Egypt
Used Household Goods and Personal Effects
Documents Required
- Original passport with Egyptian resident / work permit
- Original bill of lading (OBL) / air waybill (AWB)
- Detailed inventory, valued, dated, and signed in English
- Packing list
- Letter of guarantee
- Form 4DE (diplomats)
Specific Information
- All items are subject to taxes, including consumables.
- All audio visual goods (tapes, video, books, DVD, CD ROMS, etc.) will be inspected, viewed, read by Customs and released no sooner than 3 weeks after import.
- Packing list must be clear and legible as it will be translated into Arabic.
- Do not indicate “miscellaneous,” “packed by owner,” or "PBO.”
- Private owners of the goods must pay duties and taxes.
- All shipments, from private to half-diplomatic are subject to Customs inspection.
- Extra charges may be applied for the inspection of special items, including: alcohol, food, phones, paintings, etc.; check with agent for details.
- Inspection fees and taxes are paid by the owner of the goods.
- All owners of the goods not having a letter of guarantee must pay duties and taxes in cash.
- The letter of guarantee states an amount of money corresponding to the amount of duties and taxes to be paid.
- These funds are placed into a bank account and released to the owner of the goods when moving out of Egypt.
- At time of move, all items must be exported, otherwise taxes and fines will be paid on each missing item.
- The guarantee can only be obtained with a work permit and work visa.
- Vehicles and all audio visual goods must be loaded at the door of the container.
- The inventory must state the model, brand, size, and content (e.g., Sony 40” television) for all electrical and electronic items.
- Instruction manuals must be attached to printers and fax machines.
- Wooden crates in air or sea shipments must be fumigated.
- Diplomatic organizations and some international organizations must apply for duty and tax exemptions on personal effects (approximately 7 to 21 working days).
- Diplomats may be exempted from Customs duties and inspection provided they apply for and are granted form 4DE (protocol).
Motor Vehicles
Documents Required
- Original registration card
- Original bill of lading
- Original passport with residence / work permit
Specific Information
- Only diplomats may import cars older than 12 months of age.
- The temporary registration must be obtained by the owner of the goods.
- OBL must show chassis number, engine number, cubic capacity, year of manufacture, brand, and model.
- Owner of the goods must pay applicable fees upon delivery.
- For non-diplomats, taxes will range from 70% to 170 % CIF value (the value is assessed by the Customs officers).
Pets
Documents Required
- Vaccination record
- Veterinary health certificate
Specific Information
- Veterinary health certificate must be issued at point of origin no more than 2 weeks from date of issue.
- Pets will be examined upon arrival by a doctor from the Egyptian Ministry of Agriculture.
- Animals suspected of having rabies will be quarantined; charges will apply.
- Live chicks are the only bird permitted for import and must meet all health requirements.
Restricted/Dutiable Items
- Scanners, printers, phones, and faxes (agreement by Egyptian Authorities required)
- Firearms and ammunitions (authorization from the local administration required)
- Alcohol (free for diplomats); 3000% duty (non-diplomats)
- Perfume for personal use
- Tobacco
Prohibited Items
- Wireless phones
- Unlawful drugs and narcotics
- Pornography
- Cotton
Consignment Instructions
Recommended: Contact the destination agent to ensure all requirements have been met prior to import, especially for differences regarding air / sea shipments.
NOTE: Customs rules can shift at any time with or without notice. This paper is meant to be informative and a guide. ISF Customs Broker offers no claim, either explicit or implied, as to the correctness or relevance of this paper although ISF Customs Broker has taken reasonable care in releasing it.
