A sophisticated digital system providing real-time data and accurate tracking of imported goods

Head of the Customs Authority:

Risk assessment and compliance with import restrictions under the Integrated Customs Tariff

Inclusion of the tax number of Egyptian freight forwarders in consolidated shipments

Documentary review and pre-arrival inspection to reduce clearance time and ensure discipline

Mandatory use of the electronic delivery order for air freight through the “Nafeza” platform

Submitting the cargo manifest at least four hours before departure, and electronic submission of shipment data by foreign exporters through CargoX

Ability to amend core shipping data prior to dispatch, except for trading parties, with activation of e-amendment of air waybills through Nafeza

Nine special-case categories processed on “Nafeza” without requiring ACI registration

Five types of air shipments exempt from the ACI system due to their nature

 

Egypt’s Minister of Finance, Ahmed Kouchouk, confirmed that the implementation of the Advance Cargo Information (ACI) system for air shipments represents a new step in modernizing customs operations. He said the system enhances Egypt’s standing in global logistics performance and international trade indicators by accelerating customs clearance, facilitating trade flows through air ports, and improving Egypt’s ranking across global performance metrics.

 

Kouchouk explained that the new system allows the pre-registration of export shipment data before arrival at Egyptian airports, enabling proactive risk assessment that ensures faster clearance and strengthens governance, while maintaining a balance between trade facilitation and safeguarding economic security.

 

He added that the system relies on a cutting-edge electronic platform delivering real-time, highly accurate data on imported goods, with continuous tracking of shipments from the country of origin until arrival in Egypt. This operates within a unified digital ecosystem integrating all relevant authorities through the “Nafeza” single-window platform, enhancing transparency, governance, and reducing manual intervention.

 

For his part, Ahmed Amawi, Head of the Customs Authority, stated that the implementation of the ACI air cargo system is part of Egypt’s efforts to modernize the customs ecosystem in line with the latest international practices, shifting from a paper-based environment to a fully integrated digital system through the national platform for electronic trade, “Nafeza”. This connects all regulatory bodies electronically to facilitate international trade, reduce clearance times, and strengthen Egypt’s competitiveness regionally and globally — in line with the state’s strategy for fully digital customs management based on pre-arrival data to speed up clearance cycles and simplify procedures.

 

Amawi explained that air carriers are now required to submit the electronic manifest through Nafeza, with risk assessment and compliance checks carried out according to the Integrated Customs Tariff. He noted that exporters and importers must obtain and include the ACID identification number, now issued electronically and mandatory on all shipment documents. Non-compliant requests are rejected with the reason clearly stated.

 

He added that exporters and importers must include the ACID number — valid for six months — on all shipment documents, and must add the tax number of the Egyptian freight forwarder in consolidated shipments. Air carriers must also submit the pre-departure verification list at least four hours before takeoff, while foreign exporters must send shipment documents electronically through CargoX.

 

Amawi noted that core shipment data may be amended prior to dispatch, except for the trading parties, and that importers must approve documents electronically using their digital signature to begin pre-clearance procedures. Documentary review and physical inspection may be completed before the shipment arrives, helping reduce clearance time and improve discipline.

 

He added that the electronic amendment of air waybills has been activated on Nafeza under specific controls, and air carriers are now obligated to use the electronic delivery order through the platform. These steps form part of Egypt’s digital transformation toward a fully automated customs system that enhances efficiency, transparency, and Egypt’s global trade ranking.

 

Amawi also outlined five types of air shipments exempt from the ACI system, including single-parcel express shipments not exceeding 50 kg, repatriation of deceased individuals, return of smuggled antiquities, personal items exceeding airline weight limits but shipped separately by passengers, and direct transit shipments.

 

He noted nine categories requiring special processing on Nafeza without ACI registration or CargoX documentation, such as corneas and human organs, temporarily exported goods upon re-import, returned goods previously exported, aircraft spare parts and supplies, equipment used inside airports, Central Bank shipments, government donations and grants, emergency-related imports, and shipments for sovereign entities and diplomatic missions.