🇪🇬 Import Customs & Duties: Egypt
Quick Facts
Duty-free threshold
$0
Duty applies from $0
VAT / Sales Tax
14%
CIF value + duty. Additional "table tax" on certain luxury goods.
Clearance Time
5-14 days
typical processing
Duty Rates by Category
| Category | Duty Rate | HS Chapter |
|---|---|---|
| Electronics | 5-30% | HS 85 |
| Clothing | 40% | HS 61-62 |
| Footwear | 30-60% | HS 64 |
| Food products | 0-40% | HS 01-24 |
| Machinery | 2-10% | HS 84 |
| Cosmetics | 20-40% | HS 33 |
| Books | 0% | HS 49 |
| Toys | 30-40% | HS 95 |
Rates shown are for standard goods. Exact rate depends on the HS code of your item.
Import Duty Calculator
Customs Clearance Process
Egyptian Customs Authority uses the Nafeza single window system for trade facilitation. All imports require registration in the Advance Cargo Information (ACI) system before shipment. A customs broker is required for commercial imports.
What to Actually Expect
Bureaucratic. No de minimis, all imports taxed. Nile River ports can be slow. Use registered broker.
Required Documents
Commercial Invoice
Item description, quantity, value, sender and receiver details
Packing List
Detailed description of contents in each package
Customs Declaration (CN22/CN23)
Required for postal shipments
Air Waybill (AWB)
Generated by the carrier when booking the shipment
Certificate of Origin
May be required for reduced duties (FTA/preferential rates)
Export/Import License
For restricted goods (electronics, medicines, chemicals)
Import License Requirements
Import registration card from General Organization for Export and Import Control (GOEIC) required. NTRA approval for telecom equipment. EOS standards compliance. Many goods require quality inspection certificates.
Certificate of Origin
Required for all imports. Must be legalized by Egyptian consulate in country of origin. COMESA certificate for regional trade. GAFTA certificate for Arab free trade zone.
Learn more →Prohibited & Restricted Items
Prohibited
- xNarcotics and illegal drugs
- xExplosives and flammable materials
- xWeapons and ammunition
- xCounterfeit goods
- xCounterfeit currency and documents
Restricted (permit required)
- !Medicines and pharmaceuticals
- !Food and beverages
- !Plants and seeds
- !Electronics (lithium batteries)
- !Perfumes and cosmetics (volume limits)
Useful Links
Duty & Tax Estimate
Estimated import charges when shipping goods to Egypt:
| Goods Value | Duty | VAT/Tax | Total Charges |
|---|---|---|---|
| $50 | $10 | $8 | $18 |
| $100 | $20 | $17 | $37 |
| $200 | $40 | $34 | $74 |
| $500 | $100 | $84 | $184 |
| $1000 | $200 | $168 | $368 |
Estimates only. Actual duties depend on product category and HS code.
Popular routes to Egypt
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the duty-free threshold for Egypt?
Egypt has no duty-free threshold. All imported goods are subject to duties regardless of their value.
What is the VAT rate on imports to Egypt?
The VAT/tax rate on imports to Egypt is 14%. VAT applies to: CIF value + duty. Additional "table tax" on certain luxury goods.
How long does customs clearance take in Egypt?
Typical customs clearance in Egypt takes 5-14 days. Express shipments usually clear faster.
What documents are needed to import into Egypt?
To import into Egypt, you typically need: commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading/airway bill, and customs declaration. Some goods may require a certificate of origin or import license.
What items are prohibited from import into Egypt?
Egypt prohibits the import of narcotics, weapons, counterfeit goods, certain animal products, and hazardous materials. Restrictions may also apply to alcohol, tobacco, pharmaceuticals, and certain electronics.