Egypt import duty and de minimis
Duty by category plus the charge stack that applies on top: 14% VAT. Use it to sanity-check a clearing agent's quote.
Indicative, not a quote. Duty and FX values are estimates and must be verified against live customs and FX data before you commit funds.
| Category | Duty | Effective | HS hint | Calculator |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Auto Parts | 20% | ~37% | HS 8708 | Calculate → |
| Bags | 35% | ~54% | HS 4202 | Calculate → |
| Beauty & Cosmetics | 10% | ~25% | HS 3304 | Calculate → |
| Clothing | 35% | ~54% | HS 61 / 62 | Calculate → |
| Electronics | 40% | ~60% | HS 8528 / 8517 | Calculate → |
| Hair Products | 10% | ~25% | HS 3305 / 6704 | Calculate → |
| Kitchenware | 25% | ~43% | HS 7323 / 3924 / 6911 | Calculate → |
| Phone Accessories | 15% | ~31% | HS 8517 / 8504 | Calculate → |
| Shoes | 35% | ~54% | HS 64 | Calculate → |
| Toys | 25% | ~43% | HS 9503 | Calculate → |
Duty bands and VAT verified vs PwC Worldwide Tax Summaries (Egypt) + Egyptian Customs / Nafeza on 21 June 2026; the exact per-HS line varies — confirm with Egyptian Customs Authority (ECA) before you pay. source ↗
Indicative Egypt tariff. Verify exact HS via ECA. Sourced 2026-06-07.
De minimis, in plain terms
No commercial de minimis: Egyptian Customs (ECA) levy duty and 14% VAT on the CIF value from the first pound. ACI (Nafeza) advance cargo registration is mandatory for sea and air.
How is import duty calculated in Egypt?
The Egyptian Customs Authority assess the duty band on the CIF value, then VAT at 14% on the duty-inclusive value; finished consumer goods sit in the higher bands. The number on the declaration is rarely the whole story — ACI/Nafeza pre-registration, Arabic labelling and inspection can add cost and time, and getting the FX to pay at all can be the binding constraint rather than the rate.
How much duty will you pay on Kitchenware?
For a typical Kitchenware order (600 units, ¥25,500 of goods), the duty sits in the 25% band (~£E55,398) and VAT (14%) ~£E38,779, for a landed cost of ~£E325,419. Switch category in the table above for its band. Indicative figures, sampled 2026-06-07; not a quote.
What is the de-minimis and can you use it?
No commercial de minimis: Egyptian Customs (ECA) levy duty and 14% VAT on the CIF value from the first pound. ACI (Nafeza) advance cargo registration is mandatory for sea and air.
How do importers overpay (and how to avoid it)?
Ignoring Arabic-labelling and product-standard requirements that are enforced at clearance, not waved through.
Are these the official rates?
The duty and VAT structure here is correct, but the exact per-HS rate is indicative and customs valuation can differ from your purchase price. Verify the exact line with Egyptian Customs Authority (ECA) and a clearing agent before paying. Indicative figures, sampled 2026-06-07; not a quote.
Frequently asked questions
What is the import duty in Egypt?
Duty depends on the product's HS code. On top of duty you pay 14% VAT. The figures here are indicative; confirm with Egyptian Customs Authority (ECA).
What is the de minimis in Egypt?
No commercial de minimis: Egyptian Customs (ECA) levy duty and 14% VAT on the CIF value from the first pound. ACI (Nafeza) advance cargo registration is mandatory for sea and air.
How is VAT applied?
VAT of 14% is applied on the duty-inclusive base. Our calculator applies it on that base.
Are these official duty rates?
The tariff bands are correct but we could not certify every exact HS line against the official Egyptian Customs Authority (ECA) schedule. Treat per-category rates as indicative and verify before committing funds. Sourced 2026-06-07.
Last updated: 2026-06-07.
Karim covers the Egypt–China trade route with a focus on the two things that make it hard: customs and currency. He explains how ECA duties and the 14% VAT stack on a real order, why Egypt's ACI/Nafeza pre-clearance and Arabic-labelling rules catch importers out, and how the pound's managed float and FX controls shape the way money actually reaches a supplier in Yiwu or Guangzhou. He has followed Egypt's import-trade scene through successive rounds of currency reform.