As from July 1^st, 2011, the Iraqi government has implemented a so called “VoC Inspection” – Verification of Conformity Inspection”. Imports have to be quality certified by the two nominated quality control companies SGS or BUREAU VERITAS. For more information visit:
www.sgs.com
www.bureauveritas.com

IMPORTANT-LATEST DEVELOPMENT

Effective from the END of February 2012, the Iraqi Ministry of Planning decided to stop using the cargo Inspection Company SGS. At a press conference in Baghdad on Monday, 20^th of February, Planning Minister confirmed that SGS had lost the contract for Pre-Importation Inspection, Testing, and Certification of Goods into Iraq (ICIGI) due to poor performance. He added that the door is open for other inspection companies to make deals with the Ministry. He also said that the ministry has contacts with six other companies but did not mention which the six companies are. SGS will continue to be engaged until the end of February to complete some ongoing legal and administrative works. All earlier issued SGS certificates are still valid until 5/3/2012.

For more info/details we would recommend the Suppliers/Shippers to check with their consignees in Iraq as well as Bureau Veritas and SGS offices in their countries for avoiding possible delays at the customs and extra unnecessary charges:
www.bureauveritas.com
www.sgs.com