Federal vs. KRG Customs: Key Differences

Federal vs. KRG Customs: Key Differences

Understanding jurisdictional differences is critical for compliance:

Federal Iraq Customs

Umm Qasr Port, Basra Airport, Baghdad Airport, Iran border crossings (Shalamcheh, Mehran)

KRG Customs

Erbil Airport, Sulaymaniyah Airport, Ibrahim Khalil border (Turkey), Haji Omran border (Iran)

Tariff Alignment

KRG generally follows federal tariff rates but maintains independent declaration systems and inspection protocols

Documentation

Federal requires Baghdad Chamber of Commerce certification; KRG accepts Erbil/Sulaymaniyah chamber certificates

Critical Insight: Goods entering via KRG borders (Ibrahim Khalil from Turkey) that will ultimately be transported to federal Iraq (Baghdad, Basra) require two separate customs clearances—once at KRG entry point, again at federal checkpoints. Direct Drive Logistic coordinates both clearances to prevent cargo holds at internal checkpoints.

https://directdrivelogistic.com/services/customs-clearance-iraq/