Advisories Tags: Iraq

ECR Surcharge for Iraq to Change from Prepaid to Collect (Effective 15 Nov 2025)

To align with market practice, please note that the ECR (Emergency Cost Recovery Surcharge) for Iraq inbound shipments will be changed from Prepaid to Collect, effective for shipments with ETA on or after November 15, 2025.

Should you have any questions, please feel free to contact our local customer service and sales representatives.
Thank you for your support and partnership with ESL.

Mandatory Inclusion of HS Code in Cargo Manifest for Shipments to Iraq – Effective 01 July 2025

Effective 01 July 2025, all inbound shipments to Iraq must have the HS Code clearly indicated in the cargo manifest.

This requirement has been introduced by Iraqi customs authorities to ensure alignment of incoming cargo data with the SCUDA system, facilitating more accurate and efficient cargo clearance.

We kindly request all Ports of Loading to ensure strict compliance with this requirement to avoid any potential delays or issues during clearance at the Port of Discharge: Umm Qasr Port, Iraq.

Attached is the official circular issued by the State Agent – Ministry of Transportation, State Company for Maritime Transport for your reference.

Thank you.

Changes to Combined Detention and Demurrage Tariff in Iraq – Export Effective 16th June 2025

Please be informed of the upcoming change to the quantum of the Combined Detention and
Demurrage tariff for shipments from Iraq. The revised tariff will take effect on June 16th, 2025,
based on the actual departure date of the cargo.

Combined Detention and Demurrage for Export are calculated from the time of ‘actual’ empty pull
out from our appointed empty container depot to the ‘actual’ loading of the laden container on the
vessel.

We appreciate your continued support. Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate
to contact us. Thank you.

Advisory on Import Violations – Vehicles Without Model Declaration in Containers at Umm Qasr Port

We would like to inform you of an important compliance matter concerning recent import
practices at the Northern Port of Umm Qasr.

According to Iraq’s Ministry of Transportation, importing vehicles in containers without
clearly stating their model information is a direct violation of the country’s established
import rules and regulations.

We strongly urge all shippers at the loading ports to strictly comply with import regulations,
especially by ensuring that:

  • All vehicles are properly documented with accurate model information.
  • No restricted or unlawful goods are included in the shipments.

Please be advised that any future violations may result in legal action being taken by our
company against those responsible for breaching import conditions.

Thank you