Kouchouk clarified that the experimental phase for the air freight ACI system, which began in 2022, will run until the end of December to allow investors to fully comply with the new requirements.
The Minister stated that there is significant cooperation
and full, continuous coordination with Minister of Investment and Foreign
Trade, Engineer Hassan El Khatib, to facilitate trade movement, enhance the
competitiveness of the Egyptian economy, reduce customs release time, and
lessen burdens on investors.
In what he described as a step towards a "partnership
of trust" with the business community, Kouchouk said the trial application
of the air ACI system has received positive feedback among "partners in
success." He noted that the ministry is working to facilitate and digitize
procedures to reduce the time and cost of customs clearance, thereby lowering
import and export expenses.
Kouchouk highlighted that the ACI system in seaports is
operating regularly and stably, having already resulted in the issuance of 2.5
million customs release certificates.
He explained that ACI contributes to reducing the cost of
documenting foreign paperwork, easing the burden on the business community, and
preventing the rejection of shipments upon arrival due to non-conformity with
specifications.
The system aims to incentivize customs dealers to complete
procedures for all incoming shipments before they arrive, maximize the benefits
of pre-clearance mechanisms, and accelerate the simplification of customs
declaration submission.
Kouchouk added that the Nafeza electronic platform now
covers all trade movements, with the new system enhancing governance and
transparency. It also helps improve foreign currency planning and prevents the
entry of goods with unknown origins, thereby ensuring the quality of products
entering Egyptian markets. He affirmed that achieving integration between the Nafeza
platform and the electronic invoicing system will boost the governance of the
Egyptian economy more comprehensively.
For his part, Ahmed Amawi, Head of the Customs Authority, called upon importers, customs brokers, and air freight agents to register for the ACI system through the Nafeza electronic portal. He emphasized that the goal is to facilitate procedures for importers, protect national industry, and eliminate practices detrimental to international trade.