Trade Route GuideHow to Pay a Chinese Supplier from Egypt (2026): ACI, Banks and Documentary Collection
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Figures last checked: 31/10/2026.
If you import into Egypt, you cannot simply pay a Chinese supplier from Egypt the way a Dubai or London buyer does. The payment has to fit into a system: your importer registration, an ACID number on the Nafeza platform, documents uploaded on CargoX, and a bank that sends the money against a proper import file.
This guide explains that system in plain English: the ACI, the three payment methods Egyptian banks use, what two real bank tariffs charge, the 2026 exchange-rate picture, and three worked examples from USD 3,000.00 to USD 50,000.00.
Short answer: To pay a Chinese supplier from Egypt, register the shipment on Nafeza to get an ACID, have the supplier put that ACID on every document and upload them on CargoX, then pay from your Egyptian bank by T/T, documentary collection or letter of credit under your import file.
In 30 seconds
ACID first: register the shipment on Nafeza before the goods leave China. No ACID on the documents means the cargo can be sent back without unloading.
Your supplier needs CargoX: the Chinese exporter uploads the shipping documents there, at least 48 hours before a ship arrives.
Pay through your Egyptian bank: T/T, documentary collection or letter of credit. Letters of credit have not been mandatory since 29/12/2022.
A foreign company does not change this: goods imported into Egypt still need the Egyptian importer, the ACID and a local bank file.
In this guide: Quick answer · The ACI system and Nafeza · How to pay a Chinese supplier from Egypt step by · Importer registry · Bank transfer, documentary collection or letter · How much do Egyptian banks charge for import pay · Foreign exchange in Egypt in 2026 · What a foreign company does not change · Why do payments from Egypt to China get rejected · Timeline · The documents your bank and customs will check · Worked example · Two more worked examples · By region · Mistakes to avoid when paying a Chinese supplier · Checklist · Key takeaways
Quick answer: the best way to pay a Chinese supplier from Egypt
For most small and medium importers, the answer is a bank transfer or documentary collection from your Egyptian bank, after the ACID is issued. The letter of credit is the safe choice for a large first order with an unknown supplier.
| Your situation | Best method | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Large first order, new supplier | Letter of credit (L/C) | The bank pays only against the agreed documents |
| Regular supplier who accepts payment on documents | Documentary collection (D/P) | You pay when your bank presents the documents; cheaper than an L/C |
| Supplier insists on a deposit | T/T 30% deposit, 70% balance | The common China term; pay the balance after inspection |
| Small repeat order with a trusted supplier | T/T against copy B/L | Fast and cheap, but you carry the risk |
Whatever the branch, every route starts at the same place: the ACID on Nafeza.
Which payment method is safest for an Egyptian importer?
More protection means more paperwork and fees; more speed means you carry more supplier risk.
Who this guide is for, and who it is not for
For: Egyptian companies importing from China for resale or production, and foreign-owned companies registering as importers under the 2026 rules.
Not for: personal online shopping or small courier parcels, which follow courier rules.
Not for: trade that never enters Egypt, such as a Dubai company selling China goods to Europe. For that, read our guide to paying a Chinese supplier from the UAE.
The ACI system and Nafeza: what Egyptian importers must do first
The Advance Cargo Information (ACI) system has been mandatory for sea shipments to Egypt since 01/10/2021, and for air freight since 01/01/2026 (IHK Konstanz; AHK Egypt). It runs on two platforms: Nafeza, Egypt's national single window for trade, on your side, and CargoX, a document-transfer platform, on your supplier's side.
You register the shipment on Nafeza with your data, the exporter's data and the goods, using the proforma invoice.
Nafeza issues the ACID (Advance Cargo Information Declaration number) and sends it to both parties. Validity: three months per the AHK Egypt ACI FAQ, six months per IHK Konstanz; check the expiry on Nafeza.
The supplier puts the ACID on every document: invoice, packing list, certificate of origin and bill of lading. For air, it goes on the air waybill.
