Egypt targets 2 days maximum custom clearance time, but how?

In a bold move to elevate its position as a regional logistics powerhouse, Egypt is targeting a dramatic reduction in customs clearance time—bringing it down to just two days by the end of 2025. The initiative, announced by newly appointed Customs Authority head Ahmed Amawi, marks a major push to streamline port operations, boost supply chain efficiency, and attract new waves of foreign investment.

This isn’t just an administrative tweak. It’s a strategic pivot that signals Egypt’s intent to compete more aggressively on the global trade stage, as delays at ports have long hampered business confidence and raised costs for importers and exporters alike.

From bottlenecks to breakthroughs in port logistics

Amawi’s announcement came during a hands-on field visit to Alexandria and Dekheila Ports—two of the country’s busiest gateways—where he met with customs personnel and inspected logistics facilities. “We are committed to achieving this target together,” he told officers on the ground. “Reducing clearance times will directly lower production costs and enhance Egypt’s competitiveness.”

The site visits were not just ceremonial. They symbolized a deeper shift toward field-based leadership and responsive implementation—a hallmark of the new administration’s approach to customs reform.

Digital transformation takes center stage

Central to Egypt’s customs overhaul is full digitalization of procedures and real-time integration of data across agencies. Amawi made clear that achieving the two-day benchmark won’t come from minor process tweaks but through sweeping technological and operational upgrades.

This includes integrating digital databases, automating risk assessment, and fast-tracking electronic approvals—all designed to cut red tape and eliminate the delays that have long plagued the system.

Building investor confidence through efficient trade

Finance Minister Ahmed Kouchouk, who has championed the reform push, sees efficient customs clearance not just as a logistics issue but as a core lever for economic growth. His directives emphasize building trust with the private sector by creating a more predictable and transparent regulatory environment.

A recent wave of customs facilitation reforms reflects this thinking, streamlining documentation requirements, clarifying tariff procedures, and strengthening inter-agency coordination.

On the ground, signs of real progress emerge

During his tour, Amawi visited key logistical hubs, including the Tahya Misr terminal in Alexandria and the hazardous materials zone at Dekheila Port. He praised the improvements already underway, noting visible enhancements in workflow and interdepartmental coordination.

He characterized the current moment as a “transformative phase” for Egypt’s customs sector—driven not just by ambitious timelines but by executable plans and proactive engagement with stakeholders.

Positioning Egypt as a logistics and trade nexus

As global supply chains continue to evolve, Egypt’s strategic location offers it a natural advantage. By improving customs clearance and minimizing delays, the country could become a more attractive node in regional and international trade routes.

The two-day clearance target is not simply about speed—it’s a signal to investors, exporters, and global shipping firms that Egypt is serious about reform, modernity, and economic competitiveness.

If the plan stays on track, 2025 could mark a turning point where Egypt's ports move from being a pain point in trade to a powerful asset for the country’s broader development goals.