Important Update – Amendment to Egyptian Customs Clearance Procedures for Imports into the Arab Republic of Egypt
As part of the Egyptian government's ongoing efforts to enhance trade facilitation, reduce customs clearance times, support pre-arrival clearance procedures, promote digital transformation, and improve the efficiency of Egyptian ports, the Egyptian Customs Authority has issued Procedures Circular No. (9) of 2026, dated 3 June 2026, implementing the amendments to Article (232) of the Executive Regulations of the Egyptian Customs Law.
The amendment follows extensive discussions between the Egyptian Customs Authority, Alexandria Chamber of Shipping, and other relevant stakeholders regarding the proposed changes aimed at expediting customs clearance procedures while maintaining the necessary legal safeguards governing the release and delivery of imported cargo.
A copy of the Bill of Lading shall be submitted, except in cases where pre-arrival clearance procedures have already been completed electronically or manually.
A Delivery Order must be submitted in the case of "To Order" Bills of Lading.
In the case of Straight (Named Consignee) Bills of Lading ("SBOL"), the importer or its authorized customs broker shall submit an acknowledgment, in a form to be approved by the Chairman of the Egyptian Customs Authority, whereby the importer acknowledges and undertakes responsibility for the payment of all charges, duties, fees, and any other amounts due to the relevant authorities in connection with the shipment, thereby enabling the commencement of customs clearance procedures. We understand that the prescribed form of acknowledgment has not yet been issued.
The Delivery Order relating to an SBOL shipment, or its electronic equivalent in the form of a confirmation issued by the carrier or its shipping agent, may be submitted at a later stage, provided that it is presented prior to the final customs release of the cargo.
All other supporting documents required under the applicable customs regulations shall continue to apply.
According to the official guidance issued by the Egyptian Customs Authority, these amendments are intended to:
Accelerate customs clearance procedures.
Reduce the duplication of paper documentation.
Simplify administrative requirements for importers and customs brokers.
Support digitalization initiatives and the use of electronic documentation.
In light of the above, we strongly encourage all shipping lines, freight forwarders, NVOCCs, shipping agents, and logistics service providers to promptly notify their customers, exporters, and shippers of these new requirements and procedures for cargo destined for the Arab Republic of Egypt.
Particular attention should be drawn to the fact that importers may now commence customs clearance procedures immediately upon the arrival of the shipment, even if the original Bills of Lading have not yet been received, subject to compliance with the requirements and conditions stipulated by the Egyptian Customs Authority.
Early communication of these procedural changes will help ensure smooth customs processing, avoid unnecessary delays, and facilitate the timely release of cargo upon arrival in Egypt.
For further information, stakeholders are encouraged to coordinate with their local shipping agents, customs brokers, or the Egyptian Customs Authority.
We further note that the form of acknowledgment referred to above has not yet been published by the Egyptian Customs Authority. Once the approved form becomes available, we intend to review its contents carefully and provide our comments and recommendations with a view to ensuring that the interests, rights, and liabilities of carriers and their agents are adequately protected under the new procedures.
-Eldib Advocates Maritime Team -
