Iraqi economist calls for tighter checks on imported vehicle safety standards

BAGHDAD, Iraq — An Iraqi economist is calling for stricter inspection mechanisms to ensure that vehicles imported into the country meet international technical and safety standards. Ahmed Tammami said Iraq's existing legal framework contains gaps that allow some companies to bring in vehicles failing to comply with required standards. He warned that technically defective vehicles on the road pose a public safety risk and increase maintenance costs through frequent breakdowns. Tammami described border crossings and inspection bodies as the first line of defense, urging the adoption of modern electronic control systems and integration with international inspection agencies to verify vehicles' actual technical condition. He also called for legal guarantees for buyers, including compensation or return rights for defective vehicles, and for stronger consumer protection boards and courts to address market irregularities. He said updating legislation and tightening inspections would protect public health while giving consumers a wider range of reliable options.