Imports from Turkey to Iraq have witnessed a remarkable boom in recent years, as Iraq ranked fourth among countries importing from Turkey, and the volume of trade exchange between them exceeded 20 billion dollars in 2020. The head of the Association of Industrialists and Businessmen in Turkey and Iraq, Nawaf Kilic, mentioned in an interview With Anadolu Agency, Turkish brands represent about 90% of the brands available in Iraqi shopping centers, and Turkish brands are considered the most preferred in Iraq. Kilic added that Turkish businessmen are working hard to
increase the volume of Turkish foreign trade with Iraq annually to 50 billion dollars.
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1. Import steps from Turkiye to Iraq
Since Iraq ranks fourth among the largest importers of Turkish goods after Germany, Britain, and the United States, Turkey has become a major source of goods imported into Iraq. This is due to geographical proximity, which reduces transportation costs and increases the competitiveness of Turkish goods compared to other foreign goods. Therefore, the issue of how to import from Türkiye to Iraq represents a great interest to Iraqi merchants.
If the importer wishes to travel to Turkey to inspect and inspect the goods himself, he must prepare all the required papers and documents, including residency in Turkey. He should also seek the assistance of those with experience in commercial dealings and markets, and visit different factories and companies to choose the best factories that he can deal with with confidence. In addition, he must familiarize himself with his place of residence in Türkiye during the period of work and importation. The importer can start his project with enough capital to start his business, then expand his activity later after studying the market better and gaining the necessary experience, which enables him to obtain import offers from Turkey with the lowest possible expenses.
2. Import conditions from Turkiye to Iraq
Legal and Regulatory Requirements:
Import License: Obtain an import license from the relevant Iraqi authorities.
Business Registration: Ensure your business is registered and complies with all Iraqi trade regulations.
Customs Declarations:Complete all necessary customs declarations and documentation.
Documentation:
- Commercial Invoice: Includes detailed information about the goods, their value, and terms of sale.
- Bill of Lading/Air Waybill: Proof of shipment and details of the cargo.
- Certificate of Origin: Certifies that the goods are produced in Türkiye.
- Packing List: Detailed list of the contents of each package.
Quality and Compliance Standards:
- Product Standards: Ensure products comply with Iraqi quality and safety standards.
- Health and Safety Certificates: For certain products, health and safety certifications may be required.
Tariffs and Duties:
-Customs Duties: Pay applicable customs duties and tariffs as per Iraqi regulations.
- Value-Added Tax (VAT): Some goods may be subject to VAT upon import.
Logistics and Shipping:
- Transportation Arrangements: Choose reliable transportation methods, considering costs and delivery times.
- Freight Forwarder: Engage a reputable freight forwarder to handle logistics and shipping.
- Insurance: Obtain insurance to cover potential losses or damages during transit.
Payment Terms:
- Letters of Credit: Consider using letters of credit for secure transactions.
- Bank Transfers: Ensure safe and verified bank transfer methods.
- Payment Terms Agreement: Agree on clear payment terms with the Turkish supplier.
Customs Clearance:
- Customs Broker: Hire a customs broker to assist with the clearance process.
- Inspection: Be prepared for possible inspections by Iraqi customs officials.
Trade Agreements:
- Bilateral Trade Agreements:Utilize any existing trade agreements between Iraq and Türkiye to benefit from reduced tariffs or favorable terms.
Market Research:
- Demand Analysis: Conduct thorough market research to understand demand for specific products in Iraq.
- Competitive Analysis: Assess the competitive landscape to strategize market entry.
Networking and Partnerships:
- Trade Fairs and Exhibitions: Attend trade fairs and exhibitions in both Türkiye and Iraq to network and establish business relationships.
- Local Partners: Consider partnering with local Iraqi businesses for smoother market entry and operations.
By following these guidelines, businesses can navigate the import process from Türkiye to Iraq effectively and take advantage of the growing trade relationship between the two countries.
3. The most important goods that Iraq imports from Türkiye
Iraq imports from Türkiye a variety of goods, including:
Industrial products:
- Electrical and electronic devices: such as home appliances, televisions, and computers.
