Egypt - Smuggled and Prohibited Goods

The Club has recently been advised by Egyptian Marine Insurance Consultations & Services (EMICS), Alexandria of an increase in the number of occasions where the Egyptian Customs authorities and Police Department have seized prohibited or smuggled goods found inside containers.  

Although cargo interests may be questioned, the Egyptian authorities often deem the shipping company or vessel’s port agent to be responsible who may face heavy fines or possible imprisonment if convicted. However, Egypt’s laws and regulations may also protect shipping companies and their agents, particularly if seals are applied to container doors, the seals are found to be intact on arrival and match the details shown on the Bill of Lading and a “Seals Opening Report” is obtained from Egyptian customs. Full details may be found in EMICS’s circular “Smuggling in Egypt”.    

Members requiring further guidance should contact the Loss Prevention department.