A senior official from the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) said Erbil and Baghdad have not reached a final agreement on the ASYCUDA electronic customs system.
Dr. Sami Jalal, advisor at the Kurdistan Region’s Ministry of Interior and member of the regional customs delegation, said talks between both sides are still ongoing.
Jalal said reports about a finalized agreement came too early. He explained that both governments continue discussions on technical procedures and administrative responsibilities.
Officials from Erbil and Baghdad are currently reviewing customs requirements linked to the electronic system. Jalal stressed that neither side has signed an official deal yet, which means several issues still need resolution.
ASYCUDA is a customs platform developed by the United Nations. The system aims to digitize border procedures, improve revenue collection, and reduce corruption.
Baghdad views the project as an important step in Iraq’s economic reform agenda. However, disagreements over customs authority and tariff enforcement have slowed progress.
The KRG and the federal government continue to negotiate how they will manage customs data, border operations, and financial oversight under the system.
Earlier this year, Iraqi officials announced progress after a high-level economic council meeting in April. At that meeting, Baghdad and the KRG agreed in principle to apply ASYCUDA at border crossings in the Kurdistan Region.
Later, Iraqi Trade Minister Atheer al-Ghurairi announced the formation of a special committee to settle remaining disputes. He also predicted a solution within days.
Despite those earlier statements, negotiations have not produced a final agreement. Importers and traders continue to wait for clear customs procedures.
Business groups have warned that delays in customs reform increase import costs and create logistical problems at border crossings. Traders also continue to complain about double taxation on goods moving between the Kurdistan Region and other Iraqi provinces.
For Erbil and Baghdad, ASYCUDA is not only a technical project. It has become part of wider negotiations over economic coordination, border management, and institutional authority.
Until both sides sign an official agreement, Iraq’s customs unification efforts will remain unfinished.
