Egypt - Temporary EntryEgypt - Temporary Entry
In general, Egyptian customs allows for commercial samples and temporary imports for display purposes at officially recognized exhibitions or for sales promotion activities to enter the country duty-free, except for goods that are cited on the list of prohibited imports. These goods are:
For more information on prohibited imports see Prohibited and Restricted Imports.
Certain conditions do apply, however:
Drawback System
Exporters may also take advantage of the drawback system. This procedure is different from the temporary admission system in that full customs duties are paid on the imported materials and the manufacturer does not fill out a special form with Customs. However, there is a one-year time requirement to re-export these imports as part of a final product in order to have the right to reclaim the full amount of the duties paid as well as other taxes, such as the sales tax. There are bureaucratic challenges associated with both the drawback and the temporary entry systems. In particular exporters have experienced long waiting times for receipt of their tax rebates.
Prepared by our U.S. Embassies abroad. With its network of 108 offices across the United States and in more than 75 countries, the U.S. Commercial Service of the U.S. Department of Commerce utilizes its global presence and international marketing expertise to help U.S. companies sell their products and services worldwide. Locate the U.S. Commercial Service trade specialist in the U.S. nearest you by visiting http://export.gov/usoffices.
- Secondhand vehicles
- Bone-in-beef cuts endeavors
- Poultry parts
- Apparel
- Natural products, vitamins and food supplements
- Used and refurbished medical equipment
For more information on prohibited imports see Prohibited and Restricted Imports.
Certain conditions do apply, however:
- Medical samples must comply with the rules for the importation of pharmaceuticals. Foodstuffs must comply with the relevant health regulations.
- In certain cases, goods imported on a temporary basis may be disposed of or sold in Egypt upon payment of the appropriate customs duty plus an extra tax of 10 percent per month after clearing customs.
- On re-exportation of goods imported under temporary import regulations, companies should ensure that correct documentation and return of the letter of guarantee is obtained from Egyptian Customs to avoid claims against the company later.
- Printed advertising materials, such as catalogs, posters, or films, may also be imported duty-free in small quantities.
Drawback System
Exporters may also take advantage of the drawback system. This procedure is different from the temporary admission system in that full customs duties are paid on the imported materials and the manufacturer does not fill out a special form with Customs. However, there is a one-year time requirement to re-export these imports as part of a final product in order to have the right to reclaim the full amount of the duties paid as well as other taxes, such as the sales tax. There are bureaucratic challenges associated with both the drawback and the temporary entry systems. In particular exporters have experienced long waiting times for receipt of their tax rebates.
Prepared by our U.S. Embassies abroad. With its network of 108 offices across the United States and in more than 75 countries, the U.S. Commercial Service of the U.S. Department of Commerce utilizes its global presence and international marketing expertise to help U.S. companies sell their products and services worldwide. Locate the U.S. Commercial Service trade specialist in the U.S. nearest you by visiting http://export.gov/usoffices.