ACI & Nafeza Support in Egypt
Al-Rouby Customs coordinates the ACI (Advance Cargo Information) workflow and Nafeza single-window procedures for shipments entering Egypt — supplier document alignment, importer-side registration work, and timeline discipline.
What is ACI and Nafeza in Egypt?
ACI (Advance Cargo Information) is Egypt's pre-arrival cargo declaration requirement: shipment data must be submitted and an ACID number obtained before cargo is loaded. Nafeza is the national single-window platform where the ACI file and customs procedures are processed. Al-Rouby Customs supports importers and suppliers on both sides of this workflow.
ACI has been enforced for maritime imports since October 2021 and became fully mandatory for air freight on January 1, 2026. In practice, ACI turns customs preparation into a pre-shipment activity: files that are complete and consistent before loading clear faster on arrival, while files with mismatches between the ACI data and the actual shipping documents create holds that are expensive to unwind.
How does the ACI process work for shipments entering Egypt?
The importer initiates the ACI submission with cargo details, Egyptian Customs issues the ACID number, the supplier includes the ACID on shipping documents, and the file proceeds through Nafeza into clearance. Al-Rouby coordinates each hand-off so the file stays consistent.
- ACI submission. Cargo details, importer and supplier data are submitted ahead of loading.
- ACID number. A unique 19-digit ACID identifier is issued. The Egyptian Customs Authority strictly mandates that it be clearly printed on both the Bill of Lading and the Commercial Invoice — missing numbers result in immediate rejection at the port.
- Supplier alignment. The foreign supplier receives the ACID and reflects it on the invoice, packing list, and transport document.
- Nafeza processing. The file and documents move through the single window toward arrival and clearance.
- Clearance connection. Our clearance team takes over the same file at the port — no hand-off gap.
What are the most common ACI errors?
The most common ACI problems are late submission, mismatches between ACI data and shipping documents, missing or incorrect supplier details, and the ACID not appearing on the transport documents. All of them are preventable with early preparation.
- Late submission — ACI started after the supplier was ready to load
- Data mismatch — weights, values, or descriptions that differ between the ACI file and the invoice
- Supplier details — incorrect or incomplete exporter information
- Missing ACID — transport documents issued without the ACID number
Deeper background is in our ACI system guide and the ACID number Egypt guide.
What do suppliers outside Egypt need to do for ACI?
Foreign suppliers need the ACID number from the importer, must include it on shipping documents, and must keep their document details consistent with the ACI file. We coordinate directly with suppliers to align documents and timing before cargo moves.
We regularly work with suppliers who have never shipped to Egypt before — explaining what they need to provide, in a form they can act on. If your supplier is unfamiliar with Egyptian requirements, that is exactly what this service is for.
Frequently Asked Questions
Practical answers on ACI timing and responsibility.
As soon as cargo details and commercial terms are fixed — before the supplier loads. Starting ACI late is one of the most common causes of avoidable delay for Egypt-bound cargo.
Yes. We coordinate with foreign suppliers directly — aligning documents, the ACID number, and timing before cargo moves.
Inconsistencies between the ACI file and shipping documents can trigger holds, re-submission, or inspection on arrival. We identify and correct mismatches during pre-shipment review wherever possible.
Need ACI or Nafeza support for a shipment to Egypt?
Share the cargo profile, supplier status, and timing. We will map out the ACI steps and the document work needed before loading.
Request QuoteLast updated: August 29, 2026 · Reviewed by the Al-Rouby customs operations team