Egypt & Saudi Arabia Slash Customs Time to Boost Trade Exchange

Egypt and Saudi Arabia have announced an agreement to reduce customs clearance time for goods between the two nations to just three to four hours, down from the previous three days. This initiative, part of a collaborative effort between the Saudi Zakat, Tax, and Customs Authority (ZATCA) and the Egyptian Customs Authority (ECA), marks a significant step toward strengthening trade and streamlining supply chains across the region.

The agreement centres on the mutual recognition of the Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) programs, which are designed to enhance efficiency and trust in the customs process. As part of this accord, a substantial number of Egyptian exporters will receive accreditation in Saudi Arabia, simplifying their goods' entry into the Kingdom. In return, Egypt will extend similar recognition to Saudi exporters, facilitating the seamless integration of their products into Egyptian markets.

This initiative is expected to boost trade volumes and accelerate export activities, aligning with Egypt’s goal of increasing non-oil trade with Saudi Arabia by 20% in 2025. According to the Egyptian Commercial Representation Service, the target is to elevate trade levels to USD 8.137 billion in 2025, compared to USD 6.781 billion projected for the end of 2024.