Iraq Product Conformity Assessment (CAP) Program – Overview

The Iraq Product Conformity Assessment Program, overseen by the Central Organization for Standardization and Quality Control (COSQC), is a mandatory pre‑shipment verification system that requires regulated imports to be inspected, evaluated, and certified before they can be cleared at customs. A Certificate of Conformity is essential for legal importation and smooth clearance of regulated products. By enforcing these requirements, Iraq strengthens consumer protection, ensures product quality and safety, and supports regulatory compliance for all imported goods destined for its market.

1. Purpose and Scope

Iraq operates a compulsory conformity assessment system for many imported goods to ensure they meet the country’s technical, safety, quality, and regulatory standards before being cleared through customs. This program is designed to protect consumers and the environment, support fair competition, and prevent substandard or unsafe products from entering the Iraqi market.

Under this regime, regulated products must be verified before shipment, and documentation of conformity must be presented to customs for clearance at ports and border entry points.

2. Government Authority

The program is administered by the Central Organization for Standardization and Quality Control (COSQC), which is the national authority responsible for setting standards and overseeing conformity requirements. COSQC establishes the regulated product list and technical regulations, and it appoints authorized conformity assessment bodies to perform the technical evaluation, inspection, testing, and certification needed for products destined for Iraq.

3. Certificate of Conformity (CoC)

A Certificate of Conformity (CoC) is the core document required by the program. It confirms that a shipment of regulated goods has undergone the required pre‑shipment verification and complies with Iraq’s applicable technical and safety standards. A valid Certificate of Conformity must accompany every consignment of regulated products before customs will allow the goods to be imported.

Shipments without a valid certificate may face delays, penalties, or refusal of entry at Iraqi ports or border crossings.

4. Products Subject to Verification

The conformity assessment requirement applies to a wide range of product categories. While the list is periodically revised, regulated products often include:

• Food items

• Toys and baby care products

• Electrical and electronic appliances

• Vehicle spare parts and tyres

• Chemicals and chemical products

• Cosmetics, detergents, and personal care items

• Construction and building materials

• Kitchenware and household goods

• Stationery and textiles

• Lubricants and automotive products

In total, hundreds of individual products across multiple regulated categories require conformity assessment before shipment.

5. Conformity Assessment Process

The conformity assessment process for exports to Iraq typically includes the following steps:

Step 1 - Determining Coverage - Exporters must first determine whether the product falls under Iraq’s regulated product list, as defined by the conformity program.

Step 2 - Document Submission - Exporters prepare and submit all required documentation to an authorized conformity assessment provider. Typical documentation includes commercial invoices, technical specifications, descriptions, production details, and evidence of prior testing where applicable.

Step 3 - Inspection and Verification - A conformity assessment provider reviews the documentation and conducts a pre‑shipment inspection to verify that the goods match the submitted information. This may include checking product identity, labelling, packaging, and physical attributes.

Step 4 - Testing (Where Needed) - If the product category requires additional technical verification, samples may be collected and tested in accredited laboratories to confirm compliance with relevant technical and safety standards.

Step 5 - Certificate Issuance - Once inspection and any necessary testing are satisfactorily completed, a Certificate of Conformity is issued for the shipment. This certificate must accompany the goods for customs clearance in Iraq.

6. Roles and Responsibilities

Exporters are responsible for:

• Confirming whether their products are subject to Iraq’s conformity requirements

• Submitting complete and accurate documentation

• Arranging and facilitating the conformity assessment process prior to shipment

• Ensuring a valid Certificate of Conformity is obtained and accompanies the goods

Importers are responsible for:

• Verifying that incoming regulated goods are accompanied by a valid Certificate of Conformity

• Presenting the certificate to customs officials at the port of entry

• Ensuring that products comply with Iraqi technical regulations before distribution

Failure to meet these responsibilities may lead to shipment delays, additional inspections, or refusal of clearance.

7. Objectives of the Program

The Iraq conformity assessment program serves several key objectives:

• Consumer Protection: Ensures that imported goods meet safety and quality standards before reaching consumers.

• Regulatory Compliance: Confirms that products adhere to applicable national technical regulations and standard requirements.

• Environmental Protection: Helps mitigate environmental harm from unsafe or substandard goods.

• Market Integrity: Reduces the risk of unfair market competition from low‑quality imports.

How SANTIQ Can Help

SANTIQ supports clients in navigating Iraq’s Conformity Assessment Program by providing end-to-end assistance for obtaining the required Certificate of Conformity (CoC). Leveraging our extensive network of trusted partners and accredited testing laboratories, we help exporters prepare documentation, conduct pre-shipment inspections, and complete any necessary product testing ahead of time. Our proactive approach ensures compliance with Iraq’s technical and safety standards, minimizes delays at customs, and streamlines market entry for regulated goods, giving businesses confidence and peace of mind when exporting to Iraq.