IOR Africa
IOR Africa

Importing to Egypt

IOR Africa: Your Importer of Record Experts in Egypt

Taxes: Up To 14%

Duties: Up To 60%

Lead Time: 4-6 weeks

Best carrier option: Freight Forwarder

  • Used and Refurbished medical equipment
  • High-frequency networking devices
  • Passenger vehicles may only be imported up to one year after the date of manufacture
Documents Required

Documents 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

Egypt is one of the largest trade markets in North Africa, but navigating its customs and regulatory requirements can be complex. From strict documentation checks to approvals for restricted goods, businesses must prepare carefully to avoid costly delays and penalties.

1

Customs Delays Due to Incomplete Paperwork

Egyptian customs demand fully compliant import paperwork. Missing stamps, translations, or approvals can delay shipments by 2–3 weeks.

2

Regulatory Roadblocks for Restricted Goods

Imports of medical devices, telecom equipment, and other sensitive goods require prior approvals from Egypt’s National Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (NTRA), the Ministry of Health, and the General Organization for Export and Import Control (GOEIC).

3

Legalization of Certificates

Certificates of origin and quality must be stamped by the Egyptian Chamber in the exporting country. This process typically adds 7–10 business days.

4

Port Congestion and Logistics Delays

Major ports like Alexandria and Port Said are prone to congestion, and without local expertise, imports of IT, telecom, and medical equipment can face prolonged storage and clearance delays.

How to Overcome These Challenges

By working with IOR Africa, businesses can:

Guarantee compliance with Egypt’s 2024 duty rates, HS codes, and restricted goods rules.

Manage document approvals from NTRA, Ministry of Health, and GOEIC seamlessly.

Cut customs clearance times dramatically compared to unmanaged Egyptian imports.

Optimize logistics routes with or alongside a freight forwarder to avoid costly storage at congested ports.

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