Exporting manufactured goods from Iraq engages a licensing framework administered through customs and trade authorities, with sector-specific overlays for regulated product categories. Most general manufacturing exports operate under straightforward export procedures, but defined categories engage specific authorisation requirements that materially affect market access. Manufacturers planning export operations should understand the framework rather than assume free export ability.
General Export Framework
Iraqi exports operate under general customs procedures requiring exporter registration with appropriate authorities, customs declaration for each shipment, supporting documentation including commercial invoice and packing list, certificate of origin where relevant for preferential access, and compliance with destination-country import requirements. Most manufactured goods can be exported under this general framework without specific export licensing beyond standard procedures.
Restricted Export Categories
Specific categories require export authorisation beyond general procedures:
- Strategic commodities including petroleum products under specific frameworks
- Defence and dual-use goods addressed in a separate article
- Cultural heritage and antiquities requiring specific authorisation
- Wildlife and endangered species products under CITES
- Specific agricultural commodities under State control
- Certain industrial products of national interest
- Items affected by international sanctions
Manufacturers should confirm whether their specific products fall within restricted categories.
Exporter Registration
Iraqi exporters require registration with the Ministry of Trade as authorised exporters. The registration parallels importer registration covered earlier and engages similar documentation, financial standing, and ongoing compliance requirements. Manufacturers exporting their own products typically maintain exporter registration alongside other operational authorisations.
Export Documentation
Export shipments require documentation including:
- Commercial invoice describing the goods and value
- Packing list with consignment details
- Certificate of origin supporting preferential treatment
- Bill of lading or other transport document
- Customs declaration at the export port
- Sectoral certifications for regulated products
- Letter of credit or other payment documentation
- Sanitary, phytosanitary, or quality certificates where required
Documentation accuracy affects both Iraqi customs clearance and destination-country acceptance.
Export Procedures
Standard export procedures involve preparation of documentation, customs declaration at the export port, customs examination where applicable, loading and shipment under transport contract, and follow-up confirming receipt by the foreign buyer. Operations exporting routinely typically engage customs brokers handling the export-side procedures while focusing internal attention on commercial and operational matters.
Inspection and Verification
Some export categories engage pre-export inspection verifying quantity, quality, conformity with specifications, and matching with documentation. Inspection may be performed by Iraqi authorities, foreign destination authorities, or contracted inspection bodies. Inspection findings affect both customs clearance and commercial acceptance of the shipment.
Restricted Destinations
Specific destination countries may engage restrictions reflecting sanctions, political relations, or specific concerns. Manufacturers should screen destinations against applicable restrictions including UN sanctions Iraq has implemented, Iraqi domestic restrictions on specific countries, end-user concerns affecting specific transactions, and sanctions imposed by countries through which transactions clear (notably US sanctions affecting USD transactions).
How We Can Help
Etihad advises on export licensing and procedures, exporter registration, identification of restricted categories applicable to specific products, documentation systems, response to export-side regulatory issues, and broader strategic positioning on export operations.