The Egyptian Customs Authority, led by Ahmed Amwi, has issued a reminder, numbered 27 for the year 2026, regarding regulations for importing goods for personal and private use. This move aims to unify customs procedures across all customs zones, simplify processes, and ensure smooth customs operations without compromising oversight. The reminder was prompted by inquiries from various customs administrations and locations regarding the import systems for personal use and private use.
The regulations define import for personal use as goods imported by a natural person for their benefit or that of their family, provided these goods are suitable in terms of type and quantity for personal or family use and do not have the characteristics of trade. The guidelines also reference previous publications and the Executive Regulations of the Import and Export Law, issued by Ministerial Decision No. 770 of 2005, to ensure compliance with established rules.
For imports for personal use, the customs authority emphasizes adherence to Article 22 of the Executive Regulations and a 2022 publication (No. 8) that sets subjective criteria for goods imported for personal use. These measures are designed to facilitate legitimate imports while preventing misuse of the personal import regime.
The authority also clarifies the definition of imports for private use, which includes capital assets, spare parts, and advertising materials imported for use in a business or activity, not for trade or production. It specifies that imports for financial leasing are considered private use, with exceptions for passenger cars subject to specific import regulations.
The reminder stresses the importance of adhering to previous publications, such as No. 28 of 2025, which recalls the stipulations of Article 17 of the Executive Regulations. It also references guidance from the Ministry of Investment and Foreign Trade, highlighting the customs authority's role in verifying the compatibility of imported goods with the importing company's activities.
The customs authority has instructed its departments to thoroughly examine requests for customs clearance, ensuring that the appropriate import regime is applied based on the definitions and regulations outlined in the law and previous publications. This process aims to enforce regulatory and import controls for each regime.
By reaffirming these regulations, the Egyptian Customs Authority seeks to enhance transparency and efficiency in customs procedures, supporting both legitimate trade and the facilitation of imports for genuine personal or private use.
Key points
- The Egyptian Customs Authority has issued a reminder on import regulations for personal and private use.
- The regulations aim to prevent misuse of import regimes and ensure compliance with established rules.
- The authority emphasizes adherence to previous publications and the Executive Regulations of the Import and Export Law.
