Supplying Medicines and Supplements to Iraq
A practical guide for Iraqi importers, scientific offices and hospital buyers who source from abroad, and for manufacturers and exporters worldwide selling into Iraq.
Iraq is a large, import-dependent market. Public supply runs through Kimadia, the state importer, and the private market through local importers and scientific offices.
Registration has two steps: the manufacturing company first, then the product. Products approved by the FDA or EMA can move much faster than generics on the standard route.
Iraq at a glance
| Regulator | Ministry of Health |
|---|---|
| Registration | The manufacturing company registers first, with GMP and a CoPP from a recognised authority; without one, the Ministry inspects. The product is registered second |
| Timelines | About a month for temporary registration and an import licence for FDA/EMA-approved products; about a year on the standard route |
| Public buyer | Kimadia, the state importer; a local agent isn't mandatory to bid, but a local scientific office helps |
| Kurdistan Region | Products are registered separately with the regional authority after federal registration, in about 14–30 working days |
How to supply medicines to Iraq
- Register the manufacturer. The plant registers first, with GMP evidence and a CoPP from a recognised authority (FDA, EMA, UK, Swiss, Canadian, Australian, Japanese or GCC). Without one, expect a Ministry inspection.
- Register the product. The standard route takes about a year. Products approved by the FDA or EMA can get temporary registration and an import licence in about a month.
- Add Kurdistan if needed. For the Kurdistan Region, register with the regional authority after federal registration.
- Supply. Private importers and scientific offices, or Kimadia tenders for the public sector. Check funding and payment terms before committing stock.
For hospital and patient needs that registered products cannot meet, we can help source medicines from manufacturers worldwide through our named-patient service, subject to Iraqi import approval. See named-patient and special import and government tender supply.
Supplements
Supplements also go through the Ministry of Health before import in most cases. Confirm the requirements with your local importer. We help brands get supplements made under their own label by GMP-certified contract manufacturers: see nutraceutical private label.
What people in Iraq search for
Semrush does not track Google searches in Iraq, so we cannot show local search data. On the supply side, 'pharmaceutical companies in Iraq' is searched about 110 times a month in India, with low competition, a sign of steady exporter interest.
Supplements we can help you make
Medicines Iraqi buyers commonly source include antibiotics, chronic-disease treatments and injectables. Some examples we list:
Documents to ask your supplier for
- A Certificate of a Pharmaceutical Product (CoPP) in WHO format.
- The plant's GMP evidence, such as a WHO-GMP, EU-GMP or PIC/S certificate, plus any inspection by your regulator.
- The registration dossier (CTD or ACTD), with bioequivalence data for generics where required.
- Stability data for hot climates.
- A Certificate of Analysis for every batch.
Not sure a supplier is genuine? Read how to verify a pharmaceutical supplier. For the neighbouring markets, see our Middle East and North Africa import guide.
Sourcing for Iraq?
Send the product, strength, quantity and the documents your regulator needs. We will match you with GMP-certified manufacturers and suppliers who can serve your market, wherever they are based.
Send your requirement Talk to our team