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.

Helpful Website(s):

http://egypt.embassy-online.net/Egypt-Consulate-General-New-York.php

https://travel.state.gov/content/passports/en/country/egypt.html