Importing from China to Egypt: the complete guide

Decide whether importing makes sense

Before contacting suppliers, compare the expected landed cost in Egypt — not just the factory price — with local alternatives. Shipping, duties, taxes, and fees can change the picture significantly.

Define your product precisely

A clear product specification is the basis for comparing suppliers, checking quality, and avoiding disputes later. Before you request quotations, write down:

Technical specifications and materials
The quantity you need and the minimum order quantity (MOQ) you can accept
Packaging and labeling requirements
Your target price and budget
Any certificates the product needs in Egypt

Find suppliers

Common sourcing channels include B2B platforms, trade fairs such as the Canton Fair, specialized wholesale markets such as Yiwu, referrals, and sourcing support on the ground. Shortlist several suppliers rather than relying on the first offer you receive.

Verify the supplier

Confirm that the company exists, what it is licensed to do, and whether it is a factory or a trading company. Request samples, check that the bank account matches the company name, and consider a factory audit for larger orders.

Read more: How to verify a Chinese supplier

Agree on price, terms, and Incoterms

Confirm the unit price, quantity, specifications, production time, and packing — and the Incoterm, which defines who pays for each part of the shipment and where the risk passes to you. Put everything in a written contract or proforma invoice.

Read more: Incoterms explained for importers

Plan payment carefully

Suppliers often ask for a deposit before production and the balance before shipment. Pay only to a bank account in the supplier’s registered company name, and link each payment to an agreed milestone. Larger or first-time orders may justify stronger payment-risk controls.

Check quality before shipment

A pre-shipment inspection checks quantity, quality, and packing against your specification while the goods are still at the factory — when problems are still much easier to fix.

Choose the shipping method

The right method depends on volume, weight, timing, and budget.

Method	Best for	Keep in mind
FCL — full container	Larger volumes	Fixed price per container
LCL — shared container	Smaller shipments	Charged by volume; extra handling time
Air freight	Urgent, light, or high-value goods	Higher cost per kilogram

Prepare for Egyptian import requirements

Egypt’s Advance Cargo Information (ACI) system requires shipment data to be registered on the NAFEZA platform before the goods are shipped, and an ACID number must be issued for most shipments. Commercial importers generally need to be registered in the Importers Register, and certain product categories require the foreign manufacturer to be registered with the General Organization for Export and Import Control (GOEIC).

Requirements change over time. Confirm the current rules for your product before shipping.

Read more: Import documents checklist

Customs clearance and delivery

On arrival, the goods are cleared through customs based on their classification (HS code), declared value, and documents. Duties and taxes are paid, and the goods are released for delivery to your facility.

Common mistakes to avoid

Comparing factory prices instead of landed costs
Paying a supplier through an account in a different name
Skipping samples or inspection on a first order
Unclear Incoterms that leave costs undefined
Shipping before Egyptian registration requirements are confirmed
Inconsistent product descriptions across documents

Pacific can coordinate the stages your import requires — from supplier checks to shipping, customs, and delivery — and prepare a custom quotation before work begins.

General guidance. Requirements vary by product, route, and date, so they are confirmed for each request.