Vehicle imports rise again in Kurdistan Region as upward trend continues

ERBIL — Nearly 184,000 vehicles were imported into the Kurdistan Region this year, an increase from 2024, according to the Kurdistan Regional Government’s Ministry of Trade and Industry.

Nawzad Sheikh Kamil, the ministry’s director general of trade, said during a program on Sulaymaniyah’s official Traffic Radio that “183,885 vehicles were imported into the Kurdistan Region” after “932 companies obtained commercial licenses to import vehicles.”

He said imports entered through Erbil and Sulaymaniyah airports and four international border crossings: Parwezkhan, Ibrahim Khalil, Bashmakh and Haji Omaran.

Sheikh Kamil said the ministry issued “18 licenses to import 1,870 forklifts and loaders,” while “294 licenses were issued for classic cars, and 28 licenses were granted to import motorcycles into the Kurdistan Region.”

Comparing figures, he said that in 2024, “928 licenses were granted to companies and 172,000 vehicles were imported,” confirming that imports rose again this year.

Sheikh Kamil said not all imported vehicles remain in the region, noting that “it is not necessary that all vehicles entering through official crossings stay here,” as some are transferred to central and southern Iraq.

He said companies must comply with regulations, stressing that imported vehicles “must not be damaged, burned or submerged,” and that importers are required to bring in “5% spare parts of the same vehicle type” they import.

Sheikh Kamil also said importing 2024 model vehicles is permitted “until Sept. 1, 2026,” adding that “after that date, importing that model into the Kurdistan Region will no longer be allowed.”