IRAN, IRAQ AGREE TO SIMPLIFY CUSTOMS PROCEDURES AT BORDER: OFFICIALS
The General Customs Authority confirmed Monday (January 14) that the Iraqi and Iranian governments had agreed to regulate and simplify customs procedures between the two countries. Meanwhile, Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif announced visa-free travel for Iraqi traders coming to Iran. In a statement, the General Customs Authority said that Baghdad and Tehran had agreed to form a joint working group to eliminate obstacles for traders at border crossings between the two countries, noting that "a high-level Iranian delegation had visited the General Customs Authority to discuss ways to simplify the procedures for the entry of goods into the two countries." The Authority added that "there was agreement with the Iranian delegation on the most important points to help solve problems and overcome obstacles, including: tightening control on passengers, vehicles, and personal baggage, introducing the use of K9 dog teams, and using devices to detect drugs and psychotropic substances.” "The two sides agreed to replace foreign companies used to inspect goods at the border, especially foodstuffs," the statement said, adding that the Iranian delegation had given the agency a list of ten companies that could act as replacements. The Iranian delegation also brought up the problem of different procedures for goods entering the Kurdistan Region, stressing that wanted to see the same customs procedures and fees for goods going to Zakho and Basra. The Authority noted that "the Iranian delegation talked about their experience computerizing their customs system and the benefits of the program,” which simplified customs procedures and helped to eliminate corruption and increase revenue. Zarif announced earlier on Monday during an economic development conference that Tehran was eliminating its visa requirement for Iraqi traders entering Iran. Zarif arrived in Iraq on Sunday leading a high-ranking political and economic delegation on a four-day official visit. He landed in Erbil on Tuesday morning for meetings with senior Kurdish officials. (NRT Digital Media)
