Billion-dollar trade through fraudulent means… when “Made in Iraq” circumvents the laws
Billion-dollar trade through fraudulent means… when “Made in Iraq” circumvents the laws
11-4-2026
Information/Special…
Economic expert Jalil al-Lami confirmed on Wednesday that the value of goods imported through Jordan has reached approximately $981 million, some of which have been relabeled as “Made in Iraq.” He warned against the manipulation of the country of origin and the placement of labels bearing the phrase “Made in Iraq” on imported goods.
Speaking to Al-Maalouma, al-Lami stated, “The practice of some merchants importing foreign goods, repackaging them, and affixing labels claiming ‘Made in Iraq’ constitutes commercial fraud that harms consumers, national industry, and the Iraqi economy.” He clarified that “changing the label does not alter the true country of origin, nor does it grant the goods the status of a national product.”
He added, “The danger of these practices is compounded when foreign goods benefit from privileges allocated to Iraqi industry, including preferential treatment in government procurement, exemptions, and customs protection. This transforms measures intended to support local products into a means of generating illicit profits and places Iraqi factories at a disadvantage in competition.”
He explained that “manipulation is not limited to the direct importation of foreign goods, but also includes the possibility of re-exporting imported products through intermediary countries and marketing them as if they were manufactured there,” noting “the necessity of distinguishing between legitimate re-export and falsification of origin, as the passage of goods through a particular country does not automatically make them products of that country.”
He pointed out that “Article 28 of the Iraqi Customs Law prohibits foreign products bearing labels that suggest they were made in Iraq, while Article 31 requires proof of the origin of imported goods, which provides a legal basis for prosecuting and holding accountable those who manipulate the country of origin.”
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