Fines on Non-exportation of Vehicles & Goods Released under Triptych and Temporary Release Systems Dropped

Customs Authority Hotline 19421 to Receive and Immediately Process Customs-related Complaints

Dr Samir Radwan, the Minister of Finance, gave instructions to exportation customs authorities to continue work daily round the clock, including Fridays and holidays, to facilitate customs clearance procedures for Egyptian exports, pointing out that about 992 tons of fruits and vegetables were exported to a number of European and Arab countries.

Customs outlets are to allow immediate release of all commodities required for both foodstuffs and strategic goods against mere written commitments to pay the relevant dues as soon as banks work normalcy is restored, said the minister. All Import Customs outlets will continue to work after curfew hours, including Fridays and weekends to speed up the release of imported foodstuffs.

A dedicated hotline number, 19421, will receive and process complaints of all dealers with the Customs Authority, the minister announced.

In the past three days, various strategic commodities and foodstuffs obtained custom release; including 3634 tons of wheat, 7217 tons of corn, 335 tons of lentil, 268 tons of rice, 260 tons of liver, 79 tons of frozen meat, 38 tons of tuna, and 83 tons of oil, and 51 tons of broad beans, he indicated.

There is constant coordination with concerned security agencies to secure prompt transportation and shipment from ports to distribution areas and outlets in the different local markets, so as to ensure the availability of all basic commodities and foodstuffs, he added. All customers should apply for customs release as early as possible, in order to avoid building backlogs at ports, Dr. Radwan noted.

In view of the recent events, there have been various disruptions in most of Egypt's ports, which led to delays in the re-exportation of goods imported under temporary clearance and drawback systems, or the processing of vehicles released under temporary Triptych, commercial display or diplomatic license systems, in addition to temporarily released refrigerator trucks. The Minister of Finance has therefore decided to drop the period from 24 January to 28 February from any relevant customs clearance procedures. Re-exportation of goods will be allowed without collecting any fines, taking into account the current conditions of the country, the Minister added.

(Source: Ministry of Finance)