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Ministry of Planning and Development Cooperation
January 1st, 2004
TO: Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) Operating in Iraq FROM: NGO Assistance Office Ministry of Planning and Development Cooperation SUBJECT: NGO Registration The Coalition Provisional Authority Order 45, issued on November 25, 2003, established an official registration process for domestic and international NGOs operating in Iraq, and created the NGO Assistance Office of the Ministry of Planning and Development Cooperation to manage this process. Registration authorizes NGOs to operate legally in Iraq and enables NGOs to benefit from tax exemptions and other government services available to non-profit organizations. The NGO Assistance Office will support domestic and foreign NGOs who are building an Iraqi civil society and are working to transform Iraq into a pluralistic, democratic country. The NGO Assistance Office will be responsible for registering NGOs and providing them access to a range of benefits and services. The Office will have a special responsibility to help build the capacity of emerging Iraqi NGOs, ensuring that they have access to resources that enable them to develop their capacity to administer programs and become active members of civil society. Further, the Office will implement a system to help match international donors with Iraqi NGOs, operating along specified standards of capability and integrity. All NGOs operating in the territory of Iraq must comply with the provisions of Order 45 within 90 days of the date it was issued. A copy of Order 45 detailing the registration requirements and the registration form are attached to this memo. Additional forms can be obtained directly from the NGO Assistance Office, located at the Baghdad Convention Center. NGOs can also register on the NGO Assistance Office webpage, currently located at http://cpa-iraq.org/NGORegistryForm.html. When the Ministry of Planning and Development Cooperation website is activated, this NGO Assistance Office address will be moved to its new location. Regional branches of the NGO Assistance Center will be opening as soon as possible to improve accessibility to NGOs working throughout Iraq. On January 1, 2004, a new Reconstruction Levy will be introduced which imposes a 5% tax on all goods imported into Iraq other than exempt goods. Goods imported for public benefit by registered non-governmental organizations will be exempted. NGOs may apply for an exemption by completing the Customs form available at the NGO Assistance Office or on the website. For more information please contact the NGO Assistance Office at 1 (703) 270-0179 or, preferably, send an e-mail with your questions to ngoinfoiraq@yahoo.com. The Ministry of Planning and Development Cooperation invites NGOs and other interested parties to submit comments on Order 45 and the registration process so that improvements can be made in the permanent law on nongovernmental organizations. We thank you for your assistance in informing all relevant organizations on how to register in accordance with the new Order.
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