The supplier uploads the documents on CargoX: at least 48 hours before the ship arrives (S-GE), or before the aircraft departs.
Carrier and customs check the ACID. Without it, the goods are returned without unloading, at the carrier's cost (AHK Egypt).
You start customs clearance with your broker.
What it costs. CargoX charges the exporter 160 units per sea ACID and 3 units per document, capped at 15 units (CargoX). AHK Egypt states the sea fee as USD 160.00, so one unit is USD 1.00 and a sea shipment costs at most USD 175.00, the figure CargoX itself quotes. For air, CargoX lists 80 units per ACID from 01/01/2026 to 30/06/2026 and does not state the later rate. Exporter verification costs a one-time USD 15.00 (IHK Konstanz). Agree in the contract who carries these fees.
How do I get an ACID number for a shipment from China?
You, or your customs broker acting for you, log in to Nafeza and enter the shipment from the proforma invoice: your importer data, the exporter's details and the goods with their HS codes (AHK Egypt ACI FAQ). Customs issues the ACID within 48 hours (Trade.gov: Egypt import requirements). The ACI service is free, but Nafeza users need an electronic signature token: about EGP 1,000.00 at first and EGP 500.00 a year after, according to AHK Egypt (indicative). Nafeza's support line is 15460.
One ACID per shipment. Each shipment is recorded separately; a master B/L with three house B/Ls gets one master ACID and three house ACIDs (AHK Egypt ACI FAQ). Tell the supplier before they split an order over two ships.
The supplier must be verified on CargoX early. Many Chinese factories have never filed for Egypt; send them the CargoX guide on day one.
Copy names exactly from the supplier's licence to Nafeza, CargoX and your transfer.
Does ACI apply to air freight and courier parcels from China?
Yes for air freight, since 01/01/2026. Express courier parcels have a carve-out: CargoX lists single-parcel express shipments up to 50 kg as exempt (CargoX), and the Dutch government's agricultural network adds a value condition of no more than USD 2,000.00 (Agroberichten Buitenland). On the air deadline, IHK Konstanz says two hours before departure and the Dutch note eight hours; plan for the earlier one.
How to pay a Chinese supplier from Egypt step by step
The full sequence, from first quote to final payment. It also answers how to pay an Alibaba supplier from Egypt: the logic is the same for Alibaba.com, Made-in-China or a trade fair contact.
Check your importer registration and product rules. Confirm your entry in the Importers Register is active and that your HS code does not need GOEIC factory registration.
Verify the supplier. Match the business licence, the company name and the bank account name. Use our Chinese supplier verification checklist.
Request the ACID on Nafeza with the proforma invoice, and send the ACID to the supplier.
Agree the payment method and Incoterm in the contract. FOB or CFR are common for Egypt; see Incoterms explained.
Open the import file at your bank with the proforma, the ACID and the contract.
Pay the deposit (if any) by SWIFT transfer from that file.
Make sure the supplier uploads the documents on CargoX with the ACID on each one, at least 48 hours before arrival.
Pay the balance by T/T, against documents (D/P) or under the L/C, then clear the goods with your broker.
Importer registry: who can import into Egypt
Commercial importing into Egypt requires registration in the Importers Register held by GOEIC under Law No. 121 of 1982. A new executive regulation, Ministerial Decree No. 271 of 2026, took effect on 22/07/2026 (Baker McKenzie; PwC).
General rule: 51% Egyptian ownership. Subsidiaries of foreign companies and companies with less than 51% Egyptian ownership can register for a limited period of up to 10 years in total (Baker McKenzie).
Capital and deposit thresholds depend on the legal form. A 2025 law-firm guide gives EGP 2,000,000.00 paid-up capital plus a EGP 200,000.00 deposit or guarantee for an LLC, and EGP 500,000.00 plus EGP 50,000.00 for a sole proprietorship (Mondaq). Baker McKenzie says the 2026 regulation leaves the main thresholds broadly unchanged; treat the figures as indicative.
