How do I calculate customs on goods coming from China?
Duty is a percentage of the customs value, which is usually based on CIF: the goods plus freight and insurance to Egypt. The rate depends on the product’s HS code in the tariff. VAT, usually 14%, is then charged on the customs value plus duty. Our landed cost calculator works it all out with your numbers.
Read more: Landed cost calculator (EGP) →
What is the customs duty on machinery imported from China?
There is no single rate for machinery: each type has its own HS code and rate in the tariff, and production machinery is treated differently from household appliances, for example. Identify the exact HS code for your machine, then confirm the current rate with a customs broker before you buy.
Read more: HS code finder →
What is the customs duty on clothes and shoes from China?
The rate depends on each item’s HS code (the type of garment and its material, the type of shoe). Note that clothing and footwear are on the Decree 43 list, so they must come from factories or brand owners registered with GOEIC.
Read more: HS code finder →
What is the customs duty on car spare parts from China?
There is no single rate for spare parts: each part is classified by its type and function, and some fall under chapters other than vehicle parts — tyres, batteries, and lamps, for example. Prepare a list of parts with their part numbers and classify each one with a customs broker.
Read more: HS code finder →
Does customs duty differ by country of origin?
Yes. Egypt has trade agreements that give reduced or zero duty to goods meeting the rules of origin, with a valid certificate of origin — such as the Association Agreement with the EU, the Greater Arab Free Trade Area, COMESA, the Agadir Agreement, and the agreement with Turkey. There is no free-trade agreement between Egypt and China, so Chinese goods pay the general tariff rates.
What is an HS code and how do I find the one for my goods?
The HS code is the international product classification code; it sets the duty rate, the requirements, and the approvals. Start with our HS code finder to identify the 4-digit heading, then confirm the full Egyptian tariff code with a customs broker, because classification depends on material, function, and specification.
Read more: HS code finder →
Is VAT calculated on the price of the goods only?
No. Import VAT is calculated on the customs value (goods, freight, and insurance) plus the customs duty and any other applicable charges — not on the price of the goods alone. A VAT-registered business may be able to deduct it as input tax; check with your accountant.
Can I know the final cost of the goods all the way to my warehouse?
Yes. You can estimate it yourself with our landed cost calculator in EGP, which adds goods, freight, insurance, duty, VAT, and local costs and gives you the cost per unit. For real numbers for your shipment, share the details and we will prepare a custom quotation.
Read more: Landed cost calculator (EGP) →
What extra costs do I pay at the port?
The main ones are terminal handling, the delivery order, storage after the free days, container demurrage and detention, inspection charges, clearance fees, and then inland transport. They grow the longer clearance takes, so have your documents ready before arrival.
Read more: The landed cost of importing to Egypt →
Can I know the full cost of the shipment before I send money to the supplier?
Yes — and that is the right order. Estimate the full landed cost to your warehouse before paying a deposit, so you know the final price works for your market. Pacific prepares a custom quotation before work begins, setting out the scope of services and the basis of calculation.
Read more: Request a quotation →