Egypt's customs authority, led by Ahmed Amwi, has released a new set of procedures for transit trade through Egyptian ports and customs points. The regulations, outlined in a recent publication, aim to organize and facilitate transit trade while ensuring compliance with relevant laws and regulations. The new rules come into effect after approval from the Ministry of Finance.
The regulations exempt Jordanian goods in transit to Europe, America, and North Africa through Egyptian Mediterranean ports, such as Alexandria, Port Said, and Damietta, from prior shipment registration (ACI). This exemption also applies to Jordanian goods heading to North African countries via the Sallum border crossing and returning. Additionally, Arab country exports passing through Jordan to Egyptian sea and land ports, as well as shipments in the opposite direction, are also exempt.
To qualify for the exemption, shipments must have a clear final destination in Europe, America, or North Africa, as stated in shipping documents and bills of lading. The Arab Bridge Shipping Company, acting as an agent for the Arab Bridge, will submit a customs declaration through the "Nafitha" platform, following established procedures. These shipments will receive priority processing at the sending customs office, allowing for a single, consolidated transit declaration for multiple bills of lading.
In March, Egypt's customs authority temporarily exempted indirect transit shipments with a final destination outside the country from prior registration requirements for three months. This decision was made in response to regional developments in the Middle East and their impact on trade and supply chains. The exemption aims to facilitate transit trade and maximize the use of Egyptian ports as a logistical hub for international trade.
The March decision allowed for the exception of indirect transit shipments arriving at Egyptian ports without a prior registration number (ACID) if their final destination was outside the country. Shipments were required to pass through Egyptian territory to ports like Nuweiba, Ain Sukhna, or Safaga, and then to their final destinations in West Asia, including Gulf countries.
The new regulations require compliance with all regulatory and security controls to ensure effective customs supervision during the transit period. Shipments are prohibited from changing their destination to within Egypt. The regulations also mandate the use of electronic seals and the tracking of shipments to prevent delays and ensure timely clearance.
The Egyptian customs authority's efforts aim to balance the facilitation of transit trade with the need for robust customs supervision and security. The new regulations are expected to enhance the efficiency of transit trade through Egyptian ports, supporting the country's role as a key logistical hub in the region.
Key points
- Egypt's customs authority has exempted Jordanian goods and certain Arab exports from prior shipment registration requirements for transit trade through Egyptian ports.