Some products also need factory registration: under Decree 43/2016, foreign factories and brand owners of listed goods (food, cosmetics, home appliances, toys, textiles and more) must register with GOEIC (AHK Egypt). Check your HS code before you order.
Bank transfer, documentary collection or letter of credit?
In Egypt, import payments go through licensed banks, and commercial transfers must be supported by documents that justify them (US Trade.gov). Your bank opens an import file, checks the ACID, proforma and later the shipping documents, and sends the money.
From March 2022 the Central Bank of Egypt (CBE) required letters of credit for most imports. On 29/12/2022 it cancelled that requirement and restored documentary collections (Egypt Today). Today you can choose between three methods.
T/T: a SWIFT wire from your bank. Simple and cheap; the risk depends on when you pay.
Documentary collection: the supplier's bank sends the documents to your bank. With D/P (documents against payment) you pay to receive them; with D/A (documents against acceptance) you sign a bill of exchange and pay later. Banks do not check the documents or guarantee payment (Trade Finance Global). In Egypt, documents must come bank to bank; documents sent directly to the buyer are not accepted (US Trade.gov).
Letter of credit (L/C): your bank promises to pay against compliant documents. The strongest protection, and the most paper-heavy.
Can I use Alibaba Trade Assurance from Egypt?
Alibaba.com lists several payment options at checkout, including bank transfer (T/T), and Trade Assurance covers orders paid through the platform (Alibaba.com Trade Assurance: payment). For goods imported into Egypt, the payment still has to leave from your Egyptian bank under an import file, so ask your bank whether it accepts the Alibaba payment instructions and invoice as supporting documents before you check out.
Is a letter of credit required again in Egypt in 2026?
Some payment-platform blogs say the CBE brought back an L/C requirement in 2025. We found no CBE announcement confirming it, and Trade.gov's Egypt import guide (last published 21/11/2025) still describes the 2022 requirement as cancelled (Trade.gov: Egypt import requirements). The same page gives two L/C rules worth knowing:
Do not let the supplier ship before your bank notifies the L/C. Trade.gov warns that goods shipped before the L/C is opened can expose the importer to a fine of up to the value of the goods.
Expect cash cover. The page says the CBE told banks that L/Cs must be covered 100% in cash by the importer, except some food items. The rule is undated on that page, so treat it as indicative and ask your bank.
Rules have changed fast before, so ask your bank which methods it accepts for your HS code when you sign.
How much do Egyptian banks charge for import payments?
Most guides stop at "ask your bank". Egyptian banks publish their tariffs; here are two, checked on 31/10/2026. Emirates NBD Egypt's corporate tariff is dated 29/10/2026 (Emirates NBD Egypt tariff). CIB's trade finance fee sheet carries no date, so treat its figures as indicative (CIB trade finance fees).
| Fee | Emirates NBD Egypt (29/10/2026) | CIB (undated sheet) |
|---|---|---|
| Trade-related outgoing transfer (T/T) | 1.25%, min. EGP 1,000.00 or equivalent, no maximum | Not listed separately |
| SWIFT fee on a foreign transfer | USD 25.00 (corporate, over the counter) | USD 35.00 (international SWIFT, collections) |
| Import documentary collection, sight | 1.25% handling, min. USD 100.00 | 0.75%, min. USD 60.00 |
| Import L/C issuance | 1.25% per quarter, min. USD 100.00 | 1.25% per 3 months, min. USD 50.00 |
| L/C issuance SWIFT | USD 100.00 (full message) | USD 80.00 |
| Discrepancy fee on L/C documents | USD 150.00 | Not shown in our check |
| Form 4 + handling (L/C and collections) | EGP 300.00 + EGP 200.00 (corporate) | Not shown in our check |
Three lessons. At Emirates NBD Egypt the commission is 1.25% for all three methods, so an L/C costs more through SWIFT messages, discrepancy fees and cash cover, not the percentage. Banks differ: on a USD 50,000.00 sight collection, 0.75% is USD 375.00 and 1.25% is USD 625.00. And minimums hurt small orders. Correspondent charges come on top.
