Advanced Caro Information (ACI) was released by the Egyptian Treasury department as part of a proposed single window approach. This approach aims to streamline processes, speed up clearing times, and modernize and streamline customs management. As per this approach, consignment documentation for Egyptian agencies must be filed through this new single window system. The process must be done 48 hours before the arrival of the shipment.
Import assessment strategy
A risk-based assessment strategy is used for all products in the single window method. The risk-based platform ensures multiple routes premised on the detected threat, with a “green” route requiring no testing or safety checks and deliveries receiving expedited clearance.
The authorities in Egypt established new customs duties, raising import taxes on over 300 commodities across multiple classifications. To comply with global relevant processes and to promote business, the unique tax was considered to apply some changes and expansions made to the global HS in over 275 new products.
The custom change included the complete custom exclusions on all pharmaceuticals for contagious, acute, mental, and cognitive illnesses. Disinfected surgery bags are also now regulated by a new tariff category. Additionally, the majority of the benefits provided by the new customs tariff have also gone to food production and dietary products.
Custom rates
Customs taxes for automobile equipment have been decreased for 1600 CC engine-powered autos. The tax rate decreased from 40% to 30%. The customs duty for greater motor-powered cars decreased from 135% to 100%. Only electrically powered cars are immune from paying fees, although natural gas-powered cars now qualify for a 35% rise in tariff savings.
Additionally, customs duties on other non-essential items have been reduced:
- from 60% to 40% on athletic wear and personal treatment and sanitary conditions items;
- from 40% to 20% on textiles and synthetic-fiber shielded uniforms; and
- from 30% to 20% on baby prams.
A charge reduction of 50% from 60% is offered on markers made of plastic. Plus, a tax reduction of 40% from 60% is imposed on pens and pencils that have ink inside them, to protect domestic businesses.
On Television screens and displays, a 40 percent uniform tax has been implemented. Additionally, taxes on Egyptian importation of glass walls and stained-glass frames have been reduced from 50% to 20%. All bulletproof vaults and storage systems have new 10 percent reduced tax divisions developed for them. The tax on vacant compartments employed for electronic equipment and telecommunication technologies has been reduced to 5 percent.
Silkworm eggs, Lightbulbs, and their light-emitting semiconductor parts are now all completely free from duties, while a 5 percent charge is applied to the plastic and glass parts of these products. Fee hikes are placed on sprinklers manufactured of plastic to achieve 60% up from 40% and ones made of copper to hit 40% up from 30% as part of changes.
Given their significance to the biochemical sector, new items relating to protection against toxic chemicals have been included in the revised custom duties without changing their rates. The purpose of this technique is to designate a specific product for each chemical component to improve power over their trade.
Documentation required for import
The following documentation is required for Egyptian Customs to approve an overseas delivery:
- Letter of credit;
- A document stating the manufacturing country;
- Landing bill;
- List of items shipped;
- Content analysis for the commodity;
- Certificate of origin; and
- Commercial receipt.
Other agencies’ examination and quality assurance approvals are also necessary. The Egyptian Consulate or Embassy in the exporting country must notarize and approve any certificates produced regarding the shipping of goods and the item description.
