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This report is an update to GAIN report number EG2022-0022. The report includes English translation of the National Food Safety Authority (NFSA) Decision of Board of Directors No. 6/2022 concerning the binding technical basis for maximum residue levels (MRLs) for chemical contaminants in food.

This report is an update to GAIN report number EG2022-0022. Attaching the English translation of the National Food Safety Authority (NFSA) Decision of Board of Directors No. 6/2022 concerning the binding technical basis for maximum residue levels (MRLs) for chemical contaminants in food.

In June 2022, Egypt launched a trial phase of the Advanced Clearance Information system (ACI) on airfreight. The government is expected to fully apply the electronic ACI system in October 2022. This comes after the October 1, 2021, launch of the ACI in sea ports. Traders must register within the designated platforms (CargoX for exporters and ACI for importers).

In June 2022, Egypt launched a trial phase of the Advanced Clearance Information system (ACI) on airfreight. The government is expected to fully apply the electronic ACI system in October 2022. This comes after the October 1, 2021, launch of the ACI in sea ports. Traders must register within the designated platforms (CargoX for exporters and ACI for importers).

On July 2, 2022, Egypt’s Minister of Trade and Industry (MTI) signed Decree No. 393/2022. The decree renewed an earlier decision that extended the shelf-life validity period for imported frozen fish from six to nine months and of frozen beef liver from seven to ten months. The decree is valid for one year and expires June 30, 2023 (see APPENDIX I – Unofficial English Translation).

In October 1, 2021, Egypt launched a new pre-clearance system to facilitate trade and improve custom clearance and release time, the Advanced Cargo Information system (ACI) require all shipping documents be received electronically at least 48 hours prior to the arrival of the shipment.

On May 16, the National Food Safety Authority (NFSA) issued Decision of Board of Directors No. 6/2022 concerning the binding technical basis for maximum residue levels (MRLs) for chemical contaminants in food, made effective the day following its publication in the Egyptian Chronicles.

On December 19, 2021, Egypt’s National Food Safety Authority (NFSA) released Decision No. 10/2021, the Provisions of Recognition of the Control System Applied by the Exporting Country Competent Authorities in the Context of Imported Food Control. The decision was made effective the day following its publication in the Egyptian Chronicles – Annex 1: unofficial translation is included herein.

Egypt notified of new halal requirements and procedures for food products. This was disclosed via a Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) third addendum notification to the World Trade Organization (WTO). Neither the notification's commitment to the commenting period nor its entry into force date are specified.

On June 30, Egypt's General Authority for Supply Commodities (GASC) purchased 815,000 metric tons (MT) of wheat in a tender from four countries – France, Romania, Russia, and Bulgaria.

After more than 100 days of the Russian-Ukrainian war, wheat prices have surged almost 60 percent globally, hitting their highest levels in 14 years. Egypt, similar to the rest of the world, has been affected by the impacts of this war, especially since 82 percent of its wheat imports over the last five years originated in Russia and Ukraine.

Egypt reversed the widely criticized mandate by the Central Bank of Egypt for importers to utilize a process where letters of credit would substitute the long-established cash-against-documents process.