Syria, Iraq Agree to Link Customs Systems Electronically

The head of Syria's General Authority for Land and Border Crossings, Qutaiba Badawi, met with the head of Iraq's Border Ports Authority, Omar Adnan al-Waeli, at the Tanf border crossing to discuss ways to strengthen coordination and develop operations at crossings shared by the two countries.

Field Tour of Crossing Facilities

The two officials conducted a field tour of Tanf's facilities, including its new halls and yards, reviewing ongoing expansion and rehabilitation work aimed at raising the crossing's capacity and improving services for travelers and carriers.

Coordination Amid Growing Trade

The meeting addressed ways to enhance coordination between Syrian and Iraqi crossings in light of growing trade exchange between the two countries, covering imports, exports and transit. The two sides agreed on the need to keep pace with this activity through:

• Developing infrastructure at shared crossings
• Simplifying customs procedures
• Accelerating truck movement

Electronic Customs Link

The two sides agreed to electronically link Syrian and Iraqi customs systems, aiming to simplify procedures, enhance data exchange and speed up transaction processing, facilitating trade and ensuring smooth transit flow between the two countries.

Reopening the Crossing to Travelers

The two sides also agreed to open the Tanf crossing to passenger traffic once road expansion is completed and infrastructure at both crossings is finalized, ensuring readiness to receive travelers and provide necessary services.

Badawi and al-Waeli had previously reopened the Tanf-Waleed border crossing on April 2, as part of efforts to strengthen bilateral cooperation and activate commercial transit and cargo movement.

Location and Regional Role

Tanf is located in the far southeastern part of Syria in Homs governorate, facing Iraq's Waleed crossing in Anbar province. Since its reopening, it has played a role in supporting regional and international transit by facilitating the movement of trucks, tankers and goods between Syria, Iraq and the wider region.