Frequently Asked Questions

Informal clearance,
Generally informal clearance, is related to parcels which are low or moderate having value less than or equal to $ 2000 USD into Egypt. It should not include
Non restricted goods ,Not inbound for commercial purpose.

Formal clearance,
Generally, formal clearance, is related to parcels which are of high value less than or equal to $ 2000 USD or regulated into Egypt. Also goods need special clearance such as Exemption, Temporary Import …etc

The value of the goods is determined using the methods defined in article V11 of GATT.

Authority conferred to customs officers to aspect goods within a customs territory when it is entering and exiting from Egypt customs zones.

A system set out in systemized form coding designations and description of the goods including their payable customs duties, It is universally accepted classification system for trade goods, used to classify products and their corresponding tariff.

A specific document identifying the goods, in which the authority or body empowered to issue it, certify that the goods to which the certificate relates originate in specific country. A certificate issued and attested by a local chamber of commerce stating the country in which the commodity has been grown , produced , manufactured or assembled and should be legalized by such country Egyptian council.

Shipments containing chemicals, will be held in customs until the consignee provides the relevant approval from the Ministry of Chemicals department.A surcharge of 1200.00 EGP needs to be paid against each kind of product , MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet) or NON DG (Dangerous Goods) declaration letter from the shipper may be needed also.
This includes Industrial chemical components of identified, or unidentified constituents such as detergent solutions, paint constituents, solvents and chemical powders for industrial use regardless of the weight or value.

Please note that not only the value(s) of the commodity/commodities have to be considered when calculating duty and tax, but also the freight charge and other fees.

Personal shipments of medicine can be cleared if the consignee provides customs with approval from the Ministry of Health, provided that the consignee has a medical prescription that proves the use of this quantity depending on the case

Electronic Devices associated with cameras;
Any electronic device or items like aeroplane kites, pens, sunglasses, equipped with cameras that might also have a spy entity view are strictly prohibited to be imported.

An invoice declaration can be made out by a so called approved exporter for originating products of any value or by any exporter limited to originating products whose value does not exceed EUR 6,000.
The customs authorities grant him with a customs authorisation number which shall appear on the invoice declaration.
An invoice declaration has to be made out by the exporter by typing, stamping or printing on an invoice, the delivery note or another commercial document. An invoice declaration shall bear the original signature of the exporter. An approved exporter shall not be required to sign such declarations provided he accepts full responsibility for any invoice declaration identifying him as exporter.