Dear Partners,
Please be informed that the Egyptian Customs Authority has issued procedures publication (6) and No. (7) for the year 2026 regarding the handling and clearance procedures for Transit Cargo (Direct and Indirect Transit) through Egyptian ports.
Below is a summary of the main points for your kind information and compliance:
Summary of Customs Circular – Translation
First: Legal Reference
The circular refers to:
Kyoto Convention for Simplification and Harmonization of Customs Procedures
Egyptian Customs Law No. 207 of 2020
Executive Regulations issued by Ministerial Decree No. 430 of 2021
Main Procedures for Transit Cargo:
1. Transit Cargo Handling Through Egyptian Ports
Transit cargo operations must be conducted through the commercial parties (importer/exporter), and a local Egyptian intermediary (freight forwarder / shipping agent / transport agent) must be involved to handle inland transport from the port to the exit port or destination.
2. Opening a Transit Customs Declaration
A transit customs declaration must be opened according to Article 102 of the Executive Regulations with the following documents:
1. Delivery order / Bill of Lading
2. Available shipment documents (Invoice – Packing List / Cargo Manifest if available)
3. Request for inspection (original + copies)
4. Financial guarantee covering customs duties, taxes, and other charges after valuation
3. Inspection Procedures
Shipments may be inspected using X-Ray scanning instead of full physical inspection, provided:
Containers’ seals are intact
No visible damage to cargo
Except for shipments already assigned to Red Channel inspection
4. Repacking / Container Transfer
Customs may approve repacking or transferring cargo from one container to another after inspection and approval by the customs officer under customs supervision.
5. Valuation for Transit Cargo
Customs valuation for transit cargo will be for transit purposes only and does not represent import valuation since the cargo is not entering the Egyptian market.
6. Compliance with Control Authorities
Shipments must comply with the requirements of control authorities upon first customs entry, such as:
Agricultural Quarantine
Veterinary Quarantine
Radiation Control
Other regulatory authorities according to the integrated tariff system
Important Note
All parties must strictly comply with the above procedures and instructions.
