Egypt

Documentation Requirements for Egypt Customs

Commercial Invoice – Certified by the chamber of commerce; includes product details, HS codes, value, and Incoterms.
Packing List – Specifies package contents, weight, and dimensions.
Bill of Lading (B/L) or Air Waybill (AWB) – Shipment details endorsed by the carrier.
Certificate of Origin (COO) – Issued by the chamber of commerce; required for trade agreements.
Importer’s Tax & Registration Number – Egyptian import license and tax card required.
Import Permit (For Restricted Goods) – Mandatory for medical, telecom, and IT equipment.
NTRA Approval (For IT & Telecom Equipment) – Required before customs clearance.
Central Bank of Egypt (CBE) Import Regulations – Payments via Letter of Credit (L/C); Form 4 required.
Pre-Shipment Inspection Certificate – Needed for certain goods like electronics and machinery.
Product-Specific Documentation – Medical devices, food, and chemicals need extra approvals.

Common Challenges When Importing to Egypt

Egyptian customs require 100% accuracy in documentation. Missing stamps, translations, or approvals can add 2–3 weeks to lead times.

Declaring the wrong CIF value or HS code can lead to audits. You may face fines up to 200% of the duty owed. Authorities might also seize the cargo.

Medical devices and telecom equipment require approvals from:

The Egyptian chamber in the exporting country needs to stamp certificates of origin or quality. This process takes 7 to 10 business days.

Alexandria and Port Said often face bottlenecks. Partnering with a local freight forwarder ensures priority clearance.

“IOR Africa cut our Egypt customs delays from 8 weeks to 12 days!” – Tech Equipment Supplier

Get professional support for Egyptian imports to navigate these complexities and ensure a smoother process when importing to Egypt.