Country Guide: Egypt

Updated: November 24, 2015

Household Goods and Personal Effects

Documents Required

  • Original Passport with Egyptian Resident / Work Permit
  • Original Bill of Lading (OBL) / Air Waybill (AWB)
  • Detailed inventory, valued, dated and signed in English
  • Packing list
  • Letter of Guarantee
  • Form 4DE (Diplomats)

 

Specific Information

  • All items are subject to taxes, including consumables.
  • All audio visual goods (tapes, video, books, DVD, CD ROMS, etc.) will be inspected, viewed, read by Customs and released no sooner than 3 weeks after import.
  • Packing list must be clear and legible as it will be translated into Arabic; do not indicate “Miscellaneous,” “Packed by Owner,” or “PBO.”
  • Private shippers must pay duties and taxes.
  • All shipments, from private to half-diplomatic are subject to Customs inspection.
  • Extra charges may be applied for the inspection of special items, including: alcohol, food, phones, paintings, etc.; check with agent for details.
  • Inspection fees and taxes are paid by the shipper.
  • All private shippers not having a Letter of Guarantee must pay duties and taxes in cash.
  • The Letter of Guarantee states an amount of money corresponding to the amount of duties and taxes to be paid; these funds are placed into a bank account and released to the shipper when moving out of Egypt; at that time, all items must be exported, otherwise taxes and fines will be paid on each missing item.
  • The Guarantee can only be obtained with a Work Permit and Work Visa.
  • Vehicles and all audio visual goods must be loaded at the door of the container.
  • The Inventory must state the model, brand, size and content (e.g., Sony 40” Television) for all electrical and electronic items.
  • Instruction manuals must be attached to printers and fax machines.
  • Wooden crates in air or sea shipments must be fumigated.
  • Diplomatic missions and some international organizations must apply for duty and tax exemptions on personal effects (approximately 7 to 21 working days).
  • Diplomats may be exempted from Customs duties and inspection provided they apply for and are granted Form 4DE (Protocol).

Motor Vehicles

Documents Required

  • Original Registration Card
  • Original Bill of Lading
  • Original Passport with Residence / Work Permit

 

Specific Information

  • Only Diplomats may import cars older than 1 year of age.
  • The Temporary registration must be obtained by the shipper.
  • OBL must show chassis number, engine number, cubic capacity, year of manufacture, brand and model.
  • Shipper must pay applicable fees upon delivery.
  • For non-Diplomats, taxes will range from 70% to 170 % CIF value (the value is assessed by the Customs officers).

Pets

Documents Required

  • Vaccination Record
  • Veterinary Health Certificate

 

Specific Information

  • Veterinary Health Certificate must be issued at point of origin no more than 2 weeks from date of issue.
  • Pets will be examined upon arrival by a doctor from the Egyptian Ministry of Agriculture
  • Animals suspected of having rabies will be quarantined; charges will apply.
  • Live chicks are the only bird permitted for import and must meet all health requirements

Restricted/Dutiable Items

  • Scanners, printers, phones and faxes (agreement by Egyptian Authorities required)
  • Firearms and ammunitions (authorization from the local administration required)
  • Alcohol (free for Diplomats); 3000% duty (non-Diplomats)
  • Perfume for personal use
  • Tobacco

Prohibited Items

  • Wireless phones
  • Unlawful drugs and narcotics
  • Pornography
  • Cotton

Consignment Instructions

Recommended: Contact the destination agent to ensure all requirements have been met prior to import, especially for differences regarding air / sea shipments.

 

 

 

 

Helpful Website(s):

http://egypt.embassy-online.net/Egypt-Consulate-General-New-York.php

http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_1108.html