The Egyptian Customs Authority and the National Telecom Regulatory Authority (NTRA) announced the end of the exceptional customs exemption for mobile phones brought by passengers from abroad on Wednesday. Exemptions for phones owned by Egyptians residing abroad and tourists will remain for 90 days. The decision implements the governance system for imported mobile phones, effective from January 2025.
The Egyptian Customs Authority and the National Telecom Regulatory Authority (NTRA) issued a joint statement on Tuesday announcing the end of the exceptional measure that allowed a customs exemption for one mobile phone per passenger, pending the availability of locally manufactured phones not subject to duties.
The governance system for imported mobile phones took effect in January 2025. Its implementation has produced positive outcomes, including the entry of 15 global companies into the Egyptian market for local manufacturing. These firms have a combined annual production capacity of about 20 million devices, surpassing domestic demand.
Mobile phone production in Egypt experienced a qualitative leap in 2025, resulting in wider availability of the latest global models locally. These devices feature diverse specifications and capabilities for all consumer segments and are sold at authorized outlets and official branches of international companies. They are produced by original global manufacturers or under their direct technical oversight, adhering to the same technical standards and international quality norms, at competitive prices.
The authorities highlighted that this progress demonstrates the beneficial effects of regulatory policies, which have generated around 10,000 job opportunities for Egyptian youth, met local demand, and decreased reliance on foreign-made phones.
To ease processes, taxes and fees on phones brought from abroad can be paid via the “Telephony” application or digital methods from banks and e-wallets. A grace period of up to 90 days from initial activation allows regularization before enforcement. Installment payment options will be introduced soon.
The bodies emphasized no retroactive application of taxes and fees to previously exempted devices, and clarified the cancellation of personal phone registration at customs upon arrival.