Question 1

How do I start importing from China to Egypt from zero?

Accepted Answer

Start with the product, not the supplier: define the specification, the quantity, and the price you can afford once shipping, duties, and taxes are added. Then put the legal basics in place (commercial register, tax card, and the Importers Register), and check whether your product needs factory registration under Decree 43. After that, find and verify suppliers, agree terms in writing, and plan shipping, ACI, and clearance. Our complete guide covers each step.

Question 2

Can I import from China without a company?

Accepted Answer

Importing for trade requires registration in the Importers Register, and a sole trader (an individual business) can register, not only companies — provided it meets the conditions such as capital, years of trading, and business volume. Imports for personal use follow different rules.

Question 3

What documents do I need to import from abroad?

Accepted Answer

For your business: a commercial register, a tax card, and registration in the Importers Register. For each shipment: the commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading, certificate of origin, and an ACID number, plus any approvals or registrations your product needs — such as factory registration for products on the Decree 43 list.

Question 4

How do I get an import card in Egypt?

Accepted Answer

The “import card” is registration in the Importers Register with the General Organization for Export and Import Control (GOEIC). You apply with your business documents, the import training certificate, and proof of capital, business volume, and the security deposit, and choose the commodity groups you want to import. Under the 2026 regulations, registration lasts five years.

Question 5

Do I need a commercial register and tax card to import?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Registration in the Importers Register is based on your commercial register, and business volume is measured from your tax return, so you need both before applying — and the details in them should match.

Question 6

What’s the minimum capital to start importing from China?

Accepted Answer

There are two different numbers. The legal capital for the Importers Register — under the 2026 regulations, at least EGP 500,000 for a sole trader and EGP 2 million paid-in for partnerships and LLCs. And the working capital for the shipment itself, which depends on the product, the quantity, and the full landed cost. Estimate the second with our landed cost calculator before you commit.

Question 7

Can I import a small quantity to test the market first?

Accepted Answer

Yes, and it is a sensible approach. Order samples first, negotiate a lower minimum for the first order, and ship LCL instead of a full container. Remember that a small order still has the same legal requirements, and the cost per unit is usually higher.

Question 8

Can I legally import under another company’s name?

Accepted Answer

The registered importer is legally responsible to Customs for the shipment, so using another business’s registration without a real commercial relationship exposes both parties to legal risk. The lawful alternative is to buy the goods from a registered importer that imports them in its own name and sells them to you under a clear contract and invoice. Talk to a lawyer before any such arrangement.

Question 9

Is there a company that handles importing from China all the way to my warehouse?

Accepted Answer

Yes. From supplier and product checks to payment coordination, specialist support, shipping, customs, and delivery, Pacific helps you move forward with a clearer plan and a custom quotation before work begins.

Question 10

Is importing from China profitable in Egypt?

Accepted Answer

It can be, but that depends on the product, not the country. Real profit is the gap between the selling price in Egypt and the full cost to your warehouse — including freight, duties, taxes, exchange-rate movements, and storage. Calculate the landed cost first and compare it with local prices and competitors before ordering.

Starting an import business in Egypt