Shipping from the USA to Egypt

Moving to Egypt from the US could get difficult unless you get more familiar about the customs regulations when shipping goods to the country. Before you ship any item, it would be ideal if you would first know Egypt’s customs regulations. After all, you would not like your belongings to get stranded in any port.

Needless to say, all shipments going to Egypt from the US should first be cleared through the Egyptian customs office. If you are hiring a shipping firm, it is still your responsibility to produce and secure necessary documentations. If there is any insufficiency or inaccuracy in your documents, your shipped belongings would be held by the country’s customs authorities until requirements are met (within a time limit set).

Before proceeding, you should check the goods you are shipping. Be reminded that there are specific items that are strictly prohibited for importation by the Egyptian Customs and the International Air Transport Association (IATA). Such objects include deadly weapons and firearms, cordless telephones, drugs and medicines, gold and silver (except tableware), photocopiers or resolution color printers, and pornographic materials. Items that may be deemed offensive to culture and religion (Islam) are also restricted.

The clearance process
To obtain clearance, you should secure written authorization as well as proper documentation for all your shipments. While still in the US, you must present your original passport, work permit, residence visa, certificate of residence change, and letter of guarantee to the nearest Egyptian Embassy or Consulate, which in turn would provide authorization or clearance for the process to proceed.

Household goods could easily obtain clearance, especially if you intend to hold your permanent residence in the country upon moving. Duties are implemented to such items, except if you are working for the government, for an oil company, or for an Aid Project provided there is a necessary Letter of Guarantee. Also be reminded that all shipments would be subject to a full inspection before getting cleared by the Customs.

Required documentation
The Egyptian Customs office would of course ask for required documentations before you are allowed to receive your shipped goods. It is advisable that you arrive in Egypt before the shipment or at least a few days after the goods get to the country. Be sure all the required documents are properly and correctly filled out as any inconsistency or insufficiency could cause delay if not failure to initiate the shipment process.

For items that are dutiable, the Egyptian Customs would have to assess the amount of duty to be imposed based on CIF (cost, insurance and freight) value as declared on commercial invoice. Any commercial shipment worth more than $1,000 must also come with a Certificate of Origin. It should also be cleared by the US chamber of commerce and the nearest Egyptian Consulate or Embassy.

It is important that you follow the Customs regulations implemented in Egypt. Aside from household goods, you could ship an automobile or a commercial/business item to the country, which makes it unique compared to most other nations with stringent shipment restrictions. However, be sure you abide by specific Customs policies to avoid any hassle.