Tariffs and regulations
Tariffs and duty rates are constantly revised and are subject to change without notice.
Austrade strongly recommends you reconfirm these prior to selling to Egypt.
For further information please contact:
Egyptian Customs Authority
El. Nasar St, Gate 10
Alexandria
Tel: +20 3 481 0037
Fax: +20 3 486 8315
Tariffs and non-tariff barriers
Tariff
Since 1991, tariff rates in Egypt have been reduced to a maximum of 40 per cent - except cars, alcoholic beverages, and certain luxury items. Tariffs on many items are lower - the average tariff rate is still in excess of 25 per cent.
In addition the government levies a service fee on the value of imported shipments. The surcharge is two per cent or four per cent depending on the customs duty of the imported item:
- Two per cent for commodities subject to customs duties between 5 per cent and 30 per cent.
- Four per cent for those subject to custom duties over 30 per cent.
Alcoholic beverages, larger cars, tobacco and tobacco products are subject to duties up to 3000 per cent.
Duty reductions apply to goods imported for domestic processing and assembly.
Non-tariff barriers
Egypt has consistently supported reductions in trade barriers and the concept of open and multilateral trading systems. The government has encouraged free trade by active participation in the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT) and similar forums.
Import restrictions
The General Authority for Exports keeps a registry of all importers and Imports Control who issue an import card to registered importers. The import card must be presented when an import transaction is undertaken. All import transactions require a letter of credit to be issued from an officially registered bank (see also 'Pro-forma invoice').
A wide range of imported products is subject to inspection and approval by the General Authority for Exports and Imports Control upon arrival and after payment of established duties All kinds of foodstuffs are subject to health and quality inspection by the three Ministries: Health, Supply and Agriculture. A health certificate is delivered if consignments comply with the regulations.
Certificates of specifications are issued for consignments which satisfy established conditions and specifications. These products are subject to inspection fees, assessed in Egyptian piasters per specified measure. Conditions and specifications must meet the standards issued and approved by the Egyptian Organisation for Standardisation and Quality Control.
A wide range of goods are conditionally restricted or prohibited for economic or industrial considerations.
Customs authority contact details:
Director General of Customs
Customs Administration
El. Nasar St, Gate 10
Alexandria
Tel: +20 3 481 0037
Fax: +20 3 486 8315
Product certification, labelling and packaging
Labelling and marking
Specific regulations apply to the labelling of foodstuffs. Labels must be in Arabic (foreign languages may also feature) and must indicate:
- Complete details of the manufacturer including country of origin
- Details of the product, including the name, quality and ingredients in proportions (including additives and preservatives). (See also 'Public health requirements')
- Production and expiry dates
- Instructions for usage and storage
- Net and gross weights
- The name and address of the importer
- The phrase Islamic Slaughter on packages containing animal products (except seafood)
Other goods, imported in the form in which they are to be sold to the public, must bear a label in Arabic indicating:
- The producer's name and trademark (if applicable)
- The kind of product and its style
- The product's specifications and instructions for usage
- The handling and transportation instructions
- The country of origin
- The production and expiry dates where applicable
- The goods must be shipped from country of origin ports
Packaging
Goods should be securely packed, having due regard to the nature of the goods, means of transport and likely climatic conditions during transit and delivery.
Vine leaves, cotton, wool and any other packing matter, which may contain injurious organisms are not to be used as packing material.
Outer containers should bear the consignee's mark and port mark and should also be numbered (to accord with packing list) unless their contents can be otherwise readily identified.
Wooden containers must be treated with material effective against borers (eg. Chyrozat) to avoid infestation. Each container must be accompanied by a health certificate issued by the approved authority in the country of origin. In Australia this authority is usually the Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service, Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry-Australia or the relevant state department of agriculture.
Methods of quoting and payment
Quotations should be by pro-forma invoice in either Pound Sterling or preferably in US dollars and payment terms include both FOB and C&F (Incoterms 1990) or CIF if applicable. Payment may be made by any method of payment recognised by the Egyptian banking system.
Documentary requirements
Commercial invoice
There is no prescribed form. A minimum of three copies is required. It must indicate all details normally provided and include a full description of the goods, all price details (including freight, packing and other charges and discounts) and the country of origin. Consular legalisation is not required unless stipulated in the L/C or by the consignee.
Bill of lading/airway bill
No special requirements. To Order bills are acceptable provided that the name of the bank which opened the letter of credit is indicated as well as the name of the importer of the goods.
Packing list
A packing list is not compulsory, but is recommended and will facilitate clearance.
Certificate of origin
Must be issued and attested by an approved authority.
Must bear a statement that the information given is true and correct and the goods being shipped are of Australian origin and were manufactured in Australia. If the goods contain any foreign components, the country of origin and percentage of the foreign components must be indicated. The full name and address of the Australian manufacturer must also be included.
Must be legalised by the Consular section of the Egyptian Embassy. The number of copies will be specified by the importer. Each copy must bear the original seal of the issuing authority.
All goods must be shipped from country of origin ports.
Public health requirements
Livestock, animal products, plants and plant products are subject to strict health controls.
Fresh and canned meat, plants and plant products are subject to specific health certification.
The precise chemical composition of food additives and other materials used in food processing must be provided by the competent inspection services in the exporting country.
Edible oils and greases (of either animal or vegetable origin), processed tomato products, molasses, salt and soap must conform to specific quality standards. Butter and butter substitutes must not contain boric acid or other injurious preservatives.
Imported foodstuffs, meat, oils and fats, live animals, seeds, seedlings and crops for human consumption, animal feeds, milk substitutes and tobacco are subject to radiation inspection.
Alcoholic beverages are subject to quality and content control.
Pharmaceutical and veterinary products must be registered and are subject to specific and detailed regulations. A complete chemical analysis (legalised by the Egyptian Consulate) is required for registration.
Insecticides require a special permit; importers should provide details of specific requirements.
Insurance
Usually arranged by importer.
Weights and measures
The metric system.