On November 9, 2020, the Egyptian National Food Safety Administration (NFSA) issued Circular G/TBT/N/EGY/276, issuing Decision No. 7/2020 on a risk-based food import control system. The decision includes the following regulatory requirements:

1. Assess the conditions of the control measures of the competent food authority of the exporting country as part of assessing the compliance of imported food consignments originating from that country;

2. Pre-arrival notification requirements for imported food consignments and pre-arrival handling requirements for possible risk levels related to imported food consignments;

3. Conditions for the release of imported food consignments, including sampling and laboratory analysis, and release requirements after detention.

The decision is planned to take effect on February 13, 2021.

On the same day, the NFSA issued Circular G/TBT/N/EGY/277, issuing the city's decision No. 6/2020 on food import licensing rules. The main contents of the decision are:

1. Standardize the procedures and requirements for obtaining a food import license to Egypt to ensure the safety and compliance of imported food;

2. The decision provides a six-month transition period for food importers currently operating to obtain the required license and register with the NFSA to ensure the smooth progress of trade and avoid any trade interruption.

This measure will require importers to verify the applicability of relevant preventive measures by foreign suppliers and ensure that products have the best traceability, thereby enhancing customs clearance procedures for imported food consignments.

The decision took effect on July 17, 2020.

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