Non-VoC Products
Separate Iraq Route
Iraq CoC (Electrical Products)
IQB CERTIFICATE
Global Market Access Federal Iraq
Iraq IQB Certificate of Inspection (COI)
Products outside Federal Iraq’s VoC Certificate of Conformity scope may follow the separate IQB scheme. For applicable shipments, the documents and goods are checked before a Certificate of Inspection (COI) is issued. IQB has product-specific exemptions, so the correct route should be confirmed before export.
Pre-Shipment
Inspection Before Export
COI
Issued Per Shipment
Quick Summary
At a Glance
The Iraq Certificate of Inspection, Briefly
The Iraq IQB Scheme is a separate pre-shipment inspection program used for applicable goods that are not regulated under the Federal Iraq VoC program. The assessment is primarily based on documentary review and physical inspection, after which a Certificate of Inspection (COI) can be issued for the shipment. Some non-VoC products are exempt from IQB and remain subject to controls by COSQC, the Iraqi Ministry of Health, or other Iraqi authorities.
On this page, you’ll understand the following:
- When IQB applies instead of the Iraq VoC CoC
- Which goods can fall outside IQB
- What the inspection checks
- Which documents are required
- How the COI process works before shipment
Overview
What Is the Iraq IQB Scheme?
The IQB Scheme is Iraq’s pre-shipment inspection route for applicable consignments that do not fall under the Federal Iraq Verification of Conformity (VoC) program.
When the IQB route may apply
Current IQB program guidance identifies three important situations:
- Goods not covered by the Iraq VoC program
- Certain shipments made to an Iraqi ministry or related administration
- Shipments where the Iraqi authority has specified requirements that differ from the normal VoC technical requirements
How the inspection route works
- Document review
- Physical inspection
- Assessment conclusion
- Certificate of Inspection (COI)
Who Needs It
Who May Need an IQB COI?
The IQB route can be relevant to:
- Exporters of products outside the Federal Iraq VoC scope
- Iraqi importers bringing applicable non-VoC goods into Central Iraq
- Traders handling consignments that do not fall under the standard VoC certification route
- Suppliers to Iraqi ministries or related government administrations
- Exporters whose ministry contracts specify requirements different from standard Iraqi VoC requirements
- Businesses unsure whether the shipment falls under VoC, IQB, or another Iraqi authority
Which Route?
IQB COI vs VoC CoC — What Is the Difference?
For most shipments, the starting distinction is whether the product falls within the Federal Iraq VoC scope.
Scroll sideways to compare the two routes.
| Comparison Point | IQB Certificate of Inspection | VoC Certificate of Conformity |
|---|---|---|
| Main Scope | Applicable goods outside the VoC program | Regulated products within the VoC program |
| Primary Assessment | Document review and physical assessment | Technical conformity, testing where required, and inspection |
| Product Testing | Not normally part of the standard IQB route | Can be required |
| Inspection | Yes | Yes |
| Output | Certificate of Inspection (COI) | Certificate of Conformity (CoC) |
| Per Shipment | Yes | Yes |
| Product Registration Route | No equivalent standard route | Route B is available for repeat VoC exports |
Applicability
Does Every Non-VoC Product Need an IQB COI?
No. Current IQB program guidance broadly covers goods outside the Iraq VoC program shipped to Central Iraq through official points of entry, but it also identifies specific exemptions.
Examples outside the standard IQB route
The program lists certain products and shipment situations, including:
- Certain steel and structural products
- Certain cookware and household utensils
- Specific water-supply pipe products
- Specific cleaning products
- Vehicles, except those shipped to Iraqi authorities
- Non-VoC food products shipped to Central Iraq
- Shipments entering through Kurdistan points of entry, subject to the ministry-shipment exception
Regulatory Framework
Process
The Iraq IQB COI Process
-
Confirm IQB Applicability
Check that the product or ministry shipment is eligible for IQB and is entering through the appropriate route. Goods outside the Federal Iraq VoC scope are not automatically covered by IQB.
-
Submit the Request for Certificate
The exporter or importer submits the Request for Certificate (RFC) with available commercial and transport documentation. Current IQB guidance allows either party to apply.
-
Document Review
The appointed assessment company reviews the shipment information and supporting documents. For ministry or government-related shipments, relevant contract specifications may also need review.
-
Pre-Shipment Inspection
The goods are physically inspected before export. Current IQB guidance describes the inspection scope primarily as checking quantity and quality.
-
Assessment Conclusion
If the document review and inspection are satisfactory, the assessment can proceed to a COI. If requirements are not met, a Non-Conformity Report (NCR) can be issued instead.
-
For this consignment
Certificate of Inspection Issued
The Certificate of Inspection (COI) is issued for the relevant consignment after a satisfactory assessment.
