Egypt to implement advanced cargo information system at airports starting January 2026

EGYPT – Minister of Finance Ahmed Kouchouk has confirmed that the Advanced Cargo Information (ACI) system will be implemented at Egypt’s airports from January 1, 2026.

The pilot phase, which began in 2022, will continue until the end of December 2025, providing investors adequate time to adapt their operations.

Kouchouk highlighted ongoing collaboration with Minister of Investment and Foreign Trade Hassan El-Khatib to facilitate trade, enhance Egypt’s economic competitiveness, reduce customs clearance times, and ease burdens on investors.

The ACI pilot received positive feedback from stakeholders, demonstrating progress toward automating procedures and cutting import and export costs.

The ACI system at seaports has stabilized, having issued over 2.5 million customs release certificates.

It reduces documentation authentication costs abroad, prevents shipment rejections due to non-compliance, and encourages customs clients to complete procedures before arrival, maximizing pre-clearance benefits and expediting customs declarations.

The finance minister emphasized that the Nafeza mobile app, covering all trade routes, integrates the ACI system for air shipments, strengthening governance, transparency, and foreign currency planning.

The system also prevents the entry of goods of unknown origin and improves product quality in Egyptian markets.

This modernization aligns with Egypt’s broader governmental efforts to digitalize customs processes, boost trade efficiency, and enhance the overall business environment for importers and exporters.

Importers must follow specific steps to register for the Advanced Cargo Information (ACI) system before January 2026 to ensure compliance.

First, they should register on the official cargo platform, such as CargoX or NAFEZA, depending on the country’s requirements.

Next, they need to complete their company verification, known as KYC, this involves submitting necessary documents and data to authenticate their identity. Once verified, importers will receive an ACID number, essential for tracking shipments.

They must then upload all relevant shipment documentation and details into the system, ensuring accuracy. This process typically involves creating a digital signature or blockchain key for security.

It is highly recommended that importers begin registration immediately to avoid delays, as the system becomes mandatory from January 1, 2026.

To coordinate data exchange between exporters and importers for the Advanced Cargo Information (ACI) system, both parties must register on the designated platforms, importers on Egypt’s Nafeza portal and exporters on platforms like CargoX.

The importer or customs broker submits shipment details and obtains a unique ACID number for each shipment. This ACID number is simultaneously shared with the exporter, ensuring both parties have synchronized data.

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