Egypt extends customs transit facilitation for six months, exempts shipments from ACI pre-registration
The ACI exemption shortens documentation lead times for refrigerated cargo transiting Egyptian ports en route to destinations in Africa.
EGYPT – The Egyptian government has extended exceptional customs facilitation measures for transit shipments passing through its ports for six months, allowing cargo to be cleared without prior registration under the Advance Cargo Information system to strengthen global supply chains.
The move is intended to facilitate the movement of goods to their final destinations via Egyptian ports and support the flow of international trade.
ACI Exemption and Transit Simplification
Under the decision, transit shipments will continue to be cleared through Egyptian ports without prior registration under the Advance Cargo Information (ACI) system. This initiative allows transit shipments to bypass the mandatory pre-registration process, thereby reducing administrative hurdles for global trade.
The measures will also apply to indirect transit shipments moving to and from several African countries, including Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda, Djibouti, and Ethiopia, as a step to support trade flows between Egypt and African markets.
The ACI exemption shortens documentation lead times for refrigerated cargo transiting Egyptian ports en route to destinations in Africa.
Non-Manipulation Certificates and Trade Credibility
The authority has also introduced a “non-manipulation certificate” to strengthen the rules of origin and trade agreements, while improving the credibility of transit shipments passing through Egyptian ports and enhancing coordination with the relevant authorities in the receiving countries.
These measures ensure the integrity and transparency of shipments, which is particularly important for high-value perishable cargo.
Minister of Finance Ahmed Kouchouk said the decision aims to strengthen global supply chains and enhance Egypt’s position as a regional and international logistics hub. He added that the government continues to simplify customs procedures to improve the business environment and support investment, production, and exports.
Strategic Role for African Trade
Ahmad Amawi, Head of the Egyptian Customs Authority, noted that the authority is working to further develop the transit system and facilitate transit trade through Egyptian ports.
Therefore, by simplifying these protocols, Egypt aims to consolidate its status as a pivotal logistics hub and strengthen commercial ties with several African nations.
These strategic changes are designed to stimulate investment and foster more efficient supply chains across the region, with the extended facilitations providing immediate relief for time-sensitive cargo shipments while longer-term reforms are developed.
This initiative demonstrates Egypt’s commitment to improving the business environment and facilitating international trade through its maritime gateways.
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