Documentation
Documents Required for an IQB COI
The standard IQB file is relatively focused.
Core Shipment Documents
- Request for Certificate (RFC)
- Pro forma or final commercial invoice
- Bill of Lading, Air Waybill, CMR, or other transport document
- Letter of Credit where applicable
- Exporter and importer information
- Product description and shipment details
Government / Ministry Shipments
If the consignee is an Iraqi ministry or related administration with its own technical requirements, an extract from the contract showing those specifications must also be provided.
Additional Documents, If Needed
The exact file may also depend on:
- Product type
- Contract requirements
- Import eligibility
- Other Iraqi authority controls
- Point of entry
Planning
Timeline, Validity & Cost
Timeline
The IQB route is generally more inspection-focused than the VoC process. The main practical timeline drivers are:
- Document readiness
- Inspection scheduling
- Product availability for inspection
- Shipment size and number of items
- Additional ministry or technical requirements
- Whether a supplementary inspection is needed
Plan the inspection before dispatch rather than leaving it until the shipping date.
COI Validity
The COI is shipment-specific. It applies to the consignment assessed under that certificate rather than creating a standing product registration.
Cost
Typical cost drivers include:
- Inspection requirements
- Shipment size and complexity
- Number of product lines
- Supplementary inspection visits
- Any additional technical assessment requested
- Handling, unpacking, repacking, sampling, or other exporter-side costs
Current IQB guidance states that inspection fees are paid by the exporter. Additional visits or tasks can result in extra charges.
Common Mistakes
Common IQB COI Mistakes
-
Assuming every non-VoC product automatically needs IQB
Some products are exempt and controlled separately by Iraqi authorities.
-
Assuming non-VoC means no requirement
Applicable products outside VoC can still require a pre-shipment IQB COI.
-
Starting a VoC CoC when IQB applies
Confirm the product route before testing or certification work begins.
-
Ignoring the point of entry
The IQB scheme is primarily structured around applicable goods entering Central Iraq.
-
Treating Kurdistan as the same route
Products entering through Kurdistan are generally outside the standard Central Iraq IQB route.
-
Shipment documents do not match the goods
Invoice, transport, product, and inspection information should remain aligned.
-
Leaving inspection too late
The goods must be available and ready before inspection can be completed.
-
Assuming IQB always requires laboratory testing
The standard route is based primarily on document review and physical inspection; additional testing applies only where specifically required.
Markek Support
How Markek Supports Your Iraq IQB COI
Classification & IQB Eligibility
We review the product, HS code, destination, and point of entry to determine whether the shipment falls under IQB COI, Federal Iraq VoC CoC, an IQB exemption, or another Iraqi authority requirement.
Documentation & Inspection Coordination
We prepare the inspection file, review commercial and transport documents, and coordinate the pre-shipment inspection with the applicable Iraqi-authorized assessment company.
COI & Shipment Alignment
We help keep the product, invoice, transport, and inspection information aligned through COI issuance so avoidable document mismatches do not delay the shipment.
Frequently asked questions
What Is the Iraq IQB Certificate of Inspection?
It is a shipment-specific Certificate of Inspection issued under the Iraq IQB Scheme after documentary review and physical inspection of applicable goods.
Is IQB the Same as the Iraq VoC Program?
No. VoC covers regulated products requiring a Certificate of Conformity. IQB is a separate inspection route used mainly for applicable goods outside the VoC program.
Does Every Product Outside VoC Need a COI?
No. IQB includes exemptions, and some products are controlled directly by COSQC, the Ministry of Health, or other Iraqi authorities.
Who Can Apply for an IQB COI?
Current IQB guidance allows the exporter or importer to submit the Request for Certificate.
Does IQB Require Product Testing?
Not normally under the standard scheme. Current guidance lists documentary review and physical inspection as the main assessment activities, with control testing generally not applicable.
What Does the IQB Inspection Check?
The published IQB scope identifies quantity and quality as the main physical-inspection checks. Additional requirements can apply for ministry or contract-specific shipments.
Can Second-Hand Goods Use the IQB Scheme?
Current IQB program guidance states that second-hand goods are allowed, subject to the scheme’s other eligibility, prohibited-product, and exemption rules.
Is There a Minimum Shipment Value?
Current IQB guidance states no minimum value for goods subject to the scheme.
Does the COI Apply to Kurdistan Shipments?
Generally, the standard Central Iraq IQB route does not apply. Kurdistan shipments follow separate conformity arrangements, subject to limited ministry-related exceptions identified in the IQB guidance.
What Happens If the Shipment Fails Inspection?
In case the result does not meet the requirements, the Non-Conformity Report (NCR) could replace the COI. The nonconformity must then be addressed before the shipment can proceed under the intended route.
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