A 5-year age limit and variable duty at Umm Qasr: the practical guide to importing Chinese used cars to Iraq, one of the Gulf region's strongest demand markets.
2 min read
1. The demand for Chinese cars in Iraq 2. Regulations at a glance 3. Why duty varies 4. Documents and safety 5. Plan the landed cost 6. Get your quote
Iraq is consistently one of the strongest demand markets for Chinese used cars in the Middle East, with buyers across the country looking for affordable, reliable vehicles. The rules are clear, but the variable duty structure means the landed cost really depends on the specific car you choose.
Chinese SUVs and sedans have become everyday vehicles in Iraq, and the used-import channel keeps them affordable. Brands like Chery, BYD and GWM are well known, which makes resale straightforward for importers.
Used cars must be no older than 5 years, and the market is left-hand drive. Clearance runs through the port of Umm Qasr. The exact rules are covered in the Iraq import guide and the Iraq regulations FAQ.
Duty in Iraq varies by vehicle category and engine size, so two different cars can land at meaningfully different costs. That is why we always quote per-model: send the exact model, year and engine, and we calculate the applicable figures.
The commercial invoice, bill of lading, certificate of origin and export certificate are prepared with every shipment — see the document checklist. Because Iraq draws buyers from many channels, read the scam avoidance guide before wiring any payment.
Combine FOB, freight and estimated duty into a CIF figure. The FOB vs CIF guide explains the components, and we provide the estimate on request.
Send your target model and we will confirm age eligibility, quote FOB within 24 hours and prepare a CIF estimate. Request a quote or browse current stock.