Egypt to expand its ACI system to include air freight: The Finance Ministry is set to begin implementing the Advance Customs Information (ACI) system for air freight in January 2026, government sources told EnterpriseAM yesterday.

This move comes after a nearly five-year delay, despite the system’s mandatory application for sea freight in October 2021.The implementation of the new system will include introducing an electronic bill of lading system, replacing the traditional paper documents, sources noted.

The ACI system in brief:The system is a World Customs Organization (WCO) protocol that provides real-time information on shipments of incoming goods to shipping lines, port operators and governments. It requires shippers to submit cargo data and documents — such as pro-forma invoices and draft bills of lading — at least 48 hours before shipment leaves the export country. It’s a key part of the Finance Ministry’s digital customs system known as Nafeza, which went live in 2021.

What’s next: The Egyptian Customs Authority (ECA) will begin trials of the ACI customs system for local and foreign air freight companies and airlines starting in September and until the end of December, our sources noted. Joining the system will be mandatory starting 1 January 2026.

Coordination in motion: The ECA recently met with representatives of all local and foreign air freight firms to finalize the implementation mechanisms for both the pilot and mandatory phases of the ACI system.

The rationale behind this move: The primary objective of the ACI system is to reduce both the time and cost of customs clearance, our sources said. By ensuring that all required procedures are completed before shipping, the system will allow for the immediate release of cargo upon arrival. The completion of the ACI system is also expected to strengthen the country’s standing in the global trade system while helping eliminate unidentified or untraceable goods, our sources noted.

Any exceptions? Shipping companies have requested a reduction in the cargo registration time for food and other perishable goods to just two hours before shipping, instead of 48 hours, sources indicated. Additionally, they submitted a list of other exemptions for consideration, including one for the transport of human remains.

Transit trade unaffected: The new system will have no impact on transit trade, sources said, citing extensive experience in handling challenges in sea freight operations. This process will be streamlined by using a single Advance Cargo Information (ACID) number for each shipment, its source, and invoice.

What importers need to do: Local importers will be required to enter advance shipment data and obtain an ACID number before beginning import procedures. They must also provide key documents such as a pro forma invoice or purchase order and the initial bill of lading before the cargo is shipped.

Guidelines for exporters: Foreign exporters will register on the CargoX platform and adhere to Egypt’s approved e-invoicing specifications. All shipment documents will be sent to the Nafeza system via blockchain-enabled supply chain networks. This must be done well in advance of cargo being loaded onto aircraft, given the differences in speed between air freight and sea freight.

Procedures will be eased for airlines serving Arab countries, especially for flights with a duration of less than two hours, according to our sources.

The Finance Ministry aims to significantly cut customs clearance time from eight days to just 48 hours, and eventually to only a few hours. This should be achieved through introducing an updated risk management system and implementing AI technologies in customs inspections. All this aims to speed up the release of goods and lower costs for importers.

REFRESHER- More than 30k importers have so far joined the ACI system, and some 80k foreign exporters have registered with blockchain document platform CargoX since it went live at the nation’s seaports in October 2021.

Tags: