New Customs Facilitation Starts Upon Cargo Arrival at Ports to Ease Burden on Investors

The Ministry of Finance has announced a new package of customs facilitations that allows customs procedures to begin immediately upon the arrival of goods at ports, reducing required documents and streamlining steps. This aims to cut customs release time and enhance Egypt's investment appeal.

Finance Minister: A Key Step to Support the Business Community

Ahmed Kouchouk, Minister of Finance, confirmed that the new customs facilitations represent an important step within the state's efforts to ease procedures for the business community and reduce burdens and obligations on importers and exporters. This move strengthens the competitiveness of the Egyptian economy and supports trade and investment flows.

The minister explained that the new amendments target reducing required documents and shortening procedures, thereby raising the efficiency of customs services and improving the business environment. He noted that some provisions of the executive regulations of the Customs Law have been amended to accelerate the reduction of customs release time and improve logistics performance indicators.

New Procedures to Accelerate Workflow

Kouchouk added that it has been decided to allow the start of customs procedures as soon as goods arrive at ports without requiring a "delivery order" with the customs declaration, provided it is fulfilled before the final release of the goods. This enables faster workflow and reduces waiting periods.

The Minister of Finance also pointed out that the bill of lading issued in the importer's name will suffice when submitting the customs declaration, with the necessary requirements to be completed before final release. This achieves a balance between facilitating procedures and preserving the state's rights and dues.

Customs Authority Head: Decision Follows Intensive Meetings

For his part, Ahmed Amawy, Head of the Customs Authority, stated that the decision came after a series of technical meetings and discussions with relevant authorities, including the Ministry of Transport, navigation chambers, shipping agencies, chambers of commerce, and MTS Company. The goal was to reach a practical mechanism that serves the interests of all parties and supports the smooth flow of trade.

Amawy emphasized that this step is part of the ongoing development plan for the customs system and directly contributes to reducing cargo release time, positively impacting import and export activity and enhancing the investment climate.