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Quick answer
For an import arriving through Alexandria, the most important work happens before the vessel arrives: confirm the shipment data, complete applicable ACI requirements, review the transport and commercial documents, confirm the customs classification and identify any regulatory approvals.
Once the vessel arrives, customs clearance is only one part of the operation. Carrier release, port/terminal procedures, inspections, storage exposure and inland delivery must also be coordinated.
PBL operates from Alexandria and coordinates customs clearance, sea freight and connected logistics support for importers and businesses in Egypt.
Before the vessel departs origin
Confirm the import and ACI data
Complete the applicable advance-cargo requirements before shipment. The data used in the ACI file should align with the commercial invoice and transport documents.
Review the draft Bill of Lading
Check consignee, notify party, ports, container numbers, cargo description, weights and required references before approving the draft.
Use the Bill of Lading Guide for a detailed review checklist.
Confirm customs classification and controls
Identify the tariff item and whether the goods require regulatory certificates, approvals, inspection or testing.
Pre-arrival document pack
A practical file normally includes:
- Commercial invoice
- Packing list
- Bill of Lading
- Certificate of origin where applicable
- ACI/ACID data where applicable
- Product-specific approvals/certificates
- Importer and customs-broker authorizations required for the transaction
Read the Customs Documents Checklist for the detailed document logic.
On arrival: three parallel workstreams
1. Carrier / shipping-line release
Shipping-line documentation, freight settlement (where applicable), B/L release status and delivery-order procedures need to be completed according to the carrier's instructions.
2. Customs and regulatory clearance
The declaration, classification, value/origin review and any required inspection or regulatory control are completed through the customs process.
3. Port and inland coordination
Once the cargo is released, terminal availability, storage position, truck/transport coordination and final delivery timing need to be aligned.
These three streams affect one another. A customs release alone does not mean the container can physically leave immediately if carrier or terminal requirements are still outstanding.
Alexandria and Dekheila planning
Alexandria's port system includes cargo operations across Alexandria and Dekheila. The correct operational location depends on the vessel, terminal and shipping-line arrangement shown in the shipment records.
Do not plan transport based only on the word “Alexandria” in a commercial email. Use the final carrier/terminal information for pickup planning.
Avoidable causes of delay
- Documents reach the broker only after vessel arrival
- Consignee details differ between invoice and B/L
- HS classification is reviewed too late
- Product-specific certificates are missing
- Carrier release is not coordinated with customs release
- Free-time/storage exposure is not monitored
- Truck planning begins before the terminal confirms cargo availability
How PBL coordinates the shipment
PBL separates the workflow into clear operational milestones: quotation, document readiness, arrival, customs status, carrier/terminal status, release and delivery coordination.
For customer shipments, My PBL keeps the PBL operational status separate from external carrier tracking so the customer can understand what PBL is actually doing, not only where the vessel is.
Official references
If you are planning an import through Alexandria, request a quotation with the origin, commodity, container type and expected sailing details.