How many days does customs clearance in Egypt take?
There is no fixed time: it depends on complete and consistent documents, the type of goods, whether inspection or approvals are needed, and how the shipment is routed by the risk-management system. Shipments with documents ready before arrival usually clear faster. We will outline the expected steps for your shipment when we prepare the quotation.
What causes customs release delays?
The most common causes are missing or inconsistent documents, disputes over the HS code or value, inspection or sampling, unregistered factories for Decree 43 products, missing product approvals, ACID problems, and late payment of duties.
What do I do if the goods are held at customs?
Find out the exact reason through your customs broker and supply the missing documents or explanations quickly — every extra day adds storage and demurrage. If you disagree with a customs decision, there are grievance procedures that your broker or lawyer can guide you through.
Do the goods need inspection or a conformity certificate?
Many imported goods are inspected by GOEIC for conformity with Egyptian standards. Some categories also need approvals from other authorities, such as food, medical devices, and telecom equipment. Check your product’s requirements before shipping.
Read more: Decree 43: registering foreign factories with GOEIC before you import →
When do I pay storage and demurrage?
Ports and shipping lines allow a number of free days. After that, storage is charged for the goods staying at the port, and demurrage and detention for the container staying in or out of the port beyond its free time. They add up daily, so having documents ready before arrival is the best protection.
Does the shipping company provide a customs broker?
Pacific helps coordinate shipping, customs, and delivery, including working with a licensed customs broker for your shipment, with the scope set out in the quotation.
What’s the difference between final release and temporary release?
Final release means duties and taxes are paid and the goods enter the local market for good. Temporary release, under Article 34 of Customs Law No. 207 of 2020, allows release with duties suspended against a guarantee, for goods that will be re-exported or used temporarily — such as equipment used on a project in Egypt — with a monthly percentage of the duty charged under the law until the goods are re-exported or finally released.
What do I do if the invoice has a mistake?
The earlier you catch it, the easier it is to fix. Before the ACID request and shipping, ask the supplier for a corrected invoice. After that, contact your customs broker immediately, because the invoice must match the ACID data, the bill of lading, and the packing list, and a correction may need extra steps.
Can I change the arrival port after shipping?
It may be possible with the shipping line before the vessel arrives, subject to its approval and charges. Because the arrival customs office is part of the ACID data, the data may need amending or extra steps; check with the shipping line and your customs broker before any change.
How do I track my shipment until release and delivery?
You can track the container by its number or the bill of lading number on the shipping line’s website, and follow the customs steps through your broker. When Pacific coordinates your shipment, we follow up the stages with you from shipping through release and delivery.