Iraq Customs Regulations

UN personnel are entitled to import one private car for an assignment of not less than twelve months. Under regulations issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the vehicle may be sold to a privileged person, re-exported, or sold to the Government (Customs Department) upon completion of assignment.

It is prohibited to bring personal binoculars, firearms and ammunition into the country. The import of recorded or pre-recorded Video Cassettes is also prohibited. Importation of personal computers, word processors, telecommunications equipment, photocopiers, stenciling machines and typewriters require advance approval from the concerned authorities.

Packing and Shipping of Goods:
For the time being all shipments to and from Iraq are made through Jordan. Reliable agents of shipping companies are represented in Iraq for the packing of goods and shipments.

Private Vehicles:
Conditions governing the duty-free importation of a private automobile are given under Chapter III, Customs Regulations. The most favored makes in Iraq are Mercedes, Toyota (Crown and Corona), Mitsubishi (Galant), VW Brazilian, Datsun 180B, Volvo and Peugeot. The importation of certain makes (Ford, Willys Jeep, Jaguar, Zoadiac, Zephyr, Consul, Austin, M.G. and Rover) is banned by the Government. The Government of Iraq also bans certain car colours and strictly forbids importation of vehicles with diesel engines. The permitted colours for vehicles are:-( white, red, blue and green). It is recommended that importation of vehicles with fuel injection engines should be avoided. Because of the very high temperature in summer, it is essential that cars be equipped with factory installed air-conditioners.

Standard 80-octane petrol is available and costs ID. 1.500 per liter. Spare parts are scarce and if available extremely expensive, but the general standard of garage and car repair service is good. Recently, 90-octane petrol has been made available in Baghdad at a higher price.

International documents (Carnet de Passage) are required for driving into the country. In order to drive the vehicle outside the country, the sum of ID 750/- is charged for the issue of an Iraqi customs book which has replaced the international Carnet de Passage which is no more available in Iraq. The Iraqi Customs book is valid for six months/several journeys and should be used only for journeys to Amman/Jordan. It is no longer necessary to obtain compulsory third party insurance which is now being covered by a fee added to the price of petrol.

Other info: Traffic in Iraq keeps to the right.

Fore more information:
http://www.wfp.org/welcom/undp/brf_irq.htm#Private%20Vehicles:

Note: Customs regulations are subject to change at any time. The proceeding information is a brief summary of customs regulations applicable to household goods shipments to this destination and is being provided for general guidance to assist our customers. Since such regulations are subject to change without notice, mymovingguide.com can only offer guidance but cannot be responsible for miss-advice. Please contact the consulate or embassy representing the country to which you are moving to determine the applicable rules, regulations and laws to which your shipment will be subject.