Dear Valued Customers,
Please be advised that the Egyptian Customs Authority, under the Ministry of Finance, has announced the mandatory implementation of the Advance Cargo Information (ACI) system for air freight shipments destined to Egypt, effective 01 January 2026. This extends the existing ACI requirements (previously applied to sea freight) to all air cargo consignments arriving at Egyptian airports.
The ACI initiative is part of Egypt’s broader customs digital-transformation strategy to streamline customs clearance, enhance risk management, reduce administrative costs, and improve supply chain transparency.
The Advance Cargo Information (ACI) system requires shipment-level cargo data (such as commercial invoice details, item descriptions, HS codes, exporter/importer identifiers, etc.) to be submitted electronically before shipment departure from the origin country.
Once submitted and approved, a unique ACI Declaration number (ACID) is issued. This ACID must be included in all shipping documents (e.g., AWB, commercial invoice, packing list, certificate of origin) and uploaded ahead of shipment departure. Shipments that do not comply with this requirement may be refused entry, delayed, or returned upon arrival in Egypt.
The ACI process is conducted through the National Single Window for Foreign Trade (‘Nafeza’) — an integrated electronic platform that centralizes customs and regulatory procedures in Egypt. Nafeza was developed and is operated by Misr Technology Services (MTS) under contract with the Egyptian Ministry of Finance and the Customs Authority.
Nafeza is Egypt’s unified trade portal for submitting advance shipment data and obtaining ACID numbers.
Misr Technology Services (MTS) is the technology operator behind the Nafeza platform, delivering the national Single Window infrastructure that supports ACI and other trade facilitation services.
ACI filings for air freight require coordination with both importers (who request the ACID through Nafeza) and exporters/shippers (who prepare and upload the shipment electronic data) via integrated channels (e.g., CargoX blockchain document transfer or other supported data interfaces).
Important: Exporters and freight forwarders must register on the Nafeza platform (in coordination with Egyptian importers or designated agents), obtain necessary credentials (e-signature units/e-tokens), and ensure correct submission of all required data prior to departure.
All relevant teams and partners are required to:
- Register on the Nafeza platform and complete any onboarding requirements (user accounts, digital signatures, data access authorization).
- Ensure ACID issuance and correct inclusion of the ACID number on all air shipment documentation.
- Coordinate in advance with Egyptian importers or their customs brokers to submit cargo data via Nafeza before shipment departure.
- Confirm that ACI pre-registration processes are completed prior to cargo departure, including manifest uploads and transport documentation verification.
- Train customs compliance teams and carriers on the updated procedures to avoid non-compliance penalties, delays, or cargo rejections.
January 1, 2026 — all air freight shipments destined for Egypt must comply with ACI requirements. Shipments arriving after this date without verified ACI documentation risk being denied entry or facing significant delays.
For assistance with Nafeza registration, ACID validation, or ACI filing support, please contact [E.G.L. Airfreight logistics support dept. Mr. Mohamed El Shimy Mobile +201272006078 e-mail: aircargo@eglegypt.com] or consult the official Nafeza portal: https://www.nafeza.gov.eg
For your easy reference, attached copies for the below links of:
- Customs Director circular dated 27th November 2025.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/13qY7OsU7ZFlgteik1F36BoFB1tyWcVhG/view?usp=drivesdk - Nafeza air cargo Tarif & Rules TACT
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1qBhiDZeskMCG7arDQHVlUzFLeRhYEdX7/view?usp=drivesdk
please do not hesitate to contact us should you require any further clarification.
Best Regards
KADMAR Shipping