Egypt Customs Guide Household Goods, Vehicles, Pets & Restricted Items

Important: This Egypt customs guide provides essential information for individuals and families planning international moving, overseas relocation and import of personal effects into Egypt. Customs regulations are governed by the Egyptian Customs Authority and require strict adherence to import documentation.

Home To Home Relocations supports clients relocating from Toronto, the GTA and across Canada with international moves to Egypt, providing professional packing, freight arrangements, customs processing and delivery across Cairo, Alexandria, Giza, 6th of October City, and other destinations.

1. Moving to Egypt – Key Customs Overview

1.1 Duty-Free Import of Household Goods

Egypt permits duty-free import of used household goods under residence status provided:

The goods are for personal use and not commercial sale
You hold a valid residence/work permit or are an Egyptian returning from abroad
You can prove ownership and usage prior to shipment

Important: New items, electronics, and appliances are often subject to duty, VAT and valuation checks.

1.2 NAFEZA & ACI System – Mandatory Registration

Egypt now requires all shipments to be pre-registered through the NAFEZA digital platform using an Advanced Cargo Information (ACI) number. Shipments arriving without ACI approval will be delayed or refused.

2. Used Household Goods & Personal Effects

2.1 Required Documentation

Original passport with residence endorsement
Bill of lading / air waybill
NAFEZA/ACI registration number
Detailed packing list with item descriptions
Work/residence permit or Egyptian passport (for returning citizens)

2.2 Inventory Requirements

Electronics must be listed with brand, model and serial numbers
Avoid vague terms such as “miscellaneous household goods”
New items require receipts and may incur duty
Multiple identical items may be classified as commercial

H-H Relocations Tip: Egypt conducts visual inspections and X-ray screening of most shipments—organized inventories help avoid delays.

3. Importing Motor Vehicles into Egypt

3.1 Vehicle Import Rules

Vehicle importation into Egypt is highly regulated. Taxes, customs duties and VAT can be extremely high depending on engine size and vehicle origin.

Vehicles must meet Egyptian environmental standards
Import duties depend on vehicle age, engine capacity and country of manufacture
Right-hand-drive vehicles are not permitted

3.2 Required Vehicle Documentation

Original registration/title document
Invoice for valuation
Bill of lading
Proof of ownership
ACI registration for vehicle shipment

Important: Imported vehicles often face duty assessments higher than in Gulf or European destinations. Confirm feasibility before shipping.

4. Bringing Pets to Egypt

Pets can be imported into Egypt, but strict veterinary controls apply.

4.1 Pet Import Requirements

Valid veterinary health certificate
Rabies vaccination certificate
Import permit issued prior to arrival
Microchip recommended for identification

Pet Travel Tip: Certain breeds may face restrictions and quarantine may apply based on country of origin.

5. Alcohol, Tobacco, Food & Restricted Goods

5.1 Alcohol

Alcohol imports into Egypt are heavily restricted. Duty and excise tax apply, and certain spirits may be refused. Do not include alcohol in household goods shipments unless specifically permitted.

5.2 Tobacco

Tobacco products must be declared and are subject to import duties. Commercial quantities without permits are prohibited.

5.3 Food & Animal-Origin Products

Egypt applies strict rules on food imports to protect public safety and comply with Islamic consumption standards:

Meat, poultry and dairy products require veterinary certificates
Animal-origin products are inspected and may be rejected
Plant-based goods require phytosanitary clearance

5.4 Medicines, Chemicals & Controlled Goods

Prescription medicines require a physician’s note
Chemicals and lab equipment require import authorization
Weapons, ammunition and specialized electronics are tightly controlled

Important: Egypt has some of the strictest media and cultural import controls in the Middle East. Printed books, films, and electronic materials may be opened and reviewed.

6. Prohibited Items – Do Not Ship to Egypt

Egypt prohibits the import of certain goods, including:

Narcotics and illegal drugs
Weapons, ammunition and explosives without authorization
Pornographic or obscene material
Religious publications deemed offensive
Counterfeit products and pirated software
Hazardous chemicals and radioactive elements
Products derived from protected wildlife
Right-hand-drive vehicles

Violations can result in confiscation, fines or legal action. Egypt inspects shipments carefully and enforces strict cultural norms.

7. Practical Tips for International Moves to Egypt

7.1 Moving from Toronto or the GTA

For a smooth international move from Toronto to Egypt, Home To Home Relocations recommends:

Register your shipment on NAFEZA and obtain an ACI number before departure
Keep receipts for electronics, new purchases and luxury goods
Prepare detailed packing lists and avoid vague descriptions
Confirm delivery access in urban locations like Cairo and Alexandria

7.2 Why choose an Egypt relocation specialist

Egypt’s customs process is more complex than many global destinations. Working with a qualified international moving company offers:

Compliance with ACI and NAFEZA requirements
Reduced inspection delays and customs queries
Professional packing for delicate and high-value items
Door-to-door delivery coordination across Egypt

Relocation Tip: Failure to pre-register a shipment via ACI is the most common cause of delays. Begin the process early.

8. Useful Official Links – Egypt

Use these official portals for current customs regulations:

This guide is intended to support planning for international relocation to Egypt. Final import decisions are made by Egyptian Customs and relevant authorities.