How to import a Chinese electric car into Iraq (2026)

CRAVEUO EV Export · Sources last checked 2026-10-30 · General information, not legal advice. CRAVEUO EV Export does not clear customs in Iraq. Nothing here is a promise or a quote.

Quick answer

Federal Iraq charges 15% customs duty on cars, and its customs chief said on 25 Oct 2026 that reports of exemptions for electric and hybrid cars are incorrect (Rudaw). From 1 Oct 2026 importers also face advance payment of duties (Shafaq News, 2026-08-24). Every Iraq order goes through a compliance check before we quote, and we may decline an order.

Key facts

Our compliance check

Every Iraq order goes through one before we quote. We check who the buyer is and where the car will go, because the supplier contracts name the destination country. Taking an inquiry is not an offer to sell.

Duty and advance payment

Rudaw reports that most earlier exemptions were cancelled and that the table circulating on social media relates to an old cabinet decision. The advance-payment rule covers imported goods generally: the estimate comes from the invoice, shipping documents, classification, origin and declared value. A Baghdad Chamber spokesman put tax deposits at 3% (Shafaq News). Ask a licensed broker for the figures for your car, because a press report does not fix your bill.

Federal Iraq and the Kurdistan Region

The rules differ, and the sources are of different dates. Federal customs says 15% with no exemption. The Region reported an exemption in December 2025, a right-hand-drive ban, and a limit to the most recent three model years (964media). Say which entry point you plan to use before we check your order.

Shipping and the Strait of Hormuz

Iraq's sea route passes the Strait of Hormuz. Lloyd's List Intelligence counted at least 28 attacks by mid-October (brief of 2026-10-22), and UKMTO logged five in the week to 23 October (IndustryWeek, 2026-10-28). These figures will date quickly. We promise no route or date. Before you sign, your contract should name an alternative discharge port and who pays war-risk cover. The balance is paid before shipping, so ask what happens if the route changes.

Models to ask about

China guide prices, not delivered prices, and not an offer. Our compliance check comes first.

For larger cars, see our premium cars guide for Iraq.