Classification
Product TypeProcessed Food
Product FormDried (Shelf-stable)
Industry PositionPackaged Staple Food Product
Market
Dried pasta in Iraq is a shelf-stable staple supplied by a mix of domestic manufacturing and substantial imports from regional producers. UN Comtrade data accessed via the World Bank WITS platform indicates Iraq’s 2023 import supply for HS 190219 (uncooked pasta, not containing eggs, not stuffed) was led by Saudi Arabia, followed by Turkey, the United Arab Emirates, Jordan, and Egypt. Market access is strongly shaped by conformity-assessment and labeling expectations overseen by the Central Organization for Standardization and Quality Control (COSQC), including Certificate of Conformity workflows for regulated goods. Availability is effectively year-round due to the product’s ambient storage and containerized logistics.
Market RoleNet importer with some domestic production
Domestic RoleShelf-stable staple product distributed through retail and foodservice, with a meaningful import component alongside domestic manufacturing
SeasonalityYear-round availability; shelf-stable product with limited seasonality constraints compared with fresh foods.
Specification
Physical Attributes- Low breakage and low fines (powder/crumbs) are important for buyer acceptance during import handling.
- Clear date coding and country-of-origin marking on packaging supports compliance at entry and in-market distribution.
Compositional Metrics- Formulations commonly include wheat semolina/flour and water; egg-containing variants exist and should be declared on labels where applicable.
Packaging- Retail packs and cartons should display country of origin and durable markings (not removable tags), consistent with Iraq labeling guidance.
- Manufacture and expiration dates are commonly expected to be printed/embossed directly on packaging for preserved/shelf-stable foods.
Supply Chain
Value Chain- Manufacturer (domestic or exporter) → case packing/containerization → port/border entry → conformity/standards documentation check → importer/wholesaler distribution → retail and foodservice
Temperature- Ambient distribution is typical; protect from high humidity and water exposure to prevent quality deterioration and packaging damage.
Shelf Life- Shelf-stable product; accurate manufacture/expiration date marking and lot identification support clearance and traceability.
Freight IntensityHigh
Transport ModeMultimodal
Risks
Regulatory Compliance HighShipments can be delayed, rejected, or penalized if a required COSQC-linked conformity assessment (e.g., Certificate of Conformity under Iraq’s pre-import inspection/testing/certification programs such as ICIGI/VoC) is missing or inconsistent with the shipment and labeling.Confirm whether the product/HS line is regulated; complete pre-shipment inspection/testing/document review with a COSQC-authorized body and reconcile CoC, invoice, packing list, labeling, and container/seal details before dispatch.
Logistics MediumLanded cost and availability are sensitive to cross-border trucking constraints and container/port disruptions because dried pasta is freight-intensive relative to unit value.Use buffer stock planning for key SKUs, diversify routes (land vs. sea where feasible), and lock freight capacity for peak periods when possible.
Labeling MediumNon-compliant marking (e.g., unclear country of origin, non-durable/incorrect date marking) can trigger holds or re-labeling requirements at entry or in-market inspection.Apply origin and manufacture/expiration dates directly on packaging (not removable labels) and pre-check Arabic/English labeling expectations with the importer and conformity body.
Documentation Gap MediumDocument mismatches between CoC, test reports, invoice/packing list, and physical shipment details can lead to clearance delays.Run a pre-shipment document reconciliation checklist and ensure the importer receives complete document sets ahead of arrival.
Standards- ISO 22000
- HACCP
- BRCGS (BRC)
FAQ
Who are the main external suppliers of uncooked dried pasta to Iraq?UN Comtrade data accessed via the World Bank WITS platform for HS 190219 (uncooked pasta, not containing eggs, not stuffed) indicates that in 2023 the top exporters to Iraq were Saudi Arabia (trade value reported by WITS as 125,037.45 in 1000 USD), Turkey (12,172.32), the United Arab Emirates (9,415.50), Jordan (4,936.22), and Egypt (2,417.73).
What is the most common regulatory deal-breaker risk for shipping dried pasta into Iraq?A frequent deal-breaker is failing to meet COSQC-linked conformity assessment requirements where applicable (e.g., obtaining a required Certificate of Conformity under Iraq’s pre-import inspection/testing/certification programs such as ICIGI/VoC). Missing or inconsistent certification/documentation can result in customs delays, penalties, or shipment rejection.
What labeling/marking elements are commonly expected for shelf-stable foods in Iraq?Iraq labeling guidance in the Country Commercial Guide notes expectations such as clear country-of-origin marking and durable manufacture/expiration date marking printed or embossed on packaging for preserved/shelf-stable food items, rather than on removable tags/labels.