Iraq Customs Authority Anticipates Record 4 Trillion Dinars Revenue by Year-End

The General Customs Authority projects its revenues will reach 4 trillion Iraqi Dinars by year-end. This significant growth is primarily attributed to the "ASICUDA" system, which has notably enhanced customs operations. The system's application is also expected to expand to include border crossings in the Kurdistan Region before the end of the current year. Director General Thamer Qasim stated the Authority is working to fully automate its customs system, confirming ASICUDA has boosted revenues and expedited transaction processing. He explained this global system, used in over 100 countries, has eliminated paper-based work, reflecting the Authority's comprehensive automation drive. Qasim clarified ASICUDA applies throughout Iraq, excluding the Kurdistan Region. However, he noted serious commitment from both federal and regional governments to unify financial and customs policies, aiming to implement the system at regional crossings. He added that unofficial crossings in Kurdistan pose a shared challenge, anticipating ASICUDA's implementation there by year-end. Qasim reviewed revenue growth: 800 billion Dinars before ASICUDA in 2022, rising to 1 trillion in 2023. By mid-2024, revenues reached about 2 trillion Dinars. 2025 revenues hit 2.6 trillion Dinars, a figure already surpassed by current year revenues up to last July. The Authority expects revenues to reach 3 trillion Dinars by end-September, closing the year at 4 trillion Dinars. Regarding trade, Qasim confirmed its impact by conflict, resulting in a 50% decrease at ports and a shift in exchange through Trebil, Al-Walid, and Rabia border crossings. On declaring imported goods' value, he stated responsibility lies with merchants and importers, highlighting ASICUDA's role in detecting money laundering. He also denied any ban on car imports, explaining the Ministry of Trade monitors market prices. Qasim acknowledged ongoing manipulation in goods descriptions, noting 70% of transactions are completed within 24 hours.