EGLast reviewed 2026-07-22

Egypt - Import & Export Regulatory Guide

Egypt's customs administration is the Egyptian Customs Authority (ECA) using the Nafeza single window with mandatory Advance Cargo Information (ACI) since Oct 2021. Every importer must be listed on the General Organisation for Export & Import Control (GOEIC) register, and only registered companies may operate as importers.

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Regulatory authorities

Egyptian Customs Authority (ECA) ↗
Customs entry, Nafeza filings, valuation.
GOEIC (MoTI) ↗
Importer register, product inspection, standards conformity.
Ministry of Trade & Industry ↗
Import policy, trade remedies.
EDA / NAFDAC-equivalent
Pharma, cosmetics registration.

Licensing regimes

Licence	Scope	Issuer
GOEIC Importer Register	Mandatory for commercial imports; capital & experience thresholds.	GOEIC
ACI shipment approval	Advance Cargo Information via Nafeza before shipment sails.	ECA/Nafeza
Factory registration decree	Foreign factories exporting to EG (ready-made garments, appliances, ceramics, dairy) must register at GOEIC.	GOEIC
EDA product registration	Pharma, cosmetics, medical devices.	Egyptian Drug Authority

Prohibited goods

· Second-hand consumer goods (with narrow humanitarian exceptions).
· Certain agricultural products in season (protective).
· Publications contravening public order.
· CITES-listed species.

Restricted goods

· Sugar & wheat - GASC (state buyer) tenders dominant.
· Automotive - high customs + development fee + VAT stack.
· Steel - safeguard duty by origin.
· Chemicals - HAZMAT permits.

Labelling requirements

· Arabic-language labelling on all prepackaged consumer goods.
· GOEIC / EOS conformity mark on regulated products.
· EDA registration number on pharma / cosmetic packs.
· Country of origin marking (Customs Law 66/1963 as amended).

Sanctions overlay

· UNSC measures implemented via Presidential decree.
· No autonomous sanctions regime.
· CBE / EFRA screen OFAC/EU/UN for banking-sector.

Dispute resolution

Customs objection to Head of ECA within 30 days; onward Court of First Instance. CRCICA (Cairo Regional Centre for International Commercial Arbitration) is the leading regional institutional forum. NY Convention party since 1959.

Key official sources

Frequently asked questions (2)

What is ACI on Nafeza and how does it change shipping to Egypt?

Since Oct 2021 all sea shipments (Jul 2021 pilot) must submit Advance Cargo Information at least 48 hours before loading at origin. The shipper generates the ACID number via Nafeza and shares it with the exporter and carrier - no ACID means the vessel refuses to load or the cargo is rejected at destination.

How do FX rationing rules affect imports?

Following the 2022-2024 devaluations, the CBE prioritises FX allocation to essential imports (wheat, medicine, fuel). LCs for non-essentials can face delays of 60-180 days at authorised dealer banks. Practical mitigations: use own-funds import, IPU (Importer's Personal Use) route, or shift to nearshoring/local production.