Baghdad:The General Authority of Customs has reported that the adoption of the ASYCUDA system has significantly increased customs revenues. The system is set to be introduced at the Kurdistan Region’s border crossings soon.

According to Iraqi News Agency, Thamer Qasim, Director General of the Authority, discussed the impact of the ASYCUDA system on the ‘Special Follow-up’ program broadcast on Al-Iraqiya News. He highlighted that goods transported by air freight, such as mobile phones and special medicines, undergo inspection at Baghdad International Airport using sonar devices. The Air Freight Customs Center was the first to adopt ASYCUDA for customs clearance, and the payment system is facilitated through electronic means.

Training for clearing agents and traders on using the ASYCUDA system is ongoing, with customs exemptions granted to support economic development and job creation. However, Qasim noted past corruption suspicions associated with these exemptions, which in 2021 accounted for 85% of incoming goods.

He revealed that customs revenues before ASYCUDA’s implementation were below IQD 800 billion in 2022. Post-implementation, revenues increased to approximately IQD 2.145 trillion in 2024 and IQD 2.6 trillion in 2025. From the start of 2026, revenues have reached IQD 3 trillion, attributed to the ASYCUDA system rather than higher tariffs. The system is slated for introduction at the Kurdistan Region’s border crossings soon.