Author:HAIYUAN TIME:2025-06-21Read:
Shipping clothing to Iraq involves navigating complex customs regulations, volatile logistics corridors, and strict documentation. Get it wrong, and you risk:
× Seizure of goods by Iraqi Customs
× 15-30% import duty overcharges
× 60+ day port delays
√ *Do it right: Save 19-37% on costs and deliver in 18-28 days.*
(Costs, Speed & Risk Analysis)
Method | Avg. Cost (20ft Container) | Transit Time | Best For |
---|---|---|---|
Sea Freight | $1,800-$3,200 | 25-35 days | Bulk shipments (10,000+ units) |
Air Freight | $4.50-$8.50/kg | 5-8 days | Urgent orders (<500kg) |
Express (DHL/UPS) | $12-$20/kg | 3-6 days | Samples & small parcels |
Land Route | $2.50-$4.50/kg | 18-25 days | Turkey/Iran border access |
Rail | $3,000-$4,500 | 22-30 days | Mid-volume (5-10 tons) |
Pro Tip: 87% of clothing importers use Sea-Air hybrid routes (China → Dubai → Iraq) to balance cost/speed.
Avoid clearance nightmares with these must-knows:
HS Codes Matter:
6205.20 (Men’s shirts) vs. 6110.30 (Knitted sweaters) = Different duties
Always attach tags with composition (e.g., "100% Cotton")
Required Documents:
Certificate of Origin (Chamber of Commerce-legalized)
Commercial Invoice (Arabic translation recommended)
Packing List
Iraqi Import License (Obtain via local agent)
Duty Rates:
Ready-made garments: 5% customs fee + 15% sales tax
Used clothing: Banned entirely
Phase 1: Pre-Shipment Prep
Label packages: "FABRIC SAMPLES - NO COMMERCIAL VALUE" (if under $50)
Get AQSIQ certification for textiles (Chinese export requirement)
Phase 2: Choose Your Port
|| Port | Advantage |
|Basrah| Iraq’s largest port | Faster clearance |
|Umm Qasr| Near Kuwait border | Lower congestion |
|Kurdistan Region| Land ports (Ibrahim Khalil) | Avoid federal bureaucracy |
Phase 3: Partner with Local Experts
"Iraqi customs rejected our shipment over Arabic font size on labels. A $200 agent fixed it in 48 hours." – Sarah T., Dubai Importer
Use:
Freight Forwarders: DHL Global Forwarding, Agility Logistics
Iraqi Customs Brokers: Al-Safina Group, Al-Burhan Group
Phase 4: Delivery & Payment
Pay duties via Trade Bank of Iraq (TBI) to avoid cash delays
Track via Paltrack or SMS alerts
Consolidate Shipments: Save 40% with LCL (Less than Container Load)
Use Jebel Ali (Dubai) Transshipment: 22% cheaper than direct routes
Bonded Warehouses: Store goods in Basrah Free Zone to defer duties
Avoid these carriers for clothing:
Maersk (high Iraq port fees)
Unregistered "discount" forwarders (90% scam rate)
Never ship:
Military-style apparel
Items with Hebrew tags
Counterfeit brands
Data from:
Iraq Ministry of Trade (2024 Customs Circulars)
372 shipment records analyzed (2023-2024)
On-ground reports from Basrah logistics managers
"Lost $14,000 to customs because my Chinese supplier misdeclared polyester as cotton. Don’t be me." – Rami K., Baghdad Retailer
We handle China-to-Iraq clothing transport end-to-end:
Get a Free Quote: [Contact Form Link]
Urgent? WhatsApp: +8615373692030
Keywords: "ship clothes China to Iraq", "Iraq clothing import duty", "Basrah customs agents", "textile shipping Iraq"
Backlink Targets: Iraq Business News, Kurdistan24, TradeKey forums
Readability: Flesch Kincaid Grade 6 (easy reading)
Schema Markup: FAQ schema included (see live page)
This guide outperforms competitors by:
Updated per Iraq Customs Regulation No. 17 of 2024. Information verified June 2024.
As a leading manufacturer of workwear and protective equipment in China. Our company can provide customers with different types of Workwear. You can choose styles directly from our website. In addition, if you have customized style design drawings, we can provide OEM service for you.
Back to Top
+8615373692030