The doctor announced Ahmed Kjouk The Minister of Finance announced a new decision to reduce $80 from the procedures for automating and auditing data related to commercial documents sent through the electronic platform of the Air Cargo Advance Registration System (ACI), in addition to related electronic services. Under the decision, the total cost will become $95 per incoming air shipment, for a period of six months starting from Thursday, January 1, 2026.
The decision coincides with the start of the mandatory implementation of the advance registration system for air shipments (ACI), based on the memorandum submitted by Ahmed Amwi, head of the Customs Authority, in a step aimed at facilitating procedures and enhancing the flow of trade movement, while maintaining standards of governance and oversight.
The Minister of Finance affirmed the government’s commitment to dealing with the business community with a great deal of flexibility and simplification, noting that the new policies take into account market conditions and supply chain challenges, while at the same time being keen to strengthen discipline and governance within the import system.
Kojok explained that the implementation of the “ACI” system represents a qualitative shift in managing the processes of entering shipments into the Egyptian market, as it allows shipment data to be recorded and reviewed in advance before their arrival, which contributes to preventing the entry of goods that do not conform to specifications, and ensures that only good products enter the local market, which reflects positively on consumer protection and deepening fair competition for the benefit of the national industry.
The Minister indicated that the temporary reduction in fees comes to support the business community during the transition period to the new system, and to encourage importers to adhere to electronic registration procedures, in order to achieve a balance between reducing financial burdens and achieving regulatory targets.
He also noted that the system contributes to reducing customs clearance time, providing accurate databases that facilitate follow-up and inspection operations, in addition to supporting government efforts in combating smuggling and tampering with invoices, by tracking shipping documents and verifying their authenticity before shipping to Egyptian ports.
The Ministry of Finance stressed its continued cooperation with the customs sector and business community partners to provide awareness and training on the working mechanisms of the new system, and to ensure that any challenges that may arise during the first period of implementation are addressed, thus establishing a more efficient and transparent model in managing trade movement.
Thus, the implementation of “ACI” in conjunction with the temporary reduction of duties constitutes an additional step in the path of developing the customs system, supporting the competitiveness of the Egyptian economy, and providing a safer and fairer environment for markets and consumers alike.