Foreign exchange in Egypt in 2026: what to expect
On 06/03/2024 the CBE let market forces set the exchange rate and said it had secured sufficient foreign-currency liquidity (Daily News Egypt). By 24/03/2024 bankers reported that goods held at ports had been released and pending essential import requests financed (Business Today Egypt).
The rate still moves. Ahram Online reported the dollar at EGP 54.56 (selling) on 05/04/2026 amid regional tensions, then about EGP 51.81 on 19/04/2026 (Ahram Online; Ahram Online). On 26/10/2026 the National Bank of Egypt sold at EGP 56.04 and CIB at EGP 56.03 (Arab Finance). That is a rise of 8.16% from the April low in about six months. Practical consequences:
Ask your bank how long FX for your goods takes; banks have at times prioritised essential goods such as food and medicine (US Trade.gov).
Price your sales with a buffer between deposit and balance.
If the supplier wants CNY, ask whether your bank can send it directly.
How much does it cost to send money from Egypt to China?
Three parts: the bank commission (see the tariff table above), SWIFT and correspondent charges, and the exchange margin. For the margin, compare your bank's rate with the CBE's official rates. On 19/04/2026, for example, Ahram Online reported a market sell rate of EGP 51.81, CIB, Banque Misr and the National Bank of Egypt at EGP 51.79, and Banque du Caire at EGP 52.07.
Do you need US dollars first, or can you pay a Chinese supplier in EGP?
Your supplier is paid in foreign currency, usually USD; your bank sells it to you against EGP under your import file. Law No. 88/2003 requires foreign-currency dealing through licensed banks or exchange bureaus (US Trade.gov: Egypt trade financing). Some platforms market EGP-funded payments to China; before using one for goods cleared in Egypt, ask your bank whether it can be linked to your import file and ACID.
Is it legal to pay a Chinese supplier with a card or a fintech app from Egypt?
For commercial imports, the payment should be supported by import documents through a licensed bank (US Trade.gov). A personal card or app payment leaves no import file. Shortcuts also get closed: in January 2016, during an earlier dollar shortage, Western Union transfers from Egypt to China were capped at USD 3,000.00 a day because importers were using them to pay for goods (EFG Hermes One, 13/01/2016). Trade.gov notes many Egyptian banks restricted their cards in October 2023.
What a foreign company does not change
Some importers open a company in Dubai, Hong Kong or the US to pay suppliers more cheaply. That can help with trade outside Egypt (see Hong Kong vs Dubai vs US LLC). But for goods cleared in Egypt:
The Egyptian consignee still needs the importer registration and the ACID.
If your Egyptian company later pays the foreign company, that transfer still needs an Egyptian bank file.
Paying from abroad with no Egyptian bank trail can raise FX and tax questions; ask your bank and accountant first.
Wise or Airwallex (compared in our payment guide) serve a foreign company's own trade, not as a shortcut around Egyptian rules.
Why do payments from Egypt to China get rejected or delayed?
A transfer can leave your bank and still not reach the factory. The usual causes, each with a simple fix before you press "send":
Beneficiary name does not match. It must be the supplier's legal name as on its licence and invoice. A personal account for a company invoice is also a classic fraud sign.
Documents and payment tell different stories. Amount, currency, invoice number and goods description must match the proforma, the ACID and your bank file.
Compliance questions. Banks on the route may ask for the contract or the purpose of payment; answer quickly with the same documents.
Wrong currency. Ask the supplier in writing whether the account takes USD or CNY.
Charges option. With "SHA" or "BEN", intermediaries can deduct fees, so the supplier receives less than the invoice and may hold the goods. "OUR" means you pay those fees (Flywire: OUR, BEN and SHA explained); Emirates NBD Egypt states that correspondent charges then apply on top.
