Part of upgrading and automating customs, Minister of Finance Mohamed Maait has issued directives to offer all needed facilities to those dealing with the customs authority.

According to a statement, these apply to all that deal with the authority, including importers, owners of goods, customs brokers, shipping agencies, and foreign exporters.

The facilities are to contribute to simplifying procedures, reducing customs clearance times, and reducing the cost of goods and services in local markets.

Maait added that all procedural measures were unified at all customs outlets for exporters and importers.

The minister also highlighted that the Advanced Cargo Information (ACI) system has been operational since April 1 and will become mandatory on the first of July 2021.

Read more > Customs Authority’s digital platform mandatory by July: FinMinistry

Under the ACI, importers will submit digital documents for the imported goods to the customs authority through the (single window) platform before shipping them to the country in order to get the initial customs registration number (ACID).

The authority will notify the importer with the ACID customs registration number to be recorded in the shipping documents relating to the imported goods.

The e-signature will be used in the data entry and the electronic registration of all data and documents for the pre-registration system (ACI).

He added that the logistic services centers in Ismailia and Safaga ports will start operation by the end of June 2021.