Moving to Egypt

Used Household Goods and Personal Effects

Documents Required

  • Original passport with Egyptian resident / work permit
  • Original bill of lading (OBL) / air waybill  (AWB)
  • Detailed inventory, valued, dated, and signed in English
  • Packing list
  • Letter of guarantee
  • Form 4DE (diplomats)

Specific Information

  • All items are subject to taxes, including consumables.
  • All audio visual goods (tapes, video, books, DVD, CD ROMS, etc.) will be inspected, viewed, read by Customs and released no sooner than 3 weeks after import.
  • Packing list must be clear and legible as it will be translated into Arabic.
    • Do not indicate “miscellaneous,” “packed by owner,” or “PBO.”
  • Private owners of the goods must pay duties and taxes.
  • All shipments, from private to half-diplomatic are subject to Customs inspection.
  • Extra charges may be applied for the inspection of special items, including: alcohol, food, phones, paintings, etc.; check with agent for details.
  • Inspection fees and taxes are paid by the owner of the goods.
  • All owners of the goods not having a letter of guarantee must pay duties and taxes in cash.
  • The letter of guarantee states an amount of money corresponding to the amount of duties and taxes to be paid.
    • These funds are placed into a bank account and released to the owner of the goods when moving out of Egypt.
    • At time of move, all items must be exported, otherwise taxes and fines will be paid on each missing item.
  • The guarantee can only be obtained with a work permit and work visa.
  • Vehicles and all audio visual goods must be loaded at the door of the container.
  • The inventory must state the model, brand, size, and content (e.g., Sony 40” television) for all electrical and electronic items.
  • Instruction manuals must be attached to printers and fax machines.
  • Wooden crates in air or sea shipments must be fumigated.
  • Diplomatic organizations and some international organizations must apply for duty and tax exemptions on personal effects (approximately 7 to 21 working days).
  • Diplomats may be exempted from Customs duties and inspection provided they apply for and are granted form 4DE (protocol).

Motor Vehicles

Documents Required

  • Original registration card
  • Original bill of lading
  • Original passport with residence / work permit

Specific Information

  • Only diplomats may import cars older than 12 months of age.
  • The temporary registration must be obtained by the owner of the goods.
  • OBL must show chassis number, engine number, cubic capacity, year of manufacture, brand, and model.
  • Owner of the goods must pay applicable fees upon delivery.
  • For non-diplomats, taxes will range from 70% to 170 % CIF value (the value is assessed by the Customs officers).

Pets

Documents Required 

  • Vaccination record
  • Veterinary health certificate

Specific Information 

  • Veterinary health certificate must be issued at point of origin no more than 2 weeks from date of issue.
  • Pets will be examined upon arrival by a doctor from the Egyptian Ministry of Agriculture.
  • Animals suspected of having rabies will be quarantined; charges will apply.
  • Live chicks are the only bird permitted for import and must meet all health requirements.

Restricted/Dutiable Items

  • Scanners, printers, phones, and faxes (agreement by Egyptian Authorities required)
  • Firearms and ammunitions (authorization from the local administration required)
  • Alcohol (free for diplomats); 3000% duty (non-diplomats)
  • Perfume for personal use
  • Tobacco

Prohibited Items

  • Wireless phones
  • Unlawful drugs and narcotics
  • Pornography
  • Cotton

Consignment Instructions

Recommended: Contact the destination agent to ensure all requirements have been met prior to import, especially for differences regarding air / sea shipments.

Cultural and Other Information