- Industrial equipment and machinery: such as heavy equipment, agricultural machinery, and machinery.
Food and agricultural products:
- Processed foods: such as biscuits, chocolate, and canned goods.
- Agricultural products: such as fruits, vegetables, vegetable oils, and grains.
Clothes and Textiles:
- Ready-made clothing: such as men's, women's and children's clothing.
- Home textiles: such as curtains, upholstery and carpets.
Building materials:
- Iron and steel: Iron products used in building and construction.
- Sanitary ware and ceramics: such as tiles, sinks and toilets.
Chemical products:
- Plastic materials: such as plastic products used in packaging and industries.
- Agricultural and industrial chemicals: such as fertilizers and pesticides.
Consumables:
- Medical and health supplies: such as medicines and medical equipment.
- Daily products: such as personal care products and cosmetics.
Cars and spare parts:
- Cars: including commercial and personal cars.
- Spare parts: Spare parts needed for maintenance and repair.
These goods are among the most important imports that the Iraqi market depends on from Turkey, which reflects the diversity and depth of trade relations between the two countries.
4. Shipping conditions from Türkiye to Iraq
When shipping from Türkiye to Iraq, importers must adhere to several conditions to ensure a smooth business process.
Importers must obtain all necessary permits and licenses from the Iraqi authorities, including an import license and business registration. All required documents must be ready and complete, such as the commercial invoice, which includes details of the goods, their value and terms of sale, in addition to the bill of lading or air waybill that proves the shipment of the goods and contains details of the load, the certificate of origin confirming that the goods are made in Turkey, and the packing list. Which contains details of the contents of each package.
Importers must ensure that the imported products comply with Iraqi quality and safety standards, and this may require obtaining health certificates and certificates of conformity for some products. Furthermore, customs duties and taxes imposed by the Iraqi authorities must be paid, and these fees may include value-added taxes for some goods.
Transport arrangements must also be carefully organised, whereby land, sea or air means of transport can be chosen as needed, taking into account costs and delivery times. Importers can utilize the services of shipping companies or freight forwarders to ensure that the transportation process is managed effectively. It is also advisable to insure the goods to cover any losses or damages that may occur during transportation.
Payment terms should also be agreed with Turkish suppliers, such as using letters of credit to ensure the security of transactions, or transferring funds via secure banking methods. When goods arrive in Iraq, customs brokers can be used to facilitate the customs clearance process and avoid any potential delays due to customs procedures or checks.
Finally, it is important for importers to study the Iraqi market well to understand the demand for imported products, and to know competitors and potential challenges. This knowledge can help in making strategic decisions regarding imported products and increase the chances of success in the Iraqi market. Based on these steps, a successful import from Turkey to Iraq can be achieved, with minimal problems and additional costs.
Based on the steps and details mentioned, importers from Iraq can achieve a successful import process from Turkey, while ensuring compliance with all legal and logistical conditions and requirements. By preparing the necessary paperwork and documents, complying with quality and safety standards, organizing shipping arrangements effectively, and cooperating with brokers and reliable companies, the risks and costs associated with the import process can be reduced. It is also advisable to study the market in depth and know the demand and potential challenges, which helps in making strategic decisions that ensure the success and expansion of the business. Following these guidelines will contribute to strengthening trade relations between Turkey and Iraq, and achieving sustainable growth in the volume of trade exchange between the two countries.
By taking these steps and adhering to the necessary conditions, importers from Iraq can greatly benefit from the growing trade relationship with Turkey. Taking advantage of the close geographical distance, the high competitiveness of Turkish products, and close cooperation with Turkish partners and suppliers, will contribute to achieving positive results and thriving business. In addition, importers can expand their business activities over time by building strong relationships with Turkish manufacturers, and taking advantage of opportunities in the Iraqi market.
Ultimately, the goal remains to achieve sustainable and mutually profitable trade, and to strengthen economic relations to the benefit of both Turkey and Iraq. Adhering to the correct standards and procedures, while being flexible and willing to adapt to market variables, will ensure the success of import operations and the achievement of the desired business goals.
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