Egypt
B/L Print Requirements
Mandatory text on Ocean B/L
- • 19-digit ACID Number, 9-digit Egyptian Importer Tax ID, and Foreign Exporter Registration ID must be printed on Master B/L, House B/L, Commercial Invoice, and Packing List.
The 19-digit ACID number, 9-digit Importer Tax ID, and Exporter Registration ID must appear on transport documents. One ACID per Master B/L (or sub-ACID per House B/L for consolidations). For motor vehicles: 17-character VIN/chassis number, engine number, make, model, production year, and exterior color must appear on B/L and manifest.
Inspection & Certificates
Pre-loading inspection & filing
- • Importer must obtain ACID on Nafeza portal prior to departure.
- • Exporter must register on CargoX and transmit certified shipping documents at least 48 hours prior to vessel arrival.
- • Regulated goods require pre-shipment Certificate of Inspection by GOEIC/NFSA accredited bodies.
- • Strict no-ACID-no-load policy enforced at origin.
Cargo & Standards
Labeling, vehicles & packaging
- • Right-hand-drive vehicles are strictly prohibited.
- • Commercial importation of used passenger cars is prohibited (must be 0 years / brand new in model year, except used EVs up to 3 years old).
- • Halal certificate issued exclusively by IS EG Halal is mandatory for meat and poultry products.
- • Food and pharmaceuticals require at least 50% to 75% remaining shelf life upon port arrival.
- • Arabic retail packaging mandatory.
- • ISPM 15 heat-treated stamp required on all wooden packaging.
Shipper & Consignee
Where this destination differs from standard practice
- • Foreign consignees are not accepted — a locally-registered entity must be named.
Consignee must be an Egyptian tax-registered entity with a 9-digit Tax ID. "To Order" B/Ls are permitted provided the Notify Party is the registered Egyptian importer whose 9-digit Tax ID and ACID details are clearly printed on the B/L.
Non-Compliance Risk at Destination
Containers loaded without an active ACID number cannot be discharged in Egypt and must be re-exported at carrier and shipper expense. Foreign manufacturers of regulated goods must be registered with GOEIC prior to shipment.
Compliance Timeline for Egypt
Follow this 3-step sequence from container stuffing through to port clearance.
Before Container Loading
- ✓ Complete pre-shipment inspection (PVoC / CoC) via GOEIC / NFSA Accredited Bodies (SGS, TÜV Rheinland, Bureau Veritas, Cotecna, Intertek, CCIC) before cargo is stuffed.
- ✓ Confirm vehicle is NOT right-hand drive before booking.
- ✓ Confirm consignee is a locally-registered entity — foreign consignees are not accepted at this destination.
- ✓ Verify ISPM 15 heat-treated stamp on all wooden crates, dunnage, and pallets.
Prior to Sailing
- ✓ Inscribe validated ACID certificate number onto the Ocean B/L text and carrier manifest. (Nafeza / CargoX)
- ✓ Ensure exact consignee Tax ID / Registration Code and 6-digit HS Code are printed on B/L.
- ✓ Submit SOLAS Verified Gross Mass (VGM) to loading terminal before yard cutoff.
Port Clearance at Destination
- ✓ Submit validated ACID electronic tracking note to destination customs authority.
- ✓ Present original Certificate of Conformity (CoC) to destination standards inspectors.
- ✓ Collect Delivery Order (DO) upon completing Release verification.
Download Compliance Guide for Egypt (PDF)
Generate a practical, print-ready compliance document complete with statutory B/L clauses, ECTN certificate agencies, vehicle age ceilings, and station phone contacts.