Egypt’s bold Move: Reducing Customs Clearance Time to Two Days by 2025
In a significant push to streamline foreign trade adn attract investors, Egypt is set to revolutionize its customs clearance process. Engineer Hassan Al-Khatib, Minister of Investment and Foreign Trade, has announced aspiring reforms aimed at slashing customs clearance time from eight days to just two by 2025. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to enhance Egypt’s trade efficiency and bolster its appeal as a global investment hub.
A Plan to Reduce Customs Release Time
Table of Contents
The government’s plan to expedite customs clearance hinges on several key measures. One of the most notable changes is the extension of customs services to operate on official holidays and Fridays. Since the first Friday of December 2024, customs operations have been active on five Fridays and Tuesday, January 7, 2025. This move has already yielded extraordinary results, with 10,608 consignments undergoing inspection, valuation, and approval, and 1,823 consignments released, saving approximately $3.5 million.
Additionally, the government has introduced versatility in fee payments, allowing transactions after bank working hours. Since December 12, 2024, customs offices have extended their working hours until 6 p.m., ensuring smoother operations for businesses. The presentation of customs items to a joint committee of supply authorities has also been unified, further reducing delays.
Legislative Amendments and Inter-Ministerial Coordination
To support these operational changes, the government has amended Customs Law no. 207 of 2020 and its executive regulations. These amendments focus on enabling “prior customs clearance and modification of valuation procedures.” Coordination between the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Justice is underway to ensure seamless implementation.
The powers of the General Authority for Export and Import control have also been revised, with amendments reviewed by the State Council and currently under discussion with the Council of Ministers Advisors. These legislative changes aim to protect local industries from unfair trade practices and defend Egyptian exports in adverse cases. Currently,commercial processing fees are applied to 13 categories,including chemical,mineral,engineering,food,and building materials sectors.
Expanding the Golden License Initiative
Beyond customs reforms, Egypt is also enhancing its investment climate through the expansion of the golden license initiative. This program, which simplifies licensing for investors, has already benefited 44 companies. The Ministry of Investment is working to reduce procedural burdens by unifying the entity dealing with investors and establishing a unified electronic licensing platform.
The digital conversion of licensing services is a cornerstone of this effort. A comprehensive study of the current licensing platform has been conducted, and representatives from 41 entities have met to discuss its activation. The goal is to ensure transparency, simplify procedures, and eliminate obstacles faced by investors during the licensing process.
Key Reforms at a Glance
| Reform | Details |
|————————————-|—————————————————————————–|
| Customs Clearance Time Reduction | from 8 days to 2 days by 2025 |
| Extended Working Hours | Operations on holidays and Fridays; extended hours until 6 p.m. |
| Legislative Amendments | Amendments to Customs Law No. 207 of 2020 and executive regulations |
| Golden License Expansion | 44 companies now benefit from simplified licensing procedures |
| unified Electronic Licensing Platform| Digital transformation to streamline investor services |
A Vision for the Future
Egypt’s reforms reflect a clear vision to position itself as a leader in trade efficiency and investment attractiveness. By reducing customs clearance time, enhancing legislative frameworks, and expanding digital services, the government is paving the way for a more dynamic and competitive economy.As Engineer Hassan Al-khatib emphasized, these measures are not just about speed but also about creating a transparent, investor-pleasant environment. With these reforms, Egypt is poised to unlock new opportunities for growth and solidify its role as a key player in global trade.
For more insights into Egypt’s trade reforms,explore how the country is enhancing port efficiency and accelerating customs clearance.
Egypt’s Bold Move: Reducing Customs Clearance Time to Two Days by 2025
In a significant push to streamline foreign trade and attract investors, Egypt is set to revolutionize its customs clearance process. Engineer Hassan Al-Khatib, Minister of Investment and Foreign Trade, has announced aspiring reforms aimed at slashing customs clearance time from eight days to just two by 2025. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to enhance Egypt’s trade efficiency and bolster its appeal as a global investment hub.
Interview wiht Dr.Samir el-Masry, Trade and Customs Expert
A Plan to Reduce Customs Release Time
Senior Editor: Dr. El-Masry, can you elaborate on the government’s plan to expedite customs clearance?
Dr.Samir El-Masry: Certainly. The government’s plan hinges on several key measures. One of the most notable changes is the extension of customs services to operate on official holidays and Fridays. as the first Friday of December 2024, customs operations have been active on five Fridays and Tuesday, January 7, 2025. This move has already yielded extraordinary results, with 10,608 consignments undergoing inspection, valuation, and approval, and 1,823 consignments released, saving approximately $3.5 million.
Senior Editor: That’s impressive. What other measures are being implemented?
Dr. Samir El-Masry: Additionally, the government has introduced versatility in fee payments, allowing transactions after bank working hours.Since December 12, 2024, customs offices have extended their working hours until 6 p.m.,ensuring smoother operations for businesses. The presentation of customs items to a joint committee of supply authorities has also been unified, further reducing delays.
Legislative Amendments and Inter-Ministerial Coordination
Senior Editor: How are legislative changes supporting these operational improvements?
Dr. Samir El-Masry: To support these operational changes, the government has amended Customs Law No. 207 of 2020 and its executive regulations. These amendments focus on enabling “prior customs clearance and modification of valuation procedures.” Coordination between the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Justice is underway to ensure seamless implementation.
Senior Editor: What about the powers of the General Authority for Export and Import Control?
Dr. Samir El-Masry: The powers of the General Authority for export and Import Control have also been revised, with amendments reviewed by the State Council and currently under discussion with the Council of Ministers advisors.These legislative changes aim to protect local industries from unfair trade practices and defend Egyptian exports in adverse cases. Currently, commercial processing fees are applied to 13 categories, including chemical, mineral, engineering, food, and building materials sectors.
Expanding the Golden License Initiative
Senior Editor: Beyond customs reforms, how is Egypt enhancing its investment climate?
Dr. Samir El-Masry: Egypt is also enhancing its investment climate through the expansion of the golden license initiative. This program, which simplifies licensing for investors, has already benefited 44 companies. The Ministry of Investment is working to reduce procedural burdens by unifying the entity dealing with investors and establishing a unified electronic licensing platform.
Senior Editor: Can you tell us more about the digital conversion of licensing services?
Dr. Samir El-Masry: The digital conversion of licensing services is a cornerstone of this effort. A complete study of the current licensing platform has been conducted, and representatives from 41 entities have met to discuss its activation. the goal is to ensure transparency, simplify procedures, and eliminate obstacles faced by investors during the licensing process.
Key Reforms at a Glance
| Reform | Details |
|---|---|
| Customs Clearance Time Reduction | From 8 days to 2 days by 2025 |
| Extended Working Hours | Operations on holidays and Fridays; extended hours until 6 p.m. |
| Legislative Amendments | Amendments to Customs Law No. 207 of 2020 and executive regulations |
| Golden License Expansion | 44 companies now benefit from simplified licensing procedures |
| Unified Electronic licensing platform | Digital transformation to streamline investor services |
A Vision for the Future
senior Editor: What is the broader vision behind these reforms?
dr. Samir El-Masry: Egypt’s reforms reflect a clear vision to position itself as a leader in trade efficiency and investment attractiveness. By reducing customs clearance time, enhancing legislative frameworks, and expanding digital services, the government is paving the way for a more dynamic and competitive economy. As Engineer Hassan Al-Khatib emphasized, these measures are not just about speed but also about creating a clear, investor-pleasant environment. With these reforms, Egypt is poised to unlock new opportunities for growth and solidify its role as a key player in global trade.
