Baghdad: The Cabinet has approved amendments to the customs duty rates imposed on raw materials used in local industries. The decision was made during the sixteenth regular session of the Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Ali Faleh al-Zaidi, where the general situation in the country was reviewed and necessary decisions were made.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, the Prime Minister’s Media Office released a statement highlighting that the amendments aim to enhance non-oil revenues by reducing the customs duties on raw materials to 1%. This change, stipulated in Cabinet Resolution No. 24413 of 2024, also applies to production lines and inputs for industrial projects under establishment or expansion.

Additionally, the Cabinet decided to delay tax collection for private generator owners until November 1st. Amendments were also made to Resolution No. 25 of 2026 concerning the contractual obligations of provinces not organized into a region, allocating 2.5 trillion dinars for regional development projects.

Furthermore, the Cabinet exempted the State Oil Marketing Company (SOMO) from urgent spending reduction measures in Cabinet Resolution No. 1083 of 2025. To enhance legislation on international humanitarian law, the draft International Crimes Law was approved and referred to the Council of Representatives.

Regarding agricultural pesticides for combating the red palm weevil, the Council approved exemptions for the Ministry of Agriculture from public contract instructions, allowing timely shipment of necessary materials. The Council also granted an additional examination opportunity for students who failed up to four subjects in the 2025-2026 academic year, with exam dates to be determined by the Permanent Committee for Public Examinations.