In brief
On 21 July 2026, the Minister of Investment and Foreign Trade issued Ministerial Decree No. 271 of 2026, which repeals and replaces the Executive Regulations of Law No. 121 of 1982 regulating the Importers Register ("New Regulation"). The New Regulation entered into force on the second day following its publication (22 July 2026).
The New Regulation preserves several key features of the previous regime. However, it introduces a number of amendments including, a shift towards a more digital and compliance-focused framework, expanded registration data requirements, and a limited exception for certain companies that are subsidiaries of foreign companies or have less than 51% Egyptian ownership. We outline below the main features of its provisions. In this regard, while the General Organization for Export and Import Control (GOEIC) is increasing the reporting requirements significantly, it is easing the restrictions imposed on non-Egyptian companies to register as importers.
Key takeaways
The New Regulation introduces a number of changes that will affect entities and individuals registered, or seeking to register, in the Importers Register. In particular:
- Foreign-owned entities are now eligible to register exceptionally: Foreign companies and companies with less than the statutory 51% Egyptian ownership threshold may now qualify for time-limited registration for up to 10 years in total renewable for one time only with certain conditions. This creates a potential registration pathway for foreign investors that did not previously exist.
- Mandatory e-filing: GOEIC will launch an electronic platform within six months, after which all registration, renewal, and data update submissions must be made online.
In more detail
The New Regulation reflects a broader move toward digitalizing and strengthening oversight of import activities in Egypt. While many of the main financial thresholds and statutory fees remain broadly unchanged, the new rules introduce more detailed procedural, reporting and compliance requirements for importers.
- 51% Egyptian ownership exception for foreign companies: The New Regulation maintains the general 51% Egyptian ownership requirement but allows companies with less than 51% Egyptian ownership, or foreign ownership, to register for a limited period that does not exceed 10 years in total. The exception could be extended for another 10 years. However, in this latter case, the approval of the Cabinet of Ministers is required.
- Digitalization of the Importers Register: The Importers Register may now be maintained in paper or electronic form. GOEIC must also establish an electronic platform for registration, renewal, re-registration, amendments and data updates, that should be active within six months.
- GOEIC registration decision timeline: Once the file is complete, GOEIC must review and issue a decision on the request for registration, renewal, or re-registration applications within 15 days. If no response is issued, the application is deemed rejected.
- Expanded data requirements: The register must include more detailed data, including contact details, managers and persons responsible for importation. GOEIC may publish certain register data online while preserving confidential commercial information.
- Increased reporting requirements to GOEIC: GOEIC requires the quarter financial statements with the financial auditor report within 45 days of within 45 days from the end of the period covered by the financial statements. Moreover, importers are now required to send by email the electronic invoices evidencing the sale of the imported shipment including the names of the distributors.
- Revocation or Suspension of registration: The New Regulations reinforced the requirements stated in the Law. In this regard, registration may be suspended for up to two years by a reasoned ministerial decision, GOEIC must notify the importer via registered letter or email within two months from the decision if the importer has violated a number of laws including but not limited to Consumer Protection Law, Competition Law, Customs Law, Imports Regulations among others.
If the Court of Appeal issues a final judgement in relation to any of these laws, the importer’s license will automatically be revoked.
Conclusion
The New Regulation modernizes Egypt’s Importers Register framework by laying down the foundations of electronic registrations and reporting to GOEIC. While it does not materially change many of the headline fees or financial thresholds, it introduces new digital procedures, broader documentary and reporting requirements and extensive ongoing compliance obligations. Most notably, foreign companies can now register themselves for a temporary period of 10 years without having to have an Egyptian shareholder.
Logaine El Shafie, Associate, has contributed to this alert.