Import rules · Middle East & North Africa

Wood packaging import rules: Iraq

Iraq: ISPM 15 status for pallets and crates, approved treatments, the plant protection authority, common pallet sizes and main ports.

Last checked: 2026-10
ISPM 15 on imports
Not confirmed
Enforced since
—
Treatments
HT, MB (per ISPM 15; national acceptance not confirmed)
Plant protection authority
Plant Protection Directorate, Ministry of Agriculture
Common pallet sizes
1200 × 1000 mm
1200 × 800 mm (EUR)
Mixed non-standard local pallets
Main ports
Umm Qasr, Khor Al Zubair, Abu Flus, Basra (Grand Faw, under development)

Overview

Iraq has acceded to the IPPC and its plant protection directorate controls imported plants and plant products, yet no reachable source confirms that ISPM 15 marking is demanded on wooden packaging, and Iraq is missing from the New Zealand MPI and USDA APHIS lists. The status is therefore recorded as unclear. Imports arrive mostly via the southern Gulf ports of Umm Qasr, Khor Al Zubair and Abu Flus near Basra, with additional cargo trucked from Jordan's Aqaba, Turkey's Mersin and Iran. The Grand Faw port project is meant to expand capacity. Imports are dominated by food, consumer goods, vehicles and oil-field equipment, and much equipment ships in crates and on skids built abroad from heat-treated wood to satisfy transit and insurers. Inspection of packaging at ports reflects staffing and security conditions rather than a uniform national regime, and shippers should expect variable enforcement. Pallets are a mixed bag. Food and beverage importers handle 1200 × 1000 mm and 1200 × 800 mm pallets, often from Turkey, Iran and the Gulf, while a large share of lower-value cargo is floor-loaded or on one-way, non-standard pallets. No national pooling scheme is verified. Exporters should obtain written confirmation from the Iraqi consignee on whether treated wood or a phytosanitary certificate is required and check for any change in customs procedure.

Key points

  • Not listed on NZ MPI or USDA APHIS ISPM 15 lists
  • Inspection capacity at Basra ports varies; many shippers pre-treat wood
  • Heavy flows of project cargo for oil and construction sectors

Frequently asked questions

Does Iraq require ISPM 15 for wooden pallets?

Not confirmed. Iraq is not on the standard lists, but stamped pallets are the lowest-risk option.

Which ports does wooden packaging enter through in Iraq?

Umm Qasr, Khor Al Zubair and Abu Flus, with road transit from Jordan, Turkey and Iran.

What pallet sizes dominate in Iraq?

1200 × 1000 mm and 1200 × 800 mm, plus many non-standard one-way pallets.

Sources

  1. New Zealand MPI – ISPM 15 requirements by country
  2. USDA APHIS – Countries requiring ISPM 15 wood packaging
  3. IPPC country page – Iraq

Import rules change. Confirm current requirements with the national plant protection organization or your importer before shipping. This page is general information, not legal advice.