The Kurdistan Region and Iraq have completed about 98% of the work required to activate the ASYCUDA electronic customs system. Officials now await final approval from the Iraqi government before launching the platform.
Sami Jalal, legal adviser to the Ministry of Interior and head of the Kurdistan Region’s negotiating team, announced the progress on Thursday, July 23, 2026. He said both sides had made strong advances in agreeing on the system’s procedures.
The negotiating teams submitted all previously agreed measures to Iraq’s Council of Ministers. The Iraqi prime minister must now issue the final decision. Jalal added that the Economic Ministerial Council also needs to approve the remaining procedures.
ASYCUDA will standardize customs tariffs and reduce routine administrative steps. It will also improve coordination in agriculture, industry, quality control, company registration and investment.
The global electronic system manages customs operations and supports international trade. It aims to organize revenue collection, limit corruption and speed up commercial transactions at border crossings.
After nearly two years of negotiations, representatives from the Kurdistan Region and Iraq’s General Customs Authority signed a 16-point agreement on June 18, 2026. The agreement created a framework for applying ASYCUDA across the Region.
Kurdistan Region Prime Minister Masrour Barzani previously confirmed the government’s support for the system. On March 17, he said the Region had accepted its introduction. However, he stressed that regional institutions should manage the implementation process.
Samer Qasim, director general of Iraqi Customs, said staff training and practical preparations could begin at Kurdistan Region border crossings in early August. He described the move as a historic step toward unifying customs procedures and reducing violations.
Officials believe the system will improve transparency, simplify trade and strengthen cooperation between Erbil and Baghdad.
It should improve revenue accountability and create faster, more predictable services for traders and investors.