If a payment is stuck: ask your bank for a SWIFT trace (an "investigation") the same day. Emirates NBD Egypt lists EGP 100.00 or USD 20.00 for an outgoing investigation, amendment or cancellation request. Send the supplier the reference so its bank can look too.
Timeline: from proforma to Port Said
The quickest sea route from Shanghai to Port Said is listed at 28 days 6 hours, about 13,909 km (Fluent Cargo, indicative). Production time in the chart is an example only. Request the ACID on day 0: it can take up to 48 hours (S-GE), and the supplier needs it before printing the final documents.
The documents your bank and customs will check
Most delays come from one field that differs between documents. The same names, values, HS codes and ACID must appear on the invoice, packing list, certificate of origin and bill of lading, and match your Nafeza entry and bank file. See import documents explained for each document in detail.
Worked example: a Cairo importer pays a Ningbo factory
Example scenario. A Cairo trading company orders brake pads worth USD 10,000.00 FOB Ningbo from a new supplier, by sea to Port Said. Terms: 30% deposit by T/T, 70% by documentary collection (D/P at sight).
| Step | Who | Amount (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| ACID requested on Nafeza with the proforma | Importer | 0.00 |
| Deposit by T/T after the ACID is issued | Importer's bank | 3,000.00 |
| ACI filing on CargoX (160 + 5 documents × 3, capped at 15) | Exporter, unless agreed otherwise | 175.00 |
| Balance against documents (D/P) | Importer's bank | 7,000.00 |
| Sea freight and insurance (example only) | Importer's forwarder | 1,200.00 |
| Bank charges at the Emirates NBD Egypt tariff (see the breakdown below) | Importer's bank | 206.42 |
| Total before duties and VAT | 11,581.42 |
The bank line (Emirates NBD Egypt tariff, 29/10/2026; EGP fees at 56.04): deposit transfer 1.25% of USD 3,000.00 = USD 37.50 plus USD 25.00 SWIFT; collection handling 1.25% of USD 7,000.00 = USD 87.50, raised to the USD 100.00 minimum, plus USD 35.00 SWIFT; Form 4 EGP 300.00 = USD 5.35 and handling EGP 200.00 = USD 3.57. Total USD 206.42, before any correspondent charges.
The exchange rate matters more than any fee. The USD 10,000.00 of goods cost EGP 518,100.00 at 51.81 (19/04/2026) and EGP 560,400.00 at 56.04 (26/10/2026). On the USD 7,000.00 balance alone, that move adds EGP 29,610.00, far more than all the bank fees. For the full cost after duties, see landed cost of China imports.
Two more worked examples: a USD 3,000.00 first order and a USD 50,000.00 repeat order
Both use the Emirates NBD Egypt tariff dated 29/10/2026, the CargoX fees above and EGP 56.04 per USD (26/10/2026). Freight, duties, VAT and correspondent charges are left out, so you see only the cost of paying.
Example A: a Giza online shop pays USD 3,000.00 for its first order
Example scenario. A Giza online shop orders USD 3,000.00 of phone accessories FOB Shenzhen from an Alibaba.com supplier, by sea: 30% T/T deposit, 70% T/T after a pre-shipment inspection. Three documents go on CargoX; the fee is passed to the buyer.
| Line | Calculation | USD |
|---|---|---|
| Deposit transfer commission | 1.25% × 900.00 = 11.25, below the EGP 1,000.00 minimum (1,000.00 ÷ 56.04) | 17.84 |
| SWIFT fee, deposit | Flat, corporate | 25.00 |
| Balance transfer commission | 1.25% × 2,100.00 | 26.25 |
| SWIFT fee, balance | Flat, corporate | 25.00 |
| CargoX, sea ACID | 160 units | 160.00 |
| CargoX, documents | 3 documents × 3 units | 9.00 |
| Cost of paying | 8.77% of the order | 263.09 |
The goods alone are 3,000.00 × 56.04 = EGP 168,120.00. On a small order, fixed fees and the bank minimum weigh heavily. One transfer instead of two would save a SWIFT fee, but only once you trust the supplier.
