Merchants have been complaining that customs officers at border entry points with Syria and Jordan are demanding $1,500 in the form of a bribe, apart from the official tariffs, for each truck loaded with agricultural products seeking entry to Iraq.
Often trucks are kept out for days, causing damage to agricultural produce.
Last year, the government had imposed restrictions on the import of agricultural products to Iraq. Customs officials charged importers $3,000 per truck to enter the country, in violation of the government restrictions. However, the government has lifted the restrictions but the customs officials are still asking for $1,500 per truck to allow entry into the country.
Source: Alrafidayn, March 14, 2010
