Advance Cargo Information (ACI): new customs procedures will soon come into force in Egypt
The Egyptian government has introduced some innovations in the customs field, with the aim of simplifying and facilitating the procedures and rules for trade and investment in Egypt.
The Egyptian Minister of finance published on February 1, 2021, the new Customs decree number 38, for which becomes mandatory to indicate the shipments identity number (ACI number) for all cargo destined to Egypt.
The ACID system has been implemented with the aim to make available to the Egyptian Customs the shipments details before departure from the country of origin.
This decree was issued to clarify the pre-registration of shipments procedures, by introducing the esignature “e-stamp” used in the importation documents and the new steps for importing products.
The first pilot phase will start from on April 1, 2021 on seaports only, and on a mandatory basis, from 1 July 2021.
Key points of the law
The Egyptian importer must submit all documentation (commercial invoice / packing list etc) in electronic format to the customs authorities through the website (nafeza) including the VAT number of the importer and the exporter and the customs nomenclature of the goods (HS CODE).
In case of acceptance, the customs authorities will issue an initial registration number (ACID) which must be communicated to the nominated freight forwarder at the booking time.
All documents such as invoices, certificates of origin and shipping documents (B/L) must contain the ACID number. Deliveries arriving with shipping documents that have no ACID number will be rejected. It is therefore important to inform the forwarding agent and give them the number so they can note it on the shipping documents.
At least 48 hours before the arrival of the vessel, the shipping documents must be uploaded by the exporter via CargoX. The uploaded documents should be sure to contain the ACID number. The uploading of documents is subject to a fee. For this purpose, a credit package must be purchased after successful registration, from which the corresponding amount is debited when the documents are uploaded.
Updates: ACI trial phase extension to the end of September 2021
The Egyptian Minister of Finance issued a decree to extend the trial phase of Advance Cargo Information System (ACI) until the end of next September 2021, and to postpone the mandatory Implantation of the ACI system for pre-registration of shipments in the seaports to the first of next October 2021. (nafeza.gov.eg)
We will keep you updated.
Updates
The ACI is become mandatory for all shipments arriving at Egyptian seaports from October 1, 2021.
Updates
From 1 January 2023, the Advanced Cargo Information System (ACI) is become mandatory for air cargo as well.
For any information and personalized advice on your international transport needs between Italy and Egypt, contact your Italian freight forwarder Asian Logistics Agencies!
Email: info@asianlogistics.net | Ph. +39 041 538 5628
