Iraq’s Ministry of Trade has launched a plan to regulate car import as the country faces an annual influx of roughly 200,000 cars. Authorities aim to control numbers, stabilize the market, and ensure compliance with quality and safety standards.
Hashem Al-Sudani, Director of the General Company for Vehicles at the Ministry of Trade, told the Iraqi News Agency (INA) that the number of imported vehicles continues to grow. “According to data from the General Traffic Directorate, Iraq receives around 200,000 imported cars each year,” he said. He added that the Ministry wants to regulate the process and prevent market overload.
Al-Sudani explained that the Ministry has completed a detailed study outlining several proposals. The proposals target old, used, damaged, and new vehicles. They aim to balance consumer demand with safety, environmental, and economic considerations. “The Ministry will submit the study to the Ministerial Council for Economy for approval. Once approved, we will amend the current car import regulations,” he noted.
The Ministry prepared the study in close coordination with key government bodies, including the General Traffic Directorate, the Central Organization for Standardization and Quality Control, the Ministries of Transport, Labor, Environment, and Construction and Housing, as well as the Roads and Bridges Directorate and Baghdad Municipality. This collaboration ensures authorities can implement practical and enforceable changes.
Officials said the plan will introduce clear criteria for vehicle quality, age limits, and environmental standards. They will also prevent the importation of damaged and unsafe vehicles, reducing road risks. Analysts believe the measures could stabilize car prices, attract legitimate investors, and improve consumer confidence.
By reforming car import rules, Iraq aims to strengthen its automotive sector while addressing safety and environmental concerns. Moreover, the government seeks to modernize trade, improve regulatory oversight, protect citizens, and encourage sustainable economic growth across the country.
