To start your coffee brand in Iraq, choose your route—import private‑label roasted coffee or roast locally—then lock in essentials: register a company/trade name with the Ministry of Trade (Companies Registration Dept), obtain a tax number, import license, COSQC label approval, and a municipality food‑handling permit. Decision criteria: private label gives fastest launch (60–90 days door‑to‑shelf via Jebel Ali/Umm Qasr or Mersin/Ibrahim Khalil), while in‑house roasting needs 3‑phase power, reliable ventilation/afterburner, and backup power (UPS/generator) but yields higher margins and quality control. For imports, classify under HS 0901, use a customs broker, budget for duties/fees (vary by form and origin), and pre‑approve Arabic labels; include product name, net weight, roast date/best‑before, origin, ingredients (100% coffee), manufacturer/importer, storage, and country of origin. For roasting, secure a 5–15 kg roaster, moisture/activity meter (<0.60 aw), color meter (Agtron), and valve bags (250 g/1 kg, 3‑layer foil) to withstand heat. Build supply via Dubai traders or origin exporters; keep COAs and cupping scores. Distribution: focus Baghdad, Erbil, Basra; lead with HoReCa (espresso blends in 1 kg), modern trade (250 g SKUs), and COD e‑commerce; accept ZainCash/AsiaHawala. Price to land 35–45% retail margin and clear café cost per kilo; drive trial with barista trainings and cuppings.
