The Kurdistan Region’s Union of Chambers of Commerce has announced a new decision to support traders. The measure aims to reduce financial burdens and encourage more business owners to return to the formal commercial sector.
The new decision targets traders who have not renewed their membership cards for several years. Many business owners stopped renewing their memberships because of financial challenges. Now, the chamber wants to make the process easier and more affordable.
Under the new policy, traders will only pay renewal fees for the last two years. The chamber will cancel all fees and financial penalties from earlier years. This step will help many traders restore their memberships at a lower cost.
Officials believe the decision will strengthen commercial activity across the Kurdistan Region. They also expect more traders to rejoin the official business network during the exemption period.
Shwan Rahman, Secretary General of the Kurdistan Region Chamber of Commerce, confirmed the details of the program. He said the chamber approved a general fee waiver for traders who have not renewed their memberships for a long time.
Rahman explained that traders will only pay the fees for the most recent two years. The chamber will forgive all charges from previous years. Therefore, many traders can return to formal business activities without paying high accumulated costs.
The fee waiver program will start on June 1, 2026. It will remain in effect until November 30, 2026. Eligible traders can complete their membership renewals during these six months.
Current chamber regulations require traders to renew their memberships regularly. A trader who fails to renew membership for four years or more loses membership rights. Because of this rule, the new initiative provides an important opportunity for affected business owners.
Business representatives have welcomed the decision. They believe it will help revive commercial activity and support the private sector. The measure may also increase the number of active chamber members.
The exemption does not cover real estate offices. Separate laws regulate their activities and membership requirements. Therefore, they cannot benefit from the current fee waiver program.
