Eco
The Border Authority announced the detection of fraudulent commodity descriptions at the Trebil border crossing, preventing a financial loss exceeding 410 million Iraqi dinars. These measures are part of the direct field follow-up to the Prime Minister's directives and the enhancement of oversight on commodity descriptions to prevent customs duty manipulation. The Authority's chief, Major General Omar Adnan Al-Waeli, conducted a surprise visit to the crossing, where he identified and seized four trucks involved in altering the descriptions of their cargo to reduce the applicable customs fees. Among these, three trucks carrying electrical cables were misclassified as copper wires less than 6 mm, resulting in a customs fee difference of 122 million dinars per truck, totaling 366 million dinars. The fourth truck was found to have its cargo described as straw or fodder presses, while technical inspection revealed the goods to be packaging machines subject to customs fees calculated by weight in tons rather than by quantity, alongside manipulation of the declared dollar value, causing a customs fee discrepancy of 44 million dinars. The Authority emphasized that the total amount uncovered and saved from loss exceeded 410 million dinars, highlighting the critical role of on-site presence and technical scrutiny in uncovering attempts to manipulate customs classifications and preventing exploitation of loopholes for illicit gains at the expense of public funds. These actions followed a decision by the competent investigative judge and were conducted in the presence of the Trebil Customs Center director, with transactions processed via the ASYCUDA system. The visit also included a comprehensive meeting with representatives of the departments operating at the crossing to discuss workflow and resolve obstacles, as well as an inspection tour of infrastructure and service levels. The chief monitored the procedures for the entry of empty trucks into the crossing, directing the organization of their flow and simplification of entry procedures to reduce waiting times and ease burdens on drivers, especially as nearly 1,000 trucks enter daily, reflecting the growing commercial activity and transport movement between Iraq and the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan. He also met with several truck drivers, listening directly to their main needs and challenges, affirming the Authority's commitment to overcoming difficulties and providing necessary facilitation to ensure smooth transport and trade exchange in accordance with applicable regulations and instructions. The Authority confirmed its ongoing supervisory and field approach, continuing strict measures to protect public funds, maximize non-oil revenues, and tighten control over border crossings while simultaneously facilitating trade flow and simplifying procedures under the prevailing regulations and instructions.
