Importing Into 🇪🇬 Egypt
De Minimis Threshold
US$40
EGP 1,200 approximately
Shipments below this value may enter without customs duty. VAT may still apply depending on local rules.
Egypt's de minimis threshold for postal and courier imports is low. Goods valued below approximately USD $40 may be exempt from customs duties, though VAT (14%) applies to most imports. Egypt has significant import restrictions on certain goods and applies high tariff rates — some goods face duties of 40–80%. Currency controls and the complex exchange rate environment affect import valuations. Verify current thresholds with ECA as these can change.
As of: 2023-01-01
VAT / GST on Imports
14%
Applied on the customs value (CIF — cost, insurance, freight) plus any applicable duties.
Required Documentation
| # | Document |
|---|---|
| 01 | Customs Declaration (electronic — Nafeza single window system) |
| 02 | Commercial Invoice |
| 03 | Packing List |
| 04 | Airway Bill or Bill of Lading |
| 05 | Certificate of Origin (for COMESA, GAFTA, or other preferential rates) |
| 06 | Ministry of Health import licence (for pharmaceuticals) |
| 07 | NTRA type approval certificate (for telecommunications and electronic goods) |
| 08 | Civil Aviation Authority permit (for drones) |
Requirements vary by shipment value, HS chapter, and origin country. Learn about each document type →
Restricted Import Categories
- ⚠Drugs and pharmaceuticals (Ministry of Health import licence and registration required)
- ⚠Firearms and weapons (Interior Ministry permit required — very restrictive)
- ⚠Alcohol (legal but restricted — import for personal use limited; commercial import requires licence)
- ⚠Certain food products (Ministry of Agriculture and Food Safety Authority approval)
- ⚠Electronic goods (NTRA type approval for telecommunications equipment)
- ⚠Drones (Civil Aviation Authority permit required — widely confiscated at airports)
- ⚠Antiquities (Ministry of Antiquities permit required for authentic artifacts — export strictly prohibited)
Prohibited Import Categories
- ✗Narcotics and psychotropic substances (severe penalties including death penalty for trafficking)
- ✗Pornographic materials
- ✗Publications and materials deemed offensive to Islam or against public order
- ✗Counterfeit goods
- ✗Israeli-origin goods (trade restrictions apply)
- ✗Products from endangered species without CITES permits
Special Notes
- 01Egypt has strict foreign currency regulations — the Egyptian Pound (EGP) is a managed currency and there are restrictions on taking large amounts of EGP out of the country.
- 02VAT (القيمة المضافة ضريبة) standard rate is 14%.
- 03Egypt has been implementing a significant economic reform program and import rules have been in flux — verify current rules before commercial import.
- 04Tramadol is one of the most heavily enforced controlled substances at Egyptian borders — even small personal quantities without documentation can result in arrest.
- 05Consumer drones are a significant enforcement priority at Egyptian airports including Cairo International, Hurghada, and Sharm el-Sheikh — confiscation is common.
- 06Cultural heritage export is strictly controlled — genuine antiquities cannot be legally removed from Egypt. Purchasing at reputable licensed dealers is essential for any ancient artifacts.
- 07Egypt is a party to the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) — preferential tariffs apply for qualifying goods from member states.
- 08The Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) program facilitates trusted commercial importers.
Estimate duties and VAT for a specific shipment into Egypt.
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