Egypt’s Prime Minister of Egypt, Dr. Mostafa Madbouly, convened a meeting today at the government headquarters in the New Administrative Capital to review proposed measures for developing the country’s customs system. The meeting brought together Minister of Finance, Ahmed Kouchouk, Minister of Investment and Foreign Trade, Hassan Khateeb, Deputy Minister of Finance for Tax Policies and Head of the Customs Authority, Sherif El-Kilany, Head of the Tax Authority, Rasha Abdel-Aal, Head of the Export and Import Control Authority, Major General Essam El-Naggar, and other relevant officials.
At the beginning of the meeting, Madbouly emphasized that the government is actively working on a series of initiatives aimed at simplifying customs transactions, as part of a broader policy to build trust and foster productive partnerships with both domestic and foreign business communities.
Customs System Reforms: A Comprehensive Approach
During the meeting, Finance Minister, Ahmed Kouchouk, provided an overview of the proposed customs facilitation measures, which include around 19 initiatives targeting both legislative and procedural aspects. These reforms aim to streamline customs clearance procedures, expedite payment of customs duties, and strengthen customs monitoring at ports and entry points.
Key proposals highlighted by Kouchouk included facilitating customs duty payments, easing the pre-clearance system, activating a pre-inquiry service, publishing a guide to import and export customs procedures, consolidating customs bulletins, and improving communication with customs stakeholders.
Additionally, the minister explained that the reforms will introduce simplified mechanisms for resolving customs disputes, as well as measures to reduce customs clearance times. This is alongside enhanced customs oversight and training for Customs Authority personnel.
Investment Minister’s Focus on Improving Customs Clearance Speed
Minister of Investment and Foreign Trade, Hassan Khateeb, reviewed the first phase of measures aimed at improving customs clearance times and enhancing Egypt’s trade indicators.
Khateeb noted that steps had already been taken in this regard, including extending the operating hours of all authorities involved in the customs clearance process. The government now operates round-the-clock, even during weekends and public holidays, until 6 p.m. This initiative, he emphasized, has led to increased efficiency in supply chains, avoiding delays in delivery, and speeding up the arrival of essential goods and raw materials to local markets.
Thanks to this decision, congestion at ports and customs entry points has decreased, which in turn has reduced storage costs incurred due to prolonged cargo holding periods.
Khateeb further highlighted that the first phase of the facilitation measures also focuses on reducing inspection and customs clearance times, contributing to faster import and export operations, quicker release of production inputs, and alleviating pressure on maritime ports. These changes will stimulate the development of industries near dry ports. Further, Madbouly directed that all agreed-upon reforms be expedited and finalized in preparation for their announcement as soon as possible.
