What is Egypt ACID?
The ACID (Advance Cargo Information Declaration) number is Egypt's mandatory pre-arrival customs requirement for all sea shipments to Alexandria, Port Said and Damietta. Introduced under Customs Law No. 207/2020 and enforced through the government NAFEZA single-window platform (ACI system) since 1 October 2021, it is a unique 19-digit number that the Egyptian importer registers before the cargo is shipped. The foreign exporter must then complete the ACI filing and quote the ACID number on the Bill of Lading and Commercial Invoice. Cargo that arrives without a valid, matched ACID is refused customs release and returned to origin at the shipper's expense.
Official ACID Validation Procedure
According to the customs regulations of Egypt, every cargo shipment purchased from abroad and transported for commercial, business, diplomatic, or personal purposes requires a validated Loading Certificate:
- ▪The Egyptian importer registers the shipment on the NAFEZA platform and obtains the 19-digit ACID number before loading.
- ▪The importer shares the ACID number, plus their and the exporter's registration details, with the foreign exporter.
- ▪The exporter (or our compliance desk) completes the ACI declaration and uploads the Bill of Lading, Commercial Invoice and Cargo Declaration against that ACID.
- ▪The ACID number must be printed on the final Bill of Lading and Commercial Invoice so customs can match the documents to the incoming shipment.
- ▪File before the vessel departs the load port — Egyptian customs will not clear cargo whose ACI was not lodged in advance.
Waiver Regulations & Q&A
What is the ACID number for Egypt?
The ACID is a unique 19-digit Advance Cargo Information Declaration number issued through Egypt's NAFEZA platform. It links the shipment to a registered Egyptian importer and must be obtained before the cargo is shipped.
Who obtains the ACID number, the exporter or the importer?
The Egyptian importer registers the shipment on NAFEZA and generates the ACID number, then shares it with the exporter. The exporter completes the ACI filing against that number before shipping.
Does the ACID number need to appear on the Bill of Lading?
Yes. The 19-digit ACID number must be quoted on both the Bill of Lading and the Commercial Invoice so Egyptian customs can match your documents to the correct shipment.
When must the Egypt ACI declaration be filed?
The ACI must be lodged before the vessel departs the port of loading. Late or missing filings mean customs will not release the cargo at destination.
What happens if cargo arrives in Egypt without a valid ACID?
Shipments without a valid, matched ACID are rejected at the Egyptian port, cannot be cleared, and are typically returned to the origin country at the shipper's cost.