|
|
|
(Last updated: 05 Nov 2008)
Business opportunities
Austrade’s business development specialists have prepared a range of market profiles that offer potential to assist in your exporting investigations. Austrade’s in-market teams have identified opportunities for Australian exporters in various industries (see 'Profiled industries in this market' on the left side of this page).
In conjunction with the market profiles, the Opportunities Online portal may be a useful addition to your information sources. The database established by Austrade aims to deliver international sales leads ('export opportunities'), including tenders, identified by our overseas network to Australian businesses.
Registering is simple and once this is done you will have the option of accessing a weekly newsletter featuring the most recent opportunities uploaded onto the system in industry sectors of interest to you. Another feature is the ability to view, and also print, the complete page of opportunity details.
For general inquiries concerning Austrade’s services, please contact Austrade Direct on 13 28 78.
|
 |
|
|
Business etiquette
Business tips
Knowing a few simple Arabic words and phrases such as Marhaba salam alekom (hello), Shukran (thank you), Men fadlak (please), Keif Halac of ezaiyak (how are you) is always helpful.
When referring to people, they are generally referred to in the following way. For example, Yusef bin Ali translates to ‘Yusef the son of Ali’ (note that bin is the same as ibn). The family name is often omitted.
Encourage discussion of business over lunch or dinner keeping in mind that you should initiate the invitation to show hospitality and keeness.
Under the present security environment, it is extremely unwise to contemplate unprotected movement to business premises in open streets as one would in most other countries. It is also prudent to thoroughly verify and scrutinise all contacts in the private sector and to make appointments with care and unpredictability. It could be expected that regrettably, the commercial operating environment will require preparation and protection to operate in for some time to come.
Please also note:
Bribery of foreign public officials is a crime. Australian individuals and companies can be prosecuted in Australia for bribing foreign officials when overseas. For more information, go to the Attorney General's Department on foreign bribery. |
|
|
|
Tariffs and non-tariff barriers
Tariff
The information provided in this section does not constitute legal advice, and it is not intended, or should it be used, as a substitute for specific legal advice from qualified legal counsel. Austrade does not warrant the accuracy of the information, and urges those intending to do business in Iraq to consult with qualified legal counsel.
Commerical regulations
The United Nations lifted sanctions against Iraq in May 2003. The Australian Government subsequently implemented regulations to remove Australia’s domestic restrictions on trade with Iraq and normal trade patterns have resumed Iraq (Reconstruction and Repeal of Sanctions) Regulations. However, the embargo on the trading of arms and related material with Iraq remains in place.
Customs requirements and import tariffs
There is a five per cent reconstruction levy applied to the total taxable customs value of all goods imported into Iraq from all countries effective 15 April 2004. This applies only to non-humanitarian goods. The levy is set to expire on September 19, 2005.
Exceptions to the levy are food, medicines, clothing, books, humanitarian goods, goods imported by the CPA, Coalition forces, reconstruction contractors, NGOs, international organisations, diplomats and Coalition governments; and goods imported under the Oil for Food contracts. If you sign a contract with the one of the authorities above, It is important to request for the levy exemption letter.
The Iraqi Embassy in Canberra is fully functioning and would be able to legalise any import-related documents.
|
|
|
|
Product certification, labelling and packaging
Cargo moving to Iraq should be well stabilised, secured and preferably have the contents fully concealed.
Marking on boxes or crates should be directly on the box or crates in ink or paint rather than on removable tags or labels.
The date of manufacture and expiration has to be embossed or printed on imported canned and preserved foodstuffs.
Contents of pharmaceuticals products must be clearly printed on the covering documentation.
Pesticide information label must be in Arabic.
Brands, trademarks or copyrights are theoretically protected by Intellectual Property Rights law, however, these are not well policed.
Local business people may only import products that comply with the labelling and marking requirements issued by the Department of Standards and Specifications or another responsible government ministries.
|
|
|
|
Methods of quoting and payment
Quotations may be C&F US dollars with the Euro becoming acceptable.
Some importers may request CIF quotations.
Payment is usually by irrevocable letter of credit.
Some importers may request deferred payment terms on L/C's from three to six months. |
|
|
|
Setting up in Iraq
Market analysis and research:
- Strategic advice and realistic market intelligence
- Market risk analysis
- Coaching on the process of procurement to WB, UN agencies and US contracting office
In-market support:
- Excellent links with key Iraqi stakeholders, government and ministries
- Experienced advisory with key local contacts
- Identify the right potential partner/agent
- Keep you updated with leads and opportunities
- Network you with active regional players in Iraq
- Qualify any local contact
- Suggest secure method of payments and commercial conditions
|
|
|
|
Taxation
In 2004 and subsequent years, individual and corporate income tax rates is 15 per cent.
For additional tax information, please visit -www.export.gov/iraq/bus_climate/businessguide_current.html#com_env
Tax exemption for approved projects
Austrade works in conjunction with the Australian Taxation Office ('ATO') to administer the income tax exemption available under section 23AF of the Income Tax Assessment Act 1936 ('Tax Act').
Section 23AF should assist the international competitiveness of Australian companies and governmental organisations competing to win international tenders. Further information is available. |
|
|
|