Exporting from Syria to Egypt
The agreement that applies, the expected duty, and what each side asks for — for factories in Syria 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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Exceptions
- Syria: suspended 2011–2023
Syria's Arab League membership was suspended in 2011 and restored in May 2023, and trade with Syria was badly disrupted in between. Check Syria's current tariffs, payment channels and any sanctions before relying on GAFTA treatment.
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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 ↗ - Sanctions mostly lifted – some limits remain
The UK (April 2025) and EU (May 2025) lifted most economic sanctions; the US ended its Syria sanctions programme from 1 July 2025, repealed the Caesar Act in December 2025 and removed the terrorism-sponsor listing on 24 August 2026. Sanctions on listed persons remain, and some US-origin items still need export licences.
Source ↗ - Banking and payments are still difficult
Syrian banks are cautious: expect delays, extra due-diligence questions and transfer limits, and correspondent banking is limited. Screen your buyer against sanctions lists, use secure payment terms, and consider euro or regional-currency channels.
Source ↗ - Rules change often
Customs law, tariff, import lists and the authorities themselves changed in 2025–2026 and are still being updated. Always confirm current requirements with a licensed Syrian clearing agent before shipping.
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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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