Example B: an Alexandria subsidiary of a Dubai group pays USD 50,000.00
Example scenario. An Alexandria distributor owned by a Dubai group, registered under the temporary foreign-ownership route, reorders USD 50,000.00 of spare parts from a known Ningbo factory. It compares a sight D/P with a sight L/C for one quarter. A settlement commission the tariff applies "on a case-by-case basis" is not included.
| Line | D/P at sight | L/C at sight |
|---|---|---|
| Commission, 1.25% × 50,000.00 | 625.00 | 625.00 |
| SWIFT | 35.00 | 100.00 |
| Form 4, EGP 300.00 ÷ 56.04 | 5.35 | 5.35 |
| Handling, EGP 200.00 ÷ 56.04 | 3.57 | 3.57 |
| CargoX, 160 + 5 × 3 (cap 15) | 175.00 | 175.00 |
| Total, USD | 843.92 (1.69%) | 908.92 (1.82%) |
| If the L/C documents have one discrepancy | n/a | + 150.00 = 1,058.92 |
The gap is small at this bank: USD 65.00, or USD 215.00 with one discrepancy. What really separates them is cash: under an L/C the bank may ask for full cover when it opens (indicative, see above). Currency risk dwarfs both: USD 50,000.00 cost EGP 2,590,500.00 at 51.81 and EGP 2,802,000.00 at 56.04, a difference of EGP 211,500.00. The Gulf angle: the Dubai parent could pay the factory from the UAE, but the Alexandria company still needs its ACID and its own bank file for the goods it clears.
By region: how paying a Chinese supplier from Egypt compares with MENA, Europe and the USA
Egypt is one of the most structured markets for China imports. Here is what each region asks before goods arrive, and how free the payment route is.
Gulf (UAE, Saudi Arabia): No currency restrictions in the UAE, where the dirham is fixed at AED 3.6725 per USD (Trade.gov: UAE trade financing). Saudi Arabia sets no limit on fund flows and fixes the riyal at SAR 3.75 per USD (Trade.gov: Saudi Arabia trade financing). See our guides for the UAE and Saudi Arabia. The Saudi hurdle is conformity: customs only clears regulated products logged on SABER (US Trade.gov: Saudi Arabia testing and certification).
North Africa (Morocco, Tunisia): closer to Egypt. In Morocco, banks settle imports without Office des Changes approval, but only after the goods enter the country, and prepayment is capped at 30% of the invoice (Trade.gov: Morocco trade financing). In Tunisia, the bank needs documents confirming shipment before currency leaves (Trade.gov: Tunisia trade financing). Egypt is more flexible on deposits but stricter before arrival. See paying from Morocco.
Europe and the UK: payment is free, but the EU's ICS2 system requires safety data at least 24 hours before sea containers are loaded (AADE: ICS2 general information). It is the closest EU idea to the ACI, but carriers and forwarders file it and it is not tied to your payment. UK declarations go through the Customs Declaration Service, the single platform since 31/03/2023 (GOV.UK: CDS). More in paying from Europe.
USA: the importer files the ISF 10+2 no later than 24 hours before ocean cargo is loaded abroad (West P&I: USA Importer Security Filing). Payment itself is unrestricted; see paying from the USA.
Which payment method for which importer in Egypt?
Most Egyptian importers move from left to right over time: a letter of credit for the first order, then a deposit plus documentary collection, then simple transfers once trust is built. If you are a foreign-owned company, settle your registration first; see Hong Kong vs Dubai vs US LLC for importers for where a holding company can help.
Mistakes to avoid when paying a Chinese supplier from Egypt
Most problems in Egypt are timing: a late ACID, a different HS code on one document, a deposit sent before the bank file is open. Fake bank-change emails are the other big risk.
