Exporting from Libya to Egypt
The agreement that applies, the expected duty, and what each side asks for — for factories in Libya selling to buyers in Egypt.
Send a certificate of origin with the shipment to claim the preference.
VAT — Egypt: 14% VAT
Greater Arab Free Trade Area (GAFTA / PAFTA)
- 0% customs duty
Arab-origin goods traded between members are fully exempt from customs duties and charges with equivalent effect, for both industrial and agricultural products.
Source ↗ - No non-tariff barriers, with set exceptions
Members may not apply non-tariff barriers to each other's goods, except for religious, health, security and environmental reasons. A few farm products can also be excluded temporarily during local harvest seasons (the agricultural calendar).
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COMESA Free Trade Area
- Duty-free access to COMESA FTA markets
Originating goods enter the other participating COMESA markets without import duties.
Source ↗ - Reach into East and Southern Africa
Participants include Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Malawi, Madagascar, Mauritius and others, giving North African factories preferential markets beyond the Arab region.
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⚠ Before you trade
- No ACID number = shipment rejected
Shipments whose documents do not show a valid ACID number, or whose exporter is not registered on CargoX, can be refused at Egyptian ports. Get the ACID from the buyer before loading, by sea or air.
Source ↗ - Check GOEIC registration first
If your product is on the GOEIC list and your factory or brand is not registered, the goods cannot be cleared. Registration takes time and needs notarized, legalized and translated documents, so start before signing the contract.
Source ↗ - Divided institutions
Libya has rival governments in Tripoli and the east. In 2024 a dispute over the Central Bank froze banking operations and halted oil output for weeks. Confirm current rules with your buyer, bank and clearing agent before shipping.
Source ↗ - Foreign currency limits
Hard currency for letters of credit is allocated by the Central Bank in batches, and the parallel market rate is well above the official rate (2026). Payment can be delayed; prefer confirmed letters of credit.
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Importing into Egypt
- Importers Register
Only companies listed in the Importers Register may import for trade. Since Law 173 of 2023, foreign-owned companies can register too, subject to conditions such as minimum capital and turnover and an Egyptian head office.
Source ↗ - GOEIC factory and brand registration
Under Decree 43/2016 (with Decrees 991 and 992 of 2015), foreign factories and brand owners of listed goods must register with GOEIC before export to Egypt. The list covers food, beverages, cosmetics, textiles, footwear, appliances, furniture, toys and more. A quality certificate (usually ISO 9001) and legalized documents are needed.
Source ↗ - ACI / ACID number via Nafeza and CargoX
The Egyptian importer registers the shipment on Nafeza and receives an ACID number, which must appear on the invoice, certificate of origin and bill of lading. The exporter registers on CargoX and uploads documents before arrival. Mandatory for sea freight since October 2021 and for air freight since 1 January 2026.
Source ↗ - Required documents and legalization
Customs clearance needs a commercial invoice, certificate of origin, bill of lading and usually a packing list. The invoice and certificate of origin are normally legalized by the Egyptian consulate, and the certificate must state that the information is true and correct.
Source ↗ - Arabic labelling
Finished goods must carry Arabic labels with country of origin, manufacturer and product description; labels cannot be added after arrival. Food needs production and expiry dates, and most food must have at least half of its shelf life left on entry.
Source ↗ - Banned and restricted goods
Banned items include asbestos and asbestos brake pads, two-stroke motorcycles and poultry parts and offal. Used goods are tightly limited: commercial used cars older than one year, used or refurbished medical equipment and computers over five years old are not allowed.
Source ↗ - Payment terms: LC no longer mandatory
In 2022 the Central Bank of Egypt required letters of credit for most imports, then cancelled this rule on 29 December 2022. Documentary collection and other bank payment methods are allowed again, but foreign-currency rules can change, so agree payment terms with the importer's bank.
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