Import and Export in Egypt: A Comprehensive Guide to the Current Reality, Procedures, and Future Prospects
December 20, 2025
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Egyptian laws regulate import and export activities to ensure product quality and protect the national economy. Registration in the Importers and Exporters Registers at the General Organization for Export and Import Control (GOEIC) is a fundamental requirement for engaging in these activities.
Requirements and procedures vary depending on whether the applicant is an individual (natural person) or a company (legal entity), in accordance with Import and Export Law No. 118 of 1975 and Importers Register Law No. 121 of 1982, as amended
Registration in the Importers Register is governed by Law No. 121 of 1982 and its amendments, which aim to regulate import activities. Importing goods for commercial purposes is not permitted without obtaining an import card.
Commercial Registration: The applicant must be registered in the Commercial Register.
Capital: The capital stated in the Commercial Register must not be less than EGP 500,000.
Business Volume: The business volume for the year preceding the application must not be less than EGP 2 million, according to an approved tax return.
Commercial Practice: The applicant must have practiced commercial activity for at least two consecutive years prior to the application date.
Cash Security: Depositing a cash security or submitting an unconditional bank guarantee of EGP 50,000.
Training: Passing a specialized training course in import activity.
Legal Eligibility: The applicant must not have been convicted of crimes involving dishonor, breach of trust, or crimes stipulated in import, export, or customs laws.
Completed registration application form signed by the applicant.
Recent extract from the Commercial Register (issued within the last 90 days).
Copy of a valid tax card.
Original approved tax return for the previous year.
Certificate from the Chamber of Commerce proving two years of commercial activity.
Original certificate of practicing import after completing the training course.
Receipt of security deposit or original bank guarantee.
Copy of national ID card.
Declarations and undertakings confirming non-employment in government or public sector and absence of criminal convictions.
Requirements vary depending on the company’s legal form (partnerships, limited liability companies, joint-stock companies).
Recent Commercial Register extract.
Copy of the company’s articles of incorporation, bylaws, and amendments.
Copy of the tax card.
Original approved tax return for the previous year.
Receipt of security deposit or original bank guarantee.
Import practice certificate for the responsible manager.
Copies of identification documents for managers and general partners.
Declarations of legal eligibility and criminal status for all general partners and managers.
Registration in the Exporters Register is regulated by Import and Export Law No. 118 of 1975 and its executive regulations.
Commercial Registration: The establishment must be registered in the Commercial Register.
Capital:
Production projects: Minimum capital of EGP 10,000.
Other activities: Minimum capital of EGP 25,000.
Training: The owner or export manager must obtain a certificate of practicing export.
Legal Eligibility: The owner must not have been convicted of criminal offenses or crimes involving dishonor or breach of trust.
Capital:
Partnerships and companies: Minimum capital of EGP 20,000 for production projects and EGP 50,000 for other activities.
Training: A general partner, authorized manager, or export manager must hold an export practice certificate.
Legal Eligibility: Eligibility and absence of criminal convictions apply to general partners and authorized signatories.
Recent Commercial Register extract.
Exporters Register declaration signed by all general partners, managers, and authorized signatories.
Copies of identification documents for all individuals listed in the Commercial Register.
Original export practice certificate for the export manager.
If the export manager is an employee, a recent social insurance printout.
Tax registration number.
Payment of the prescribed fee (EGP 50).
Registration in both the Importers and Exporters Registers is valid for five years and must be renewed within 90 days prior to expiry to avoid doubled fees or administrative cancellation.
