exclusive and non-exclusive arrangements Protecting principals in local representation structures Managing termination rights and disputes Ensuring compliance with Iraqi commercial regulations We help clients build distribution networks that are legally secure and commercially effective.
Trade, Supply Chain, and Procurement
Iraq is a key regional trade market, with increasing complexity in supply chains and procurement requirements. We advise on: Import and export regulations in Iraq Customs compliance and tariff classification Procurement frameworks and tender processes Supply chain risk management International sale of goods contracts Our advice ensures that trade operations are efficient, compliant, and resilient.
Finance and Lending Transactions
Access to finance is critical for business operations and growth. We assist lenders and borrowers with: Commercial lending agreements Bilateral and syndicated financing Security structuring and collateral arrangements Islamic finance structures, including murabaha Letters of credit and trade finance instruments We ensure that financing arrangements are secure, enforceable, and commercially viable.
Corporate Governance and Compliance
Commercial success in Iraq requires more than contracts, it requires strong governance. We advise on: Corporate governance frameworks Internal policies and compliance systems Anti-corruption and regulatory compliance Risk management and internal controls Governance for complex and multi-entity businesses Our solutions are designed to be practical, enforceable, and aligned with Iraqi law and international standards.
Experience
- Draft and negotiating a long-term supply framework agreement for a multinational consumer goods company entering the Iraqi market covering distribution, exclusivity, pricing, and brand protection across multiple governorates
- Advise on the acquisition of a major Iraqi trading business, including full commercial and legal due diligence, transaction structuring, and regulatory clearance, deal value exceeding USD 70 million
- Structuring a commercial agency arrangement for an international manufacturer appointing an exclusive Iraqi distributor, including termination protections and performance benchmarks
- Advise a regional bank on the documentation and security structuring of a USD 50 million commercial lending facility to an Iraqi corporate borrower
- Draft a multi-party construction framework agreement for a large infrastructure development project in Iraq, covering contractor, subcontractor, and employer obligations project value in excess of USD 120 million
- Advise an international logistics company on its entry into the Iraqi market through a commercial representation structure, including import compliance and trade finance arrangements
- Review and restructuring the entire commercial contract portfolio of a multinational operating in Iraq, identifying and addressing material legal exposure across more than 40 active agreements
- Advise a government-linked entity on a public procurement process for the award of a major services contract, ensuring full compliance with applicable procurement law and documentation requirements
- Structuring an Islamic finance facility for a commercial borrower in Iraq, including the documentation of a murabaha arrangement and the creation of compliant security
- Advise on the termination of a commercial agency relationship in Iraq, managing the agent’s compensation claim and achieving a negotiated resolution without litigation
- Design commercial compliance frameworks covering contractual risk, regulatory obligations, and internal approval processes
- Advise on related-party transaction policies and the governance arrangements required to manage conflicts of interest in commercial relationships
- Advise on import and export regulations applicable to goods entering or leaving Iraq, including customs compliance and tariff classification
- Draft and negotiate international sale of goods contracts, including Incoterms selection and risk allocation
- Advise on letters of credit, documentary collections, and trade finance instruments used in Iraqi commercial transactions