General Authority of Customs: 93% of the first phase of the automation project has been completed
General Authority of Customs: 93% of the first phase of the automation project has been completed
2025-03-09
The General Authority of Customs stated today, Sunday, that 93% of the first phase of the automation project has been completed, and indicated that the second phase is expected to be completed in mid-2026, stressing that the electronic Skoda system will enhance transparency and reduce corruption in customs work. The Director of the Customs Automation and Modernization Project at the Authority, Firas Al-Obaidi, explained in a statement to the official agency that the project consists of three phases, indicating that 93% of the first phase has been completed, while the completion rate in the second phase, which is currently being worked on, has reached 33%, and is expected to be completed in mid-2026. As for the third phase, related to the single window, it will be completed gradually.
Al-Obaidi added that the automation system, which is used in many countries around the world, is based on the Skoda system, which is supervised by the United Nations Trade and Development Organization, stressing that this system will contribute to improving customs work in accordance with the global standards of the World Trade Organization, and will also help in strengthening the national economy and reducing cases of corruption and manipulation.
Al-Obaidi pointed out that the project faced many challenges, but thanks to the great support of the Prime Minister, Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani, and the Minister of Finance, Taif Sami, the necessary funding was secured and basic plans were put in place to start the project, and great progress was made in its implementation.
Al-Obaidi also stressed that the Skoda system, which is based on electronic governance, is adopted in 180 countries and regions around the world, and upon completion of the project, it will qualify Iraq to join the World Trade Organization, the main sponsor of the project.
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