Importing requirements for e-invoices, GS1 codes and prohibited goods

Importing to Egypt and E-invoices

The Egyptian Ministry of Finance has announced new requirements for importing goods into Egypt. Starting on July 1, 2023, all importing companies must be registered in the e-invoicing system and include GS1 codes on their e-invoices to gain access to the electronic platform called "NAFEZA."

Getting Started

To comply with the new requirements, importing companies must first register on the e-invoicing system. This can be done through the Egyptian Tax Authority website, which has been linked to the NAFEZA platform. However, companies not registered in the e-invoicing system will not appear on the NAFEZA platform. Once registered, companies will need to obtain GS1 codes for their products.

After obtaining GS1 codes, companies must include them on their e-invoices. E-invoices can be created using various software programs. Once the e-invoice is created, it must be uploaded to the CargoX platform; otherwise, the customs declaration cannot be completed.

Exporting Goods:

When exporting goods from Egypt, a company must follow these steps:

1. Create an e-invoice that must be linked to the export commercial invoice.
2. Once the e-invoice is created, it must be verified by the Egyptian customs authorities.
3. If the e-invoice is verified, the export procedures can be completed.

Importing Goods:

When importing goods into Egypt, a company must follow these steps:

1. Obtain the GS1 codes for its items.
2. Send the GS1 codes to the supplier, who will create an e-invoice including the codes.
3. Upload the e-invoice to the CargoX platform, corresponding to the NAFEZA platform in Egypt.

The NAFEZA platform will recognize the e-invoice and verify the presence of the GS1 codes. If the codes are present, the customs declaration will be completed. Otherwise, the importer will not be able to complete the procedures until the GS1 codes are provided for the imported item.