General Customs Authority announces tariff rates for veterinary products

BAGHDAD — Iraq’s General Customs Authority on Sunday issued an official letter to the Iraqi Veterinary Doctors Syndicate outlining the currently approved customs tariff rates for veterinary medicines and related products.

According to a statement from the syndicate, the authority confirmed that customs duties are set at 0.5% for veterinary medicines and vaccines.

The tariff for veterinary supplies and feed is 5%, while cat and dog food is also subject to a 5% duty.

The authority set a 15% customs duty on bentonite, used exclusively as cat litter.

The syndicate said in its statement that, following its inquiry to the General Customs Authority regarding the applicable tariff rates on veterinary medicines, vaccines, supplies and animal feed, it received an official response detailing the approved rates under Cabinet Decision No. 957 of 2025.

The syndicate affirmed its commitment to following developments related to the profession and its economic implications, and to providing accurate information to its members to clarify the situation and support stability in the veterinary medicines and supplies market.

At the start of the year, the Iraqi government announced the application of new customs tariffs on a range of goods, devices and hybrid vehicles that were previously exempt. Alongside enforcement of the ASYCUDA electronic customs system.

The decision met with public discontent. Baghdad traders staged a protest Tuesday in front of the Supreme Judicial Council building in the Harithiya area, opposing increased customs tariffs on their goods and calling on Chief Justice Faiq Zaidan to intervene.

The Baghdad Chamber of Commerce announced Monday the continuation of a general closure of markets across all Iraqi governorates as traders intensify protests against raised customs tariffs, saying the shutdown will remain until the fees are canceled. Trader Ziad Salem said fees that previously cost about 500,000 dinars ($333) had risen sharply. “Customs has reached 30 percent, and now goods are stuck at the port,” he said. Ahmed Abboud said containers that once cost 3 million dinars ($2,000) to clear now face 30 percent duties. “This will double prices for citizens,” he said.