Container shipping and air cargo from China to Iraq 2026

Ocean Freight (FCL / LCL)

Sea freight is the most cost-effective mode for shipping from China to Iraq. The primary gateway is Umm Qasr Port — Iraq's only deep‑water port. Most cargo is transshipped via Jebel Ali (UAE) before reaching Umm Qasr. COSCO resumed Middle East route bookings in 2026, serving Iraq alongside other countries.

• FCL (Full Container Load): Best for cargo >15 CBM. Lower cost per unit, higher security.
• LCL (Less than Container Load): Best for cargo 2‑15 CBM. Pay only for the space you use.
• Service end: Umm Qasr Port. Consignee arranges clearance and final delivery.
• Transit time: 25‑35 days from major Chinese ports via Jebel Ali.

Air Cargo to Iraq (BGW / EBL)

Air freight is suitable for high-value electronics, samples, urgent parts, or small-batch shipments. Flights arrive at Baghdad International Airport (BGW) or Erbil International Airport (EBL) — Iraq's main international gateways.

• Transit time: 4‑7 business days
• Service end: BGW or EBL Airport. Consignee handles customs clearance and pickup.
• Best for: Urgent spare parts, medical supplies, electronics
• Note: Air freight is more expensive than sea freight but offers significant time advantages.

International Express (DHL / FedEx / UPS / EMS)

For small parcels, documents, samples, and urgent shipments, express courier offers the fastest delivery to any address in Iraq.

• Carriers: DHL Express, FedEx Priority, UPS Worldwide, EMS
• Transit time: 2‑5 days door‑to‑door
• Service end: Door‑to‑door delivery to any address in Iraq.
• Best for: Documents, samples, e‑commerce parcels, urgent small shipments

Umm Qasr Port — Iraq's Deep‑Water Gateway

Umm Qasr Port is Iraq's only deep‑water seaport, located on the Persian Gulf near Basra. It is the country's primary container gateway, handling the majority of Iraq's maritime imports. A second port, Khor Al Zubair, also processes some cargo.

• Location: Southern Iraq, near Basra
• Key advantage: Iraq's only deep‑water port
• Transshipment hub: Most cargo transships via Jebel Ali, UAE
• Secondary port: Khor Al Zubair

Baghdad (BGW) & Erbil (EBL)

Iraq's main international airports serve as the primary air cargo gateways. Baghdad International Airport (BGW) is the largest and busiest, while Erbil International Airport (EBL) serves the northern region. Najaf International Airport (NJF) and Basra International Airport (BSR) also handle cargo.

• BGW: Largest airport, serving the capital
• EBL: Northern gateway, serving the Kurdistan Region
• NJF / BSR: Regional cargo airports
• Major airlines: Emirates SkyCargo, Qatar Airways Cargo, Turkish Cargo

Key Regulatory & Market Changes

• Pre‑clearance required: From 1 January 2026, all imports must be pre‑declared before arrival.
• CoC mandatory: Certificate of Conformity required for most imports.
• COSCO resumes bookings: COSCO resumed Middle East route bookings in 2026, including Iraq.
• Port congestion: Umm Qasr may experience congestion; buffer time recommended.

FCL & LCL Pricing

• 20GP (Shanghai → Umm Qasr): $2,100 – $3,200
• 20GP (Shenzhen → Umm Qasr): $1,000 – $2,050
• 40GP / 40HQ (Shanghai → Umm Qasr): $3,500 – $5,200
• 40GP / 40HQ (Shenzhen → Umm Qasr): $1,500+
• LCL (per CBM): Please contact for specific rates
• Rates vary by port of origin, shipping line, and seasonal demand. Transshipment via Jebel Ali adds cost.

Air Freight & Express Pricing

• Air Freight (≥45 kg): Approximately $3 – $8 per kg
• Express Courier: $10 – $16 per kg
• Note: Air freight and express rates are calculated based on volumetric weight.
• Express channels: Suitable for samples and urgent small shipments

Import Duties & Taxes

Iraq's customs duties are calculated based on product type and value (no longer a fixed container rate). The ASYCUDA system automatically deducts taxes. Customs clearance is managed by the Iraqi Customs Authority.

• Import Duties: Vary by HS code classification
• Customs Duty Rate: Generally 5‑20% on most goods
• Reconstruction Levy: Additional fees may apply
• Processing Time: Typically 3‑7 days for customs clearance (can be longer during peak periods)
• ASYCUDA: Electronic customs declaration system

Required Documents

You will need the following documents for customs clearance:

• Bill of Lading (sea) or Air Waybill (air)
• Commercial Invoice — With complete description, value, and HS code
• Packing List — Inventory of each container's contents
• Certificate of Origin — For preferential duty rates
• Certificate of Conformity (CoC) — Mandatory; issued by Intertek, Bureau Veritas, or similar
• Pre‑Declaration — Must be filed before cargo arrival
• Import License — For regulated goods

Transport from Port to Destination

Iraq has a developing road network connecting Umm Qasr to major cities. The port is located approximately 60 km from Basra and 500 km from Baghdad.

• Key destinations: Basra (1‑2 hours), Baghdad (8‑10 hours), Erbil (12‑14 hours)
• Transport modes: Truck (primary), rail (limited)
• Security considerations: Plan route and logistics carefully
• Recommendation: Engage a reputable, licensed customs broker with local experience

Iraq's Trade Landscape

Iraq's economy relies heavily on oil exports, with growing demand for imported machinery, electronics, construction materials, and vehicles. China is one of Iraq's major trading partners, supplying a wide range of goods.

• Key Chinese Exports: Machinery, electronics, vehicles, construction materials, textiles
• Key Iraqi Exports to China: Crude oil
• Major Shipping Lines: MSC, Maersk, COSCO, CMA CGM, Hapag‑Lloyd, ONE, Yang Ming
• Transshipment hub: Jebel Ali, UAE