What is an ACID number and how do I get one?
The ACID is the shipment ID in Egypt’s Advance Cargo Information (ACI) system. The importer, or a customs broker on its behalf, requests it on NAFEZA by entering the exporter, shipment, item, and invoice data; the number is then issued and emailed to both the importer and the exporter. It must be issued before shipping.
Read more: ACI and NAFEZA: the complete guide to registering shipments to Egypt →
Who is responsible for getting the ACID for the importer?
The Egyptian importer is responsible for requesting the ACID on NAFEZA, and a customs broker may file it on the importer’s behalf with authorisation. The foreign exporter is responsible for registering on CargoX and uploading the documents, and the shipping line or airline checks for a valid number before accepting the cargo.
Read more: ACI and NAFEZA: the complete guide to registering shipments to Egypt →
How does the Chinese supplier register on CargoX?
The supplier registers once on CargoX with its company details and completes identity verification; after that it can receive ACIDs and upload shipment documents against them. Ask the supplier to finish registration as soon as you confirm the order, because verification can take time.
Read more: ACI and NAFEZA: the complete guide to registering shipments to Egypt →
Can I ship the goods before getting the ACID?
No. The ACID must be issued before shipping — for sea freight at least 48 hours before shipment, and for air freight before the flight departs. A shipment without a valid ACID may be refused by the carrier or held on arrival.
Read more: ACI and NAFEZA: the complete guide to registering shipments to Egypt →
What documents are required on NAFEZA?
On NAFEZA, the importer enters the exporter, shipment, item, HS code, value, and invoice data, plus the preliminary bill of lading if available. The exporter uploads the document set through CargoX — such as the commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading, and certificate of origin. Use our readiness checklist to make sure nothing is missing.
Read more: ACI readiness checklist →
What if my supplier can’t upload the documents on CargoX?
First check that the supplier has completed account verification and has the correct ACID. Then point it to CargoX’s guides and support, or ask the forwarder in China to help. Don’t let the goods ship until the upload is complete. Pacific’s team in China can help coordinate this step with the supplier.
Does every invoice need its own ACID?
An ACID is tied to the shipment and its bill of lading, not to the invoice. If several orders for the same importer travel under one bill of lading, one ACID is issued. In a consolidated LCL shipment, when exporter or importer details differ between house bills, each house bill needs its own ACID.
What do I do if Customs rejects the HS code?
According to NAFEZA’s FAQ, when Customs rejects the HS code the ACID request is rejected, and the importer submits a new request with the rejected code corrected. Review the classification with a customs broker before resubmitting, and make sure the invoice description matches.
What’s the fix if the ACID is missing from the shipping documents?
Ask the supplier and the shipping line or airline straight away for corrected documents showing the ACID, preferably before arrival. Contact your customs broker about the steps needed for that shipment, because a missing ACID on the bill of lading can delay release.
Can the shipping company help me with CargoX and NAFEZA procedures?
Yes. Pacific can help coordinate the ACI step: following up the supplier’s CargoX registration, reviewing the consistency of documents and HS codes, and working with the customs broker to request the ACID on time.
Read more: ACI readiness checklist →