Before any deposit, verify the supplier and consider a pre-shipment inspection before the balance.
If it goes wrong:
Goods shipped without an ACID: contact the carrier and your broker at once; the shipment may be returned before unloading.
Documents differ: ask the supplier for corrected documents and a new CargoX upload before the ship arrives.
Wrong payment details: ask your bank for a SWIFT recall the same day.
Collection documents refused: under D/P the goods stay under the bank's control; negotiate with the supplier through the banks.
Checklist: before you pay a Chinese supplier from Egypt
Importer registry active and valid for this activity
Product rules checked: HS code, Decree 43/2016 factory registration if listed
ACID issued on Nafeza and sent to the supplier
Supplier verified on CargoX, with who pays the fees agreed
Payment method agreed in the contract and opened with your bank
Names, values and HS codes match on all documents
Bank details confirmed by phone before the first payment
Key takeaways
To pay a Chinese supplier from Egypt, start with the ACID on Nafeza, before any deposit.
Your supplier must upload the documents on CargoX with the ACID on each one.
Pay through your Egyptian bank under an import file; letters of credit are optional since 29/12/2022.
Documentary collection (D/P) is the middle ground between cheap T/T and costly L/C; read your bank's tariff, because commissions and minimums differ (0.75% to 1.25% on a sight collection at two banks).
On a USD 3,000.00 order, the cost of paying can reach 8.77% of the order; on USD 50,000.00 it falls below 2.00%.
Price FX risk into your sales: the EGP cost of a USD balance can move.
A foreign company does not remove Egyptian import rules for goods cleared in Egypt.
Glossary
ACI: Advance Cargo Information, Egypt's pre-registration system for imports.
ACID: the Advance Cargo Information Declaration number issued by Nafeza for one shipment.
Nafeza: Egypt's national single window for trade, used by importers.
CargoX: the platform where foreign exporters upload shipping documents for Egypt.
GOEIC: General Organization for Export and Import Control, which holds the importers register.
D/P: documents against payment; you pay to receive the shipping documents.
D/A: documents against acceptance; you accept a bill of exchange and pay later.
L/C: letter of credit; your bank pays against compliant documents.
OUR / SHA / BEN: the charges option on a SWIFT transfer: you pay all fees, fees are shared, or the beneficiary pays them.
Tariff: a bank's published list of fees and commissions.
FAQ
Do I need an ACID before paying a Chinese supplier? In practice, yes. Your bank works from the import file, and the ACID must be on the supplier's final documents, so request it before the deposit.
How long does it take to get an ACID? Trade.gov says customs issues it within 48 hours of the Nafeza request. Ask as soon as you have the proforma, because the supplier needs the number before printing the final documents.
How long is an ACID valid? Sources differ: three months (AHK Egypt) or six months (IHK Konstanz). Check the expiry on Nafeza; if the goods do not ship in time, request a new ACID.
Who pays the CargoX fee? CargoX charges the exporter who files, up to USD 175.00 for a sea shipment. Many contracts pass the cost to the buyer, so agree it in writing.
Does ACI apply to air freight and courier parcels? Air freight, yes, since 01/01/2026. Single-parcel express shipments up to 50 kg are exempt according to CargoX; a Dutch government note adds a USD 2,000.00 value limit.
Is a letter of credit mandatory again in Egypt in 2026? We found no CBE announcement reviving the requirement cancelled on 29/12/2022, and Trade.gov (last published 21/11/2025) still describes it as cancelled. Some blogs claim otherwise, so ask your bank before you sign.
How much does an Egyptian bank charge for a documentary collection? Emirates NBD Egypt (tariff dated 29/10/2026) lists 1.25% with a USD 100.00 minimum for a sight import collection, plus USD 35.00 SWIFT. CIB's undated sheet lists 0.75% with a USD 60.00 minimum.
