The Iraqi General Customs Authority has announced a decision to increase customs duties on a range of imported goods, effective June 1, at all border crossings, including those in the Kurdistan Region.

According to an official letter, “The new list of customs duties for goods approved by the Iraqi government in accordance with Decision No. 270 will be effective from June 1, 2025, at all border crossings, including the border crossings of the Kurdistan Region.”

The Authority noted that the implementation will follow international best practices and that the new tariffs have been published at all relevant entry points.

The document clarified that the increased customs duties will not apply to essential goods such as food and other basic necessities.

Speaking to Channel8, Kamal Rauf, Director General of the Kurdistan Region’s Customs Directorate, warned that “the increase in customs duties will lead to higher prices for affected goods, with consumers ultimately bearing the initial cost.”

Rauf added that the Kurdistan Region’s Customs Directorate remains committed to following the decisions of the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) and will implement federal customs measures if instructed by the KRG.