EGYPT IMPORT GUIDE

Egypt ACI, ACID & Nafeza: A Practical Shipment Checklist.

Prepare the advance cargo information process before freight moves, using current official Nafeza requirements as the source of truth.

ACIACIDNafeza

PRACTICAL GUIDE

ACI is a pre-shipment process, not an arrival task.

Nafeza describes Egypt's Advance Cargo Information system as requiring cargo information before shipment from the exporting country. The Egyptian importer requests the ACID through Nafeza.

Sea-import ACI has been mandatory since 2021. Nafeza states that the mandatory Aviation ACI phase began on 1 January 2026.

1. Confirm importer and exporter data

Prepare the Egyptian importer account and foreign-exporter information before the shipment file is created. Keep company names and identifiers consistent.

2. Request the ACID before shipment

The importer enters the key shipment information in Nafeza and requests issuance of the ACID before the freight moves.

Importer and exporter data
Cargo and customs-item information
Preliminary transport information where available
Invoice information

3. Prepare the core document set

Nafeza lists a commercial invoice, packing list, a copy of the bill of lading and certificate of origin among documents commonly required for an ACI file, with other documents depending on the cargo.

Commercial invoice
Packing list
Copy of B/L or applicable transport document
Certificate of origin
Commodity-specific certificates or permits where required

4. Keep ACID and shipment-party data consistent

The ACID and shipment-party information should remain consistent across the applicable commercial and transport documents. Review changes before departure rather than after arrival.

5. Coordinate freight and customs together

PBL can support shipment preparation and customs-clearance coordination, while Nafeza and the Egyptian authorities remain the official source for regulatory requirements and acceptance.

OFFICIAL SOURCES

Always verify the current official requirements.

Frequently asked questions

What is ACID?

ACID is the unique advance cargo identifier issued through the Egyptian ACI process for a shipment after the relevant request is accepted.

Who requests the ACID?

Nafeza describes the Egyptian importer as the party that enters the shipment data and requests issuance of the ACID.

What documents are commonly required?

Nafeza lists a commercial invoice, packing list, B/L copy and certificate of origin among common ACI-file documents, with additional documents depending on cargo.

Does Aviation ACI apply now?

Nafeza states that the mandatory Aviation ACI phase began on 1 January 2026.

Can PBL issue an ACID?

No. Nafeza is the official platform. PBL can support shipment preparation and coordination.

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