Is documentary collection safe for the importer? D/P is fairly safe for you: you pay only when your bank hands over the documents that release the goods. The bank does not check quality, so add a pre-shipment inspection for new suppliers.
How do I pay an Alibaba supplier from Egypt? Choose bank transfer at checkout and pay from your Egyptian bank under an import file, with the ACID requested first. The supplier still files on CargoX.
Can I pay my Chinese supplier with Wise from Egypt? For goods imported into Egypt, payment normally goes through your Egyptian bank with an import file. Check with your bank before using any other route.
Can I pay my Chinese supplier in CNY from Egypt? Some Egyptian banks can send CNY; others only USD or EUR. Compare the total cost of both, including the exchange margin.
What documents does my Egyptian bank need for an import payment? Usually the proforma or invoice, the ACID and your importer registration, then the shipping documents for the balance. Each bank has its own list.
Why did my payment to a Chinese supplier come back? Usually a beneficiary name that differs from the supplier's legal name, a mismatch with the invoice, a compliance question or the wrong currency. Ask your bank for a SWIFT trace and check each field.
Can a foreign-owned company import into Egypt? Under Decree No. 271 of 2026, companies under 51% Egyptian ownership can register for a limited period of up to 10 years in total.
Related guides
- How to Pay a Chinese Supplier: Wise vs Payoneer vs Airwallex
- Import Documents from China: Full Guide (2026)
- How to Verify a Chinese Supplier Before Paying: 12-Point Checklist (2026)
- Landed Cost China Imports: Formula & Examples (2026)
- Setup Route Finder: which company should you open?
This article is for information only. It is not legal, tax or financial advice. Rules, fees and exchange rates in Egypt change; confirm with your bank, customs broker and GOEIC before you pay.
Sources
IHK Konstanz: Egypt ACI pre-registration of cargo (checked 31/10/2026)
AHK Egypt: ACI system, Decision No. 38/2021 (checked 31/10/2026)
AHK Egypt: mandatory ACI for air freight from 01/01/2026 (checked 31/10/2026)
CargoX: Advance Cargo Information Egypt, pricing (checked 31/10/2026)
Baker McKenzie: temporary importer registration for foreign companies (checked 31/10/2026)
PwC: new executive regulation for the importers register (checked 31/10/2026)
Mondaq: import company registration Egypt, GOEIC guide (checked 31/10/2026)
AHK Egypt: registration of manufacturers, Decree 43/2016 (checked 31/10/2026)
Egypt Today: CBE cancels letter of credit requirement (checked 31/10/2026)
Trade Finance Global: CBE ruling on documentary collections (checked 31/10/2026)
Business Today Egypt: all imported goods released from ports (checked 31/10/2026)
Ahram Online: Egyptian pound slides as outflows mount (checked 31/10/2026)
Ahram Online: Egyptian pound stabilizes (checked 31/10/2026)
Fluent Cargo: Shanghai to Port Said transit (checked 31/10/2026)
Alibaba.com: Trade Assurance payment methods (checked 31/10/2026)
US Trade.gov: Saudi Arabia testing, inspection and certification (checked 31/10/2026)
AADE (Greek customs): ICS2 general information (checked 31/10/2026)
CIB: trade finance fees and commission (undated; checked 31/10/2026)
Arab Finance: USD tops EGP 56.00 at local banks on 26/10/2026 (checked 31/10/2026)
US Trade.gov: Egypt import requirements and documentation (checked 31/10/2026)
AHK Egypt: ACI frequently asked questions (checked 31/10/2026)
Agroberichten Buitenland: mandatory ACI for air freight to Egypt (checked 31/10/2026)
EFG Hermes One: Western Union transfers from Egypt to China curbed, 13/01/2016 (checked 31/10/2026)
US Trade.gov: Saudi Arabia trade financing (checked 31/10/2026)
GOV.UK: Customs Declaration Service to become the UK's single customs platform (checked 31/10/2026)