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SPAIN EXPORTS TO EGYPT
Since April, Egyptian customs authorities have been implementing the new ACI (Advanced Cargo Information) system across all Egyptian ports for companies involved in Spain exports to Egypt. The purpose of this new system is to simplify procedures and prevent prohibited or high-risk cargo from entering the country.
In this article, we explain the key changes affecting export operations and how businesses can efficiently manage exports from Spain to Egypt.
ACID Regulations for Exports to Egypt
The implementation process was divided into two phases:
- From April 1st, 2021: testing and voluntary implementation phase.
- From July 1st, 2021: mandatory compliance phase. All containers and vessels arriving at any Egyptian port after this date must comply with the regulation.
This regulation introduced a new requirement for export operations entering Egypt: cargo information must be pre-registered before shipping goods to the country.
The consignee must register the cargo details through the online Nafeza platform to obtain the ACID number (Advanced Cargo Information Declaration). Once issued, this code must be shared with the shipper and included in all shipping documentation, together with the identification details of all parties listed on the Bill of Lading.
Latest Update for Spain Exports to Egypt (February 2022)
As of February 22nd, Egyptian companies are no longer allowed to process import payments through documentary collections. The Central Bank of Egypt now requires import payments to be made exclusively through Letters of Credit (LCs).
Exempt operations include:
- Courier shipments under USD 5,000
- Essential primary products such as milk, wheat, oil, lentils, corn, and similar goods
- Branches of foreign companies and their subsidiaries
These changes affect businesses involved in Spain exports to Egypt and should be considered before shipping products to the Egyptian market.
How to Export from Spain to Egypt
- Once the order has been confirmed with the customer, the first step is contacting Mediterranea Forwarding to arrange the booking process.
- The export documentation is then prepared and all relevant shipment details are sent to the Egyptian client.
- The Egyptian importer provides the required shipping information.
- Egyptian customs authorities evaluate potential risks and, if the shipment is approved, the ACID number is generated.
- The shipping line submits cargo details for goods shipped to Egypt, including: Bill of Lading information, ACID number, Importer and exporter details.
- This process must be completed at least 24 hours before vessel departure.
- The exporter must then prepare shipment documentation and upload it through the CargoX blockchain platform after vessel departure.
- The Egyptian importer reviews and approves the documents before requesting pre-clearance.
- Finally, the shipping agent submits the cargo manifest at least 48 hours before the vessel arrives at the Egyptian port.
Spain exports to Egypt continue to present opportunities for international trade growth, while sectors linked to Spanish investments in Egypt are also contributing to stronger commercial relations between both countries.
