Guide
Importing Turkish Chocolate and Wafers into Iraq and Kurdistan
Iraq is one of the closest markets to Turkish factories, and much Turkish confectionery arrives by road. This guide shows what an Iraqi distributor prepares before ordering from a Turkish manufacturer.
By Ender Çikolata Team Published 1 min read
Turkish Ministry of Trade data for 2017 showed Iraq as the largest importer of Turkish confectionery by share. The data is old, but it reflects the closeness of the market and the depth of the trading relationship. Border and registration procedures change from time to time, so confirm the current rules with your customs broker.
Road or sea?
Shipments to Iraq usually travel by truck over the land borders, and sea freight through Gulf ports is also used. Road transport shortens transit and helps shelf life, but summer heat inside closed trailers needs attention; see shipping to hot climates.
Halal and labels
Retailers in Iraq expect halal products and prefer Arabic labels; in the Kurdistan Region Kurdish may be requested as well. Ask the relevant authority which wording is required and give the manufacturer the text early. See the halal checklist.
Documents
Prepare the commercial invoice, packing list, certificate of origin, health certificate if requested and halal certificate; the export documents checklist summarises them. Ask your broker about registration with the Iraqi standardisation and quality control authority.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is road transport better than sea freight to Iraq?
It depends on the destination and season. Road is usually faster but needs temperature watching in summer.
Do I need a Kurdish label?
Some buyers in the Kurdistan Region ask for it. Confirm with your customers and the authority.
How do I ask for a quote?
Send the destination, products and volume through the contact page and browse the product range.