Egypt will temporarily cut fees charged on incoming air cargo shipments from Thursday as it rolls out a mandatory digital tracking system aimed at tightening customs controls and easing trade procedures, the finance ministry said.
Finance Minister Ahmed Kouchouk announced on Wednesday that fees linked to the electronic processing and auditing of commercial documents for inbound air freight would be reduced for six months, coinciding with the compulsory implementation of the Advance Cargo Information (ACI) system.
Under the decision, the government will cut 80 dollars from the charge imposed for mechanisation and data auditing procedures carried out through Egypt’s electronic customs platform and related e-services. The total fee per inbound air shipment will fall to 95 dollars, effective from January 1, 2026, and remain in place until the end of June.
The measure comes as Egypt extends the ACI system already in use at the country’s seaports to air cargo, making advance electronic submission of shipment data a requirement before goods are loaded at their port of origin.
The ACI system obliges importers to register shipment details electronically ahead of arrival, allowing customs authorities to conduct risk assessments in advance and verify compliance with Egyptian import standards. Officials say the system is designed to speed up clearance procedures, reduce congestion at ports and improve transparency.
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The mandatory rollout for air shipments follows a proposal submitted by Ahmed Amwi, head of the Egyptian Customs Authority, according to the finance ministry statement.
Kouchouk said the temporary fee reduction was intended to ease the transition for businesses and logistics operators as the new requirements take effect.
“The government remains committed to engaging with the business community with greater flexibility and simplification, while at the same time strengthening governance frameworks,” the minister said.
He added that the ACI system plays a “central role” in regulating the Egyptian market by ensuring that imported goods meet required standards and specifications.
According to the finance minister, the system helps prevent the entry of substandard or non-compliant products, supporting fair competition and protecting consumers, while also backing domestic industry by creating a more level playing field.
Egypt has been steadily expanding the use of digital platforms across its customs and tax systems as part of a broader push to modernise public services, improve revenue collection and attract foreign investment.
The ACI system was first introduced for maritime shipments, which account for the bulk of Egypt’s imports. Authorities say the platform has already processed more than 2.5 million customs release certificates at seaports by November this year.
Officials credit the system with cutting costs for importers by eliminating the need to authenticate shipping documents abroad, reducing administrative burdens and limiting the rejection of shipments due to failure to meet import requirements.
By extending the system to air cargo, the government aims to replicate those gains in a sector that is critical for high-value, time-sensitive goods such as pharmaceuticals, electronics and spare parts.
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Egypt’s air cargo traffic is handled primarily through Cairo International Airport, with EgyptAir Cargo acting as the national carrier, alongside international freight operators.
The introduction of mandatory ACI requirements has raised concerns among some importers and freight forwarders about additional compliance costs and potential delays during the initial phase. The finance ministry said the temporary fee cut was designed to offset some of those costs and encourage smooth adoption.
The move comes as Egypt continues to pursue economic reforms under pressure from high inflation, a shortage of foreign currency and the need to boost exports and industrial production.
Authorities have repeatedly said that improving customs efficiency and reducing red tape are key pillars of efforts to make Egypt a regional logistics and trade hub.
The finance ministry did not say whether the fee reduction could be extended beyond the initial six-month period, but officials indicated the policy would be reviewed once the system is fully operational and initial implementation challenges are assessed.
For now, businesses importing goods by air will be required to comply with the ACI system from Thursday, as Egypt deepens its reliance on digital tools to regulate trade and secure supply chains.
