Import and customs: we are your importer in Egypt, and we pay the duty and VAT
We act as the licensed Egyptian importer for your goods: we obtain EDA's import approval, file the Advance Cargo Information in NAFEZA, clear customs, arrange the EDA release inspection and pay the customs duty and import VAT. Egypt requires both steps for every shipment — EDA replies to an import-approval request within 2 working days, the ACID number is issued within 48 hours, and ACI has been mandatory for air freight since 1 January 2026.
UltraTeb Market Access is a zero-upfront-fee route into Egypt's medical market: UltraTeb registers, imports, markets, stores and sells your product, shares the risk, and pays you when it sells.
How does a shipment reach our warehouse?
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EDA import approval
We apply on your pro-forma invoice. The approval covers one whole shipment and must exist before the goods ship.
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ACID number
We file the shipment in Egypt's NAFEZA single window and receive the ACID number, which we send to you.
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CargoX upload
You register once on CargoX and upload the commercial invoice, certificate of origin and bill of lading or air waybill, all showing the ACID, at least 48 hours before arrival.
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Shipping
You ship to the Egyptian port or airport we agree.
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Customs declaration
We declare the goods, pay the customs duty and import VAT, and handle the bank paperwork (Form 4).
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EDA release inspection
The shipment is opened only in the presence of an EDA inspector, who checks it against the approval and registration.
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Into the warehouse
Goods are received by lot and expiry date and are ready to sell.
Who does what at import?
You do
- Register once on CargoX and upload the shipping documents for each shipment.
- Issue a commercial invoice stamped by the factory, identical to the invoice uploaded to CargoX.
- Provide the packing list, the certificate of origin (EUR.1 or equivalent where a trade agreement applies) and the bill of lading or air waybill.
We do
- EDA import approval for every shipment.
- ACID filing in NAFEZA.
- Customs declaration and clearance.
- Customs duty and import VAT — paid by us.
- Bank documentation (Form 4).
- EDA release inspection and any required laboratory samples.
- Transport from port to warehouse.
What are the import rules?
| Fact | Value | Source | As of |
|---|---|---|---|
| Who can import medical devices | A licensed Egyptian importer on EDA's importers register; the foreign supplier is added to that licence. There is no non-resident importer route for devices. | edaegypt.gov.eg | |
| EDA import approval | Reply within 2 working days; valid 1 year for one whole shipment; not divisible or transferable; needed before shipping | edaegypt.gov.eg | |
| ACI / ACID | Mandatory for sea freight since 1 October 2021 and for air freight since 1 January 2026; ACID issued within 48 hours | s-ge.com | 2025 |
| CargoX for the foreign exporter | One-time verification of USD 15; documents uploaded at least 48 hours before arrival; shipments without an ACID are refused | cargox.io | 2025 |
| Customs value | CIF value, converted at the Central Bank of Egypt rate on the declaration date | kadmar.com | 2020 |
| Import VAT | 14% standard; 5% for medical devices used to provide a service since 29 July 2026 | vatupdate.com | |
| Bank documentation | Commercial imports are documented through an Egyptian bank (Form 4) | trade.gov | |
| GOEIC factory registration | Needed before shipment for some listed goods, including HS 9619 (e.g. adult diapers, underpads) and HS 4818 (sanitary paper); core medical devices are not on the list | goeic.gov.eg | 2016 |
| Worldwide searches for 'importer of record' | 3,600 per month ('CargoX Egypt': 590; 'ACI Egypt': 110) | ads.google.com |
The search figures are UltraTeb's own Keyword Planner measurement on 2026-09-25.
Last verified:
Who pays duty and VAT?
We do, at clearance. This is part of how we fund the launch, and it is why there are zero upfront fees for you.
What can hold up a shipment?
- An invoice that does not match the one on CargoX or the import approval.
- Goods shipped before the import approval or without an ACID number.
- Products that EDA samples for testing on arrival — for example gloves, or instruments and implants from non-reference countries (EDA guideline).
- Used or demonstration equipment, which needs a committee decision.
We check each of these with you before the goods leave your factory.
“Nothing leaves your factory until the import approval and the ACID number are in place. That is how your goods keep moving instead of waiting at the port.” — Mohamed Dabees, Founder, UltraTeb
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a company in Egypt to export to you?
No. We are the importer. You need a CargoX account (a one-time USD 15 verification) to upload your shipping documents.
Which Incoterm do you use?
It is agreed per product in the agreement. The customs value in Egypt is always the CIF value, so your invoice and freight details must be consistent.
Can you import samples for evaluation?
In limited numbers. EDA allows importers to bring in a small number of evaluation samples per product code, once; promotional samples are reserved for scientific offices (EDA guideline). Stock for a pilot goes through the normal import approval.
Do you use a bonded warehouse?
No. Goods are cleared on arrival, and we pay the duty and VAT then.
What happens if customs questions the value?
We answer customs with your stamped invoice and the agreed price per product. Keeping one fixed price per product on every document is the best protection.
Ship once the paperwork is ready — we do the rest
Zero upfront fees. We handle registration, import, customs, duties, warehousing and selling. You're paid when we sell.