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