Iraq is moving forward with plans to modernize its customs system, with officials reviewing ways to expand automation and introduce pre-payment of customs duties.
Finance Minister Faleh Sari chaired a meeting on Wednesday with representatives from the General Customs Authority and experts from the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) to discuss the next phase of the project.
The discussions focused on three key priorities. The first is expanding the ASYCUDA customs system and improving data sharing across customs ports. The second is extending the system to customs ports in the Kurdistan Region so procedures can be standardized and customs data can be shared nationwide. The third is introducing pre-payment of customs duties at the time of financial transfer, a measure that is planned to begin on October 1.
During the meeting, General Customs Authority Director General Dr. Thamer Qasim Daoud outlined the steps already taken to support digital transformation and shared plans for building a more connected electronic customs system.
UNCTAD experts also provided technical guidance on what is needed for further system development and highlighted international best practices used in modern customs administration.
Minister Sari said the pre-payment system is an important step toward improving accuracy and transparency in customs operations. He noted that it can help reduce tax evasion and manipulation while making revenue collection more efficient for the government.
