Car Export to Iraq from China
Wholesale supply to Umm Qasr and Basra with left-hand drive configuration confirmed before deposit, conformity documentation arranged before sailing, and a 120-point check before loading.
Why Iraq Dealers Buy Chinese Vehicles
Supply origin in this market has shifted decisively toward China over the past few years. Here is what that means for a dealer or importer sourcing stock.
Left-hand drive, confirmed in writing
Iraq drives on the right, so vehicles must be left-hand drive with metric instrumentation. The steering configuration for every Iraq order is confirmed before a deposit is taken.
Fast-rising import demand
Iraq has moved from a reconstruction market toward a consumer market, and imports of Chinese vehicles have grown quickly over the past two years. Volume terms are built for dealers stocking a range rather than a single unit.
Umm Qasr as the primary gateway
Umm Qasr handles the majority of Iraqi container and vehicle traffic, with Basra serving the southern corridor. Northern destinations route via the same gateway and move inland by road.
Conformity documentation before sailing
Iraq enforces a conformity check on imported vehicles. The inspection runs at the loading port in China before the vessel sails, so the certificate travels with the documents rather than being chased after arrival.
Import Compliance: What Iraq Requires
These are the compliance steps for an Iraq consignment, in the order they actually happen.
- Importer registration and customs declarationThe importer of record is registered with Iraqi customs and files the declaration through the national electronic system against our proforma invoice. The declaration reference anchors the rest of the file.
- Pre-shipment conformity inspectionA conformity inspection is carried out in China before loading. It verifies the VIN, manufacturing date, left-hand drive configuration, roadworthiness, safety equipment and emissions, and issues the certificate customs requires at Umm Qasr.
- Customs clearance at Umm QasrClearance runs against the bill of lading, commercial invoice, packing list, certificate of origin and the conformity certificate. Duty and the tax components are assessed on the CIF value at this point.
- Registration and platesAfter release the vehicle is registered locally against the clearance originals. Keep the document set together, because registration requires the originals rather than copies.
The step that matters most: The step that most affects the schedule in Iraq is the conformity certificate, because it has to be issued in China before the vessel sails. Attempting the inspection at destination is not an option, and a consignment that arrives without it waits. We schedule the inspection as soon as shipping space is confirmed so the certificate is in the file before departure.
Documents we provide
| Document | What it is for | When |
|---|---|---|
| Proforma Invoice | Basis of the import declaration and the letter of credit | Before deposit |
| Certificate of Conformity | Enables destination clearance and registration | Before sailing |
| Bill of Lading | Title document for the delivery order | 3–5 days after departure |
| Commercial Invoice | Customs valuation and duty assessment | Before departure |
| Packing List | Port inspection and VIN verification | Before departure |
| Certificate of Origin | Customs and preferential-duty compliance | On B/L issuance |
| Inspection Report | Independent record of condition before loading | Before final payment |
On document accuracy: destination customs systems cross-check every character across the invoice, packing list, bill of lading and certificate of conformity. We verify all of them against each other before the original bill of lading is printed.
Ports and Shipping to Iraq
We ship from Chinese ports to Umm Qasr and Basra on container and RoRo services.
| Gateway | Typical use | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Umm Qasr | Primary vehicle gateway | Handles the majority of container and vehicle traffic; the natural entry point for Baghdad and the centre |
| Basra | Southern corridor | Serves the southern provinces and the Gulf-facing inland route |
| Umm Qasr transit to Erbil / Kurdistan | Northern redistribution | Bonded transit documentation must be arranged before arrival |
Plan for port-side time, not just ocean time. Clearance at Umm Qasr adds time after arrival, and storage charges begin once the free period ends. The quotation carries a realistic door-to-door estimate rather than ocean transit alone.
Container loading. A 40HQ container typically carries three to four SUVs or four to five sedans depending on dimensions. Mixed model loads are routine for dealers testing a new line.
How Iraq Import Duty Works
We quote FOB or CIF. Assessment happens at destination on the CIF value, in the structure below.
| Component | Applies to |
|---|---|
| Import duty on passenger vehicles | CIF value |
| Taxes levied at clearance | CIF value plus duty |
| Conformity and inspection fees | Per consignment |
| Port and terminal charges | Per consignment |
Why there is no total percentage here: We deliberately do not publish a total percentage. The rate applied depends on the model, the engine and the age of the unit, and the treatment of electric and hybrid vehicles differs from petrol models. Your proforma invoice sets out the structure for your specific units, and we recommend confirming the final figure with a licensed Iraqi clearing agent before you commit.
Vehicle age and eligibility
Iraq permits the import of used vehicles within an age window, and the position depends on the model and its condition as well as the year of manufacture. We verify the date from the VIN and confirm the current treatment for your specific units before quoting, so eligibility is settled before the order is placed rather than discovered at the port.
Models Iraq Dealers Order Most
Drawn from current demand in Baghdad, Basra, Erbil and Mosul. Every model below is available from our catalogue or on allocation.
| Segment | Models in our catalogue | Why it sells |
|---|---|---|
| Compact and mid-size sedans | Toyota Corolla · Kia K3 · Hyundai Elantra | The volume segment for retail and fleet |
| Compact SUVs | Changan CS35 Plus · Kia Seltos · Toyota Frontlander | Family and urban use |
| Mid-size SUVs | Toyota Highlander · BYD Song Plus · Nissan X-Trail | Higher-value retail demand |
| Pickups and work vehicles | Changan pickups · GAC pickups | Contracting, agriculture and fleet use |
Need a model that is not listed? Send the model, year and quantity, and our sourcing goes beyond the catalogue shown on this site.
How Ordering Works
- Send your RFQModel list, quantities, target model years and destination port.
- Receive a quote within one business dayStructured FOB or CIF pricing with unit prices, container or routing plan and lead time.
- Confirm and pay a depositVehicles are reserved and the pre-shipment inspection is scheduled. The deposit and balance schedule is set out in your proforma invoice.
- Pre-shipment inspectionPhotographs and video of the actual units before loading, sent to you for approval.
- Balance, loading and departureDocuments are couriered to you so your bank and agent can complete the destination formalities.
Order sizes. Volume wholesale terms apply for dealers and distributors, and single-unit orders can be quoted FOB on request. Tell us your model mix and destination and we will confirm terms for your specific order.
Iraq Import FAQ
Is left-hand drive required for Iraq?
Which port does Iraq use for vehicle imports?
What conformity inspection does Iraq require?
How old can an imported vehicle be in Iraq?
How long does shipping from China to Umm Qasr take?
What is the minimum order quantity?
How many cars fit in one container?
How do I start an order?
Do you supply used vehicles as well as new ones?
Request an Iraq FOB Quote
Send your model list, quantities, target model years and destination port. Our export team replies within one business day with pricing, a container plan and lead time.