Iraqi PMO issues directive to withhold pre-assessed taxes and customs on external transfers

BAGHDAD, Iraq — The Iraqi Prime Minister's Office has issued a directive ordering the withholding of pre-assessed tax and customs duties on external financial transfers, according to an official document released by the Office of the Prime Minister General Secretariat. The directive is scheduled to take effect on September 1. The document, issued by the Prime Minister's Office Department of Councils and Committees and signed by Secretary General Hamid Naim al-Ghazi, states that the measure aims to protect public assets, prevent waste and ensure the efficient use of state resources. According to the document, the decision was approved during the 13th regular session of the Council of Ministers. It sets out the administrative framework for processing the deductions applied to external transfers. No further details on the implementation mechanisms or the categories of transfers affected were immediately available.