Iraq

Contenido

Useful documents

• Reconstruction Levy on Imports into Iraq
• UNJLC Customs Report
• UNJLC Customs Activities
• HM Customs and Excise Survey 
• List of items prohibited from entering or leaving Iraq

General

Iraq Customs and Immigration Report (UNJLC)

Executive Summary

The prevailing Customs regime in post-conflict Iraq has an important impact on the ability of the UN and the humanitarian community to sustain delivery of required aid, and on the ability of the Iraqi economy to recover and provide for the needs of the Iraqi people.

UNJLC has been active in facilitating the movement of humanitarian aid into Iraq through numerous means, including reducing the requirements normally imposed by neighbouring countries, arranging for the opening of special humanitarian lanes, and ensuring the maximum co-operation of Customs authorities.

A study of the situation at land, sea and air entry points has suggested several key issues of immediate and medium concern. Immediate issues include the potential of imposing unauthorised imposts on humanitarian aid; security concerns of neighbouring countries and resultant potential for bottlenecks; and the risk to the passage of humanitarian aid due to stricter movement control across borders. Medium term issues include the needs for a revitalised and professional Iraqi Customs service, the issue of training and systems, the risk of imposts on the eventual re-export of humanitarian equipment, and the return of Iraq to international Customs organisations.

The UN may have an active role to play to address these issues.