On 1 January 2026, the Egyptian Customs Authority (the “Authority”) announced the mandatory implementation of the Advance Cargo Information (“ACI”) system for all air freight shipments arriving in Egypt. This measure extends the existing ACI regime, which was previously applicable to maritime cargo, to include air cargo as part of the Authority’s digital customs transformation strategy. The initiative aims to enhance pre-arrival risk assessment, expedite customs clearance procedures, reduce trade costs, improve supply chain visibility, and support a unified, technology-driven national single-window platform.
The ACI requirement obliges all parties involved in air cargo supply chain operations to submit detailed shipment data electronically before the cargo departs from the country of export. All required information must be uploaded through the unified Nafeza Platform (“Nafeza”), including exporter and importer identification details, shipment particulars, accurate goods descriptions, and relevant tariff codes.
Following verification, an Advance Cargo Information Declaration (“ACID”) number is issued. This number must be clearly stated on the air waybill and all accompanying shipment documentation. Shipments arriving without a valid ACID will not be processed or cleared by the Authority.
The foreign exporter must register on the CargoX platform as a one-time requirement. This registration includes the completion of identity verification procedures to enable secure document exchange with the Authority.
The Egyptian importer, or an authorised customs broker acting on their behalf, must submit an electronic request through Nafeza to obtain the ACID number.
The Customs Authority has stipulated that the ACID number must be obtained no later than four (4) hours before aircraft departure.
The air carrier is obligated to ensure that both the ACID number and the exporter identification number are clearly reflected on the air waybill and all accompanying shipment documentation. Cargo that lacks these mandatory references may be refused transport or denied entry upon arrival in Egypt.
Where required, the importer must submit the commercial invoice and air waybill to the relevant bank to complete Form 4 procedures.
Once all required documentation has been correctly submitted and validated, the shipment will proceed through the standard customs inspection process.
Following a phased roll-out and pilot testing period in preparation for full enforcement, the Air Cargo ACI system has become mandatory. Effective 1 January 2026, the Egyptian Customs Authority has confirmed the commencement of mandatory application, and any air freight shipment that has not been duly registered under the ACI system and assigned a valid ACID will not be permitted entry into Egypt.
Importers, foreign exporters, freight forwarders, logistics service providers, and air carriers should ensure timely registration on the relevant platforms, update internal compliance processes, and familiarise themselves with the applicable data submission requirements ahead of the enforcement date. Failure to obtain and correctly reference a valid ACID number may result in shipment refusal, clearance delays, or other enforcement measures upon arrival in Egypt.
The contributors to this article are Mohamed Abdelgawad, Partner and Head of General Corporate, Commercial and Regulatory; Mahmoud Attia, Senior Associate; and Youssef Ahmed, Junior Associate.
Should you require tailored guidance on ACI compliance or wish to arrange an operational briefing for your shipping and documentation teams, the team remains available to assist.
