Custom Clearance in Egypt: Step-by-Step Guide from A to Z for Beginners

by | Dec 23, 2025 | Blogs, customs clearance | 0 comments

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Custom Clearance in Egypt is a crucial step for any business owner importing goods from abroad, especially given the multitude of required procedures and documents.

By relying on International Shipping Company, overcoming these challenges becomes easier, thanks to their expertise in accelerating commercial movement and ensuring full compliance with laws.

In this article, we will review the Custom Clearance in Egypt steps from A to Z in a simplified and clear manner for beginners.

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Steps for Custom Clearance in Egypt from A to Z

The process of Custom Clearance in Egypt follows an interconnected series of technical and procedural steps that require accuracy in execution and speed in follow-up within the port to avoid any potential delays.

Thanks to the expertise of International Shipping Company, these steps can be executed with higher efficiency as they handle coordination, inspection and data preparation to ensure the shipment passes the first time without delay.

To get a complete picture, here are the detailed Custom Clearance in Egypt steps:

  • Shipment Arrival and Data Registration: The cargo arrives at the port and the carrier and shipping gate begin registering its data.
  • Issuance of Delivery Order (DO): The shipping company or line issues the DO to hand over the required documents to the importer or their representative.
  • Registration on the Nafeza Platform: The shipment is registered and data is electronically attached to the Nafeza platform which is a mandatory step for issuing the Customs Shipment Number.
  • Opening the Clearance File: The file is opened through the accredited customs broker and essential documents are prepared for the initial inspection.
  • Document Review by Customs: Customs reviews the documents and verifies the commercial and logistical data before starting the physical inspection.
  • Inspection and Customs Examination: This is conducted to verify the type of goods and their conformity to the documents. This may include inspection by specialized regulatory bodies.
  • Accurate HS Code Determination: The HS (Harmonized System) Code is accurately determined as it is the decisive factor for calculating the applicable duties and taxes on the commodity.
  • Estimation of Customs Duties and Taxes: Duties and taxes are estimated according to the Egyptian Tariff, including Value Added Tax (VAT), Development Fees and others.
  • Electronic Payment: Fees are paid electronically via the approved payment system within the Nafeza platform to obtain a payment notification.
  • Issuance of Customs Release Permit: The permit is issued after completing security and regulatory approvals and confirming the integrity of the procedures.

Required Documents for Custom Clearance in Egypt

Documents represent the primary pillar for ensuring the smoothness of Custom Clearance in Egypt.

They are the means to verify the identity, value and origin of the goods, facilitating quick decision-making by the competent authorities without delay.

A beginner importer needs to prepare an accurate file that complies with customs requirements to ensure the shipment passes on the first attempt without requests for supplementation or delays.

Here are the most essential documents without which no shipment can be released:

  • Commercial Invoice: Clarifies the total value, unit price, nature of the goods and the details of the exporter and importer.
  • Certificate of Origin (COO): To prove the manufacturing country and determine if the goods benefit from preferential agreements.
  • Packing List: Details the number of packages, weights and the arrangement of contents within each package.
  • Marine or Air Waybill (Bill of Lading): Considered proof of the goods transport and a fundamental reference for the shipment’s data.
  • Commercial Register and Tax Card: Belonging to the importer to ensure the legality of the activity.
  • Customs Card (Dealer Card): Which enables the completion of procedures on the Nafeza platform.
  • Official Power of Attorney: Authorizing the customs broker to represent the importer before customs and finalize procedures on their behalf.
  • Regulatory Documents: Specific to goods subject to competent authorities such as specifications certificates, inspection certificates or any accreditation required before release.

The International Shipping Company ISC offers specialized expertise in preparing and processing all Custom Clearance in Egypt documents with complete accuracy, ensuring your shipment passes without any deficiencies or delays during the inspection and release stages.

Types of Customs Inspection in Egypt: How Your Shipment is Classified Before Release

Custom Clearance in Egypt involves a crucial stage called the “Inspection Track” which determines the level of scrutiny for each shipment before its release.

Understanding this track is important for importers, especially beginners as it helps them anticipate the time required and avoid delays by accurately preparing documents and dealing with a professional entity like our company which helps minimize the chances of being routed to stricter tracks.

Here are the most common customs inspection tracks in Egypt:

  • The Green Track: Allows the shipment to pass without physical inspection.
  • It is used for shipments with complete documentation and a reliable import history.
  • The Yellow Track: Involves a meticulous document review without opening the packages. 
  • It is usually applied when minor notes require data confirmation.
  • The Red Track: Includes a physical inspection of the goods and opening the packages. 
  • It is often applied when there are data discrepancies or when importing sensitive goods or goods subject to regulatory bodies.
  • Specialized Authority Inspection: Some shipments may be referred to additional regulatory bodies such as the Agricultural Quarantine, Food Safety Authority or Industrial Control, depending on the nature of the commodity.
  • Security Inspection: A complementary step to ensure the shipment complies with safety and security standards before final release.

If you are looking to clear your shipment as quickly as possible and with the lowest risk of being routed to strict inspection tracks, International Shipping Company (ISC) is ready to provide a comprehensive Custom Clearance in Egypt service that simplifies every step until the final release.

How to Calculate Customs Duties in Egypt

Determining the value of duties is a pivotal step in Custom Clearance in Egypt. 

It depends on the goods data, their actual value and their customs classification, making the calculation mechanism essential knowledge for any beginner importer.

These are the fundamentals upon which the duty calculation process is based:

  • Reliance on the Egyptian Customs Tariff: To determine the duty rate for each item according to the approved HS Code.
  • Calculation of the CIF Customs Value: This includes the goods price + Insurance + Freight and it is the basis for tax calculation.
  • Addition of Value Added Tax (VAT): The rate varies depending on the type of goods according to Egyptian tax legislation.
  • Application of Development Fees: Applied to certain goods, varying based on their nature and a Ministry of Finance decision.
  • Calculation of Potential Additional Fees: Such as service fees, port storage fees and inspection fees by regulatory bodies.
  • The Final Total Duties: Varies based on the type of commodity, country of origin and nature of use (commercial – industrial – equipment – raw materials).
  • Possibility of Exemptions: Some goods may receive customs exemptions or reductions according to free trade agreements between Egypt and other countries.

To ensure all Custom Clearance in Egypt procedures are completed accurately and quickly, you can rely on our company for a clearance service that simplifies every step from the start until you receive your goods.

How long does Custom Clearance in Egypt usually take?

It typically takes between 3 to 10 days, depending on the shipment type, inspection track and regulatory bodies involved with the possibility of acceleration when all documents are complete.

Can the Custom Clearance in Egypt process begin before the shipment arrives?

Yes, documents can be prepared and the clearance file opened in advance which reduces the release time after the shipment’s arrival.

What is the difference between customs clearance at a port and an airport?

The basic procedures are similar but airport clearance is generally faster and targets small and urgent shipments while ports handle large containers.

Are there any goods that can be imported without customs duties?

Some goods may benefit from free trade agreements or specific exemptions but the Ministry of Finance laws must be confirmed before importation.

Is it possible to carry out Custom Clearance in Egypt without a customs broker?

Theoretically, yes, but practically difficult for beginners, as brokers have the experience to deal with complex procedures and regulatory bodies.

Conclusion

Understanding the steps of Custom Clearance in Egypt is essential to ensure shipments pass smoothly and to minimize delays and additional costs.

To simplify the process and ensure every step is completed efficiently, you can rely on International Shipping Company which offers comprehensive support from document preparation to the final release of the shipment.

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