Update on NGO Registration Process

Extension of Deadline for Registration: The deadline for registration has been extended to 1 May, 2004 to accommodate the large number of NGOs that are emerging to participate in the development of their communities. Once an NGO submits a complete registration application, it is considered temporarily registered until the Ministry of Planning and Development Cooperation confirms the registration with a certificate. Therefore, NGOs who have submitted all their documentation should continue operations unless notified by the Ministry of Planning and Development Cooperation.

Registration for NGOs Already Registered in the Kurdish Areas: The Ministry of Planning and Development Cooperation is working to streamline the registration process for NGOs already registered in the Kurdish Areas and to integrate prior registrations with the Kurdish authorities with the national NGO Registration process. More information will be provided as soon as the details are available. Until then, NGOs registered in the Kurdish areas should submit the basic registration form to the NGO Assistance Office with a copy of their registration submission to the Kurdish authorities and a statement that they are registered with the Kurdish authorities. This will allow the national NGO Assistance Office to verify their status.

Reconstruction Levy Exemption: The Customs Department has streamlined the process for NGOs to obtain an exemption from the Reconstruction Levy, which will take effect in the coming months. NGOs no longer need to submit a Customs Importer form. Instead, any NGO planning to import goods into Iraq for humanitarian purposes should make a note at the top of their registration form that they plan to import goods. Or, NGOs can send an email to iqplanning_ngoinfo@yahoo.com stating that they plan to import goods. The NGO Assistance Office will provide a list of registered NGOs who plan to import goods to the Customs Department. The Customs Department will distribute this list to points of entry. NGOs should use their NGO Registration Number issued by the NGO Office on all Customs documentation.

Online Registration: NGOs submitting their registration online should remember that they must submit the required supporting documentation to the NGO Assistance Office before their application can be processed. The required documentation is listed at the top of the NGO Registration Application. Documents can be delivered to the NGO Assistance Office at the Ministry of Planning, or to the NGO Training and Resource Center at the Baghdad Convention Center, or can be emailed to iqplanning_ngoinfo@yahoo.com , or can be faxed to #001-703-270-0182.