Smuggling Reduction in Iraq by 60% Following ASYCUDA Implementation

Smuggling reduction in Iraq has made significant progress, as the General Authority of Customs announced a 60% decline in smuggling activities following the implementation of the ASYCUDA electronic system at border crossings.

Thamer Qasim Dawood, Director General of the authority, said the smuggling reduction was achieved through a new digital system that blocks any transaction unless it is officially registered and issued with a barcode, allowing security forces to instantly verify goods at checkpoints.

He explained that these measures have sharply limited manipulation of cargo descriptions and customs values, noting that the smuggling reduction has positively impacted customs revenues and trade regulation.

Security Coordination

Dawood added that inspection and anti-smuggling teams operate around the clock in coordination with border authorities and security agencies, while a central operations room responds immediately to intelligence reports.

Ongoing Challenges

He pointed out that border crossings in the Kurdistan Region not linked to ASYCUDA remain a key challenge, stressing that efforts continue to find solutions after previous requests to integrate those crossings were declined.