The ACID number is the 19-digit reference that Egypt's NAFEZA system issues for each shipment before it leaves the export country. The importer requests it, the foreign exporter links the shipment documents to it on CargoX, and the carrier shows it on the bill of lading or air waybill. It is valid for six months.
Shipping out of Egypt instead? Exports use a different number: see the UCR number guide.
New supplier? See our CargoX registration guide for the exporter's verification steps, documents and fees.
This guide explains what the ACID number is, why timing matters, and how to coordinate supplier documents. For file-specific help, use ACI and Nafeza support or pre-shipment document review.
What does the ACID number do?
The ACID number connects the import file, supplier documentation, and pre-arrival customs information in the ACI/Nafeza workflow.
- Links the shipment to the ACI/Nafeza process
- Helps align importer and supplier data before loading
- Supports pre-arrival document review
- Reduces confusion when commercial and transport details match
The ACID number is only useful when the documents connected to it are accurate and consistent.
Who is responsible for the ACID?
The importer usually leads the ACI/Nafeza process, but supplier timing and document accuracy are essential. Both sides need clear ownership before shipment.
- Importer registration and file setup
- Supplier invoice and packing list accuracy
- Transport details that match the cargo plan
- Certificates, permits, or banking references when required
Before shipment, pre-shipment document review can catch mismatches that may affect ACID and ACI readiness.
What causes ACID timing problems?
ACID timing problems often happen when supplier documents are late, transport details change, or the import file is treated separately from the wider shipment plan.
- Supplier issues invoice before confirming required details
- Transport document data does not match the commercial file
- ACI work starts too close to loading or arrival
- Importer, supplier, and forwarder do not share one version of the shipment data
ACID planning should connect to customs clearance, freight timing, and final document readiness.
What information is needed to request an ACID?
The importer requests the ACID on Nafeza. Importer data appears automatically; the importer then enters the foreign exporter data and key shipment data, followed by item data, initial bill of lading data if available, and invoice information. Preparing these before the request avoids corrections later.
| Data group | Typical content |
|---|---|
| Importer | Appears automatically from the importer's Nafeza registration |
| Foreign exporter and key shipment data | Entered by the importer at the start of the request, using the details the exporter provides |
| Item data | Customs regime, cargo delivery site / arrival customs, tariff item with item description and country of origin, statistical quantity and weight |
| Initial bill of lading (if any) | B/L number, ports of loading and arrival, shipping company, means of transport, gross and net weight, number of packages |
| Invoice information | Invoice or PO number and date, type of contract, invoice value and currency, exporter's nationality, and the invoice items: tariff item, description, gross and net weight, unit weight, statistical quantity and price |
How should you prepare before requesting ACID support?
A practical ACID review needs the same shipment facts that customs and logistics teams will use later.
- Importer details and registration status
- Supplier details and draft commercial documents
- Cargo description and intended HS code if known
- Shipment mode, loading timing, and expected arrival
- Transport, banking, or certificate requirements that may affect the file
For first-time importers, import support can help organize this information before the supplier finalizes documents.
How does the ACID process differ for sea and air freight?
The ACID and the CargoX document flow are the same for sea and air. The difference is how long each has been mandatory and how much time there is. Sea ACI has been mandatory since 1 October 2021, and the data is due at least 48 hours before shipment. Air ACI has been mandatory since 1 January 2026, and the short time between booking and departure leaves little room for corrections.
Scroll horizontally to compare all columns.
| Aspect | Sea freight | Air freight |
|---|---|---|
| Mandatory since | 1 October 2021 | 1 January 2026 |
| Submission timing | ACI data at least 48 hours before shipment | Before loading; plan the ACID before booking |
| ACID shown on | Bill of lading and manifest | Air waybill and manifest |
| Practical risk | Late supplier documents | No time to fix errors between booking and flight |
What happens if shipment details change after the ACID is issued?
Treat any change to the exporter, quantities, values, HS codes or transport details after the ACID is issued as a reason to stop and check before the cargo ships. Whether the change can be corrected in the existing file or needs a new ACID depends on what changed, so confirm it before loading, not at the port.
| Change after the ACID | What to do |
|---|---|
| Quantities, weights or values change | Before shipment, the ACID data can be amended. After shipment, changes go to Customs as a request when the customs certificate number is obtained |
| A different exporter or seller ships the goods | The trading parties cannot be amended after the ACID is issued. Stop and arrange a new ACID before shipping |
| The ACID is missing or wrong on the B/L / AWB | Ask the carrier to correct the transport document before arrival |
| The shipment is split or consolidated | Check before booking how many ACIDs are needed |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions importers ask before moving cargo into Egypt.
The ACID number is a shipment reference used in Egypt ACI/Nafeza process to connect importer, supplier, shipment, and document information before arrival.
The importer usually leads the process, but supplier documents, transport details, and logistics timing must all be aligned for the ACID process to work smoothly.
Yes. If ACID-related data or supplier documents are late or inconsistent, the customs file may face avoidable delay or rework.
Before shipment, the data can be amended, except the exporter and the importer. After shipment, changes are requested from Customs when the customs certificate number is obtained.
19 digits.
Six months. It can be extended for the same period with the approval of the competent minister or a delegate.
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