Date of issue: 15 November 2021
Date of effect: Immediate
Reference Number: MAA2021-44 (Dairy), MAA2021-25 (Seafood), MAA2021-19 (NPG)
Attention:
- Industries—Industry bodies – Dairy Australia, Dairy Export Industry Consultative Committee, Infant Nutrition Council and Seafood Export Consultative Committee, Export dairy and seafood establishments, Australian Food and Grocery Council and Australian Honey Bee Industry Council.
- Exporters
- Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment —Central and Regional offices
Purpose
To provide advice on new import process for food and agricultural commodities (including dairy, seafood, honey and other edible non-prescribed goods) exported to Egypt.
Summary of key points
- On 1 October 2021, the Egyptian government implemented the Advance Cargo Information (ACI) pre-clearance system via the Nafeza Customs Single Window System.
- Under this system, importers and exporters are required to lodge shipment data and upload consignment documentation to the Nafeza system. As part of this, a unique ACI identification (ACID) number will be assigned for the consignment. All shipping documentation must include an ACID number for consignment clearance at the port of entry.
- For export certificates, the Egyptian authorities have advised that the ACID number may be applied by the exporter following issuance by the department (such as by an exporter applied sticker label).
The Nafeza Customs Single Window System
Registration
Importers, exporters and/or deputies thereof (delegated customs brokers, shipping agents, freight forwarders or container handling companies) can register under the Nafeza System. Further information on registration can be found at: https://www.nafeza.gov.eg/en#.
System use
It is understood that the following import process will apply under the Nafeza system:
|
Steps |
Responsibilities of commercial parties |
|---|---|
| 1. | The importer inputs consignment shipping data to the Nafeza system |
| 2. | The Egyptian Customs Authority will issue an ACID number and notify the importer and exporter within 48 hours. |
| 3. | The exporter will electronically upload all consignment shipping documentation with the ACID number referenced on all documents to the Nafeza system. |
| 4. | The importer certifies and acknowledges the accuracy of all consignment shipping documentation and data uploaded by the exporter. |
| 5. | The vessel is loaded with the shipment and departs exporting country. |
| 6. | The importer pays import taxes and fees. |
| 7. | The vessel arrives at Egypt port of entry, is inspected by a joint committee and cleared by the Egyptian Customs Authority. |
Application of ACID number to shipping documentation
Exporters must include an ACID number on all consignment shipping documentation. This includes:
- Australian government issued certification
- all commercial export documentation (for example, commercial invoices, packing list, bill of lading and certificate of origin).
Egyptian authorities have advised that the ACID number does not need to be included within government-issued certification (including health certificates) as an information field. However, it must be applied by the exporter following issuance by the department (such as by an exporter applied sticker label).
Copies of all documentation must be uploaded to the Nafeza system with the ACID number. It is understood that ACID numbers are a requirement for consignment clearance at Egypt port of entry from 1 October 2021.
Further information on ACID number requirements for shipping documentation can be found via the Nafeza website.
The department encourages all exporters to work with their importers to ensure that product meets the current importing country requirements.
The Manual of Importing Country Requirements (Micor) will be updated to reflect this MAA. The department encourages users of Micor to subscribe to the Micor update service for a commodity specific email that lists changes that have been made in the preceding week.
This advice has been prepared in consultation with the industry.
The information provided in this advice is current at the time of writing and is intended for use as guidance only and should not be taken as definitive or exhaustive. The Commonwealth endeavours to keep information current and accurate, however, it may be subject to change without notice. Exporters are encouraged to verify these details with their importers prior to undertaking production/exports. The Commonwealth will not accept liability for any loss resulting from reliance on information contained in this notice.