Iran–Iraq customs clearance guide: border crossings, ports, documents and steps

How does customs clearance between Iran and Iraq work?

Every shipment goes through two stages: exit or transit formalities on the Iranian side, then customs clearance on entry into Iraq. On the Iraqi side, the customs broker files the declaration on the importer's behalf; the goods are then inspected and valued, and duties are paid before release. Choosing the right crossing and preparing the documents before loading save the most time and money.

The seven land border crossings between Iraq and Iran

Iranian ports & transit routes to Iraq

• Shahid Rajaee Port — Bandar AbbasIran's largest container port; containers from China and Asia continue overland in transit to Mehran–Zurbatiyah or Shalamcheh
• Bandar Imam Khomeini — KhuzestanTransit towards the Shalamcheh and Chazabeh crossings for Basra and Maysan
• Khorramshahr PortClose to the Shalamcheh crossing and Basra
• Bushehr PortGeneral cargo and containers heading to the southern crossings
• Chabahar PortIran's gateway on the Indian Ocean for cargo from Asia
• Iran's land borders with its neighboursOverland transit through Iran to Iraq from Turkey, Turkmenistan, Azerbaijan, Armenia, Pakistan and Afghanistan

Which crossing suits your shipment?

• Baghdad and central Iraq: Zurbatiyah–Mehran or Al-Mundhiriya–Khosravi.
• Basra and the south: Shalamcheh.
• Maysan and the southern provinces: Al-Sheeb–Chazabeh.
• Kurdistan Region: Haj Omran–Tamarchin (Erbil), Bashmakh–Bashmaq (Sulaymaniyah) and Parwezkhan.
• Containers from China and Asia: Shahid Rajaee Port (Bandar Abbas), then overland transit to the crossing nearest your destination.

Customs clearance, step by step

1. Send the documents for review

   Send the invoice, packing list and certificate of origin before loading so we can check the goods description, tariff lines and required approvals.

2. Obtain the approvals

   We identify whether your shipment needs an import licence, a certificate of conformity (COC) or health and agricultural certificates, and follow them up.

3. Truck arrival and declaration

   When the goods reach the crossing, we file the customs declaration in your name and register the shipment.

4. Inspection and valuation

   The goods are inspected and matched against the documents, and their customs value is set.

5. Paying duties

   Customs duties and taxes are paid according to the tariff in force, and we send you the details.

6. Release

   The goods are released to continue to their destination in Iraq, and we notify you as soon as clearance is complete.

Required documents

Commercial invoice

An accurate description, quantity and value of the goods.

Packing list

Weights and package counts that match the invoice.

Certificate of origin

Proof of the goods' country of origin.

Transport document

CMR for road transport or a bill of lading for sea freight.

Import licence

For goods that require one under Iraqi regulations.

Certificate of conformity (COC)

For goods covered by the pre-shipment quality inspection programme.

Health and agricultural certificates

For foodstuffs and agricultural or animal products.

Requirements depend on the goods. Send us your document list and we will tell you what is missing before you ship.

How long does it take and what does it cost?

Our average clearance time is 3 working days after the goods arrive and the documents are complete; goods that need inspections or special approvals can take longer. Duties are calculated from the Iraqi customs tariff and the type and value of the goods, so we send you a detailed quote within 24 hours of receiving your shipment details.

Tips to avoid delays and fines

• Match weights and quantities across the invoice, packing list and transport document.
• Describe the goods precisely rather than using general terms.
• Get the certificate of conformity and approvals before loading, not after arrival.
• Make sure the certificate of origin matches the invoice.
• Choose the crossing closest to the goods' destination in Iraq.
• Send us copies of the documents for review before the truck leaves.

Frequently asked questions