Egypt Streamlines Mobile Imports, Encourages Payment via Digital Channels
This momentum reflects the direct positive impact of regulatory policies that have led to the creation of around 10,000 job opportunities for Egyptian youth, as well as meeting the needs of the local market.
In line with implementing the governance system for imported mobile phones, which started January 2025, with a customs exemption for one mobile phone brought by a passenger until locally manufactured phones not subject to customs duties become available, the Egyptian Customs Authority and the National Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Egypt (NTRA ) announce the annulment of the exceptional exemption granted for the imported mobile phone carried by a passenger, effective 12:00 noon on Wednesday, January 21, 2026. The exemption will continue to apply to mobile phones of Egyptians living abroad and to tourists for a period of 90 days.
System implementation actually contributed to 15 international mobile phone-manufacturing brands entering the Egyptian market, with a production capacity of 20 million devices annually, which exceeds the needs of local market. Consequently, mobile phone industry witnessed a qualitative leap across Egypt during 2025, and this was positively reflected on the local production of the latest globally-manufactured models, with diverse features and specifications to suit all segments of citizens. Global mobile phone sets, being produced locally, also contributed to the availability of such devices across all sales outlets and official branches of international brands. These devices are manufactured by the same global producers, or under their direct technical supervision, with identical technical specifications and global quality standards similar to their counterparts abroad, as well as at competitive prices.
This momentum reflects the direct positive impact of regulatory policies that have led to the creation of around 10,000 job opportunities for Egyptian youth, as well as meeting the needs of the local market. Therefore, there is no longer a need to purchase mobile phones manufactured abroad or to continue the exceptional custom-exemption for those devices.
To make payment easier for citizens, taxes and fees imposed on mobile phones imported from abroad can be paid through “Telephony” app., in addition to the digital payment channels available via banks and e-wallets. A 90-day grace period, effective the date mobile phone was activated, will be granted to regularize the status of devices before any regulatory measures are taken. Furthermore, payment of taxes and fees in installments will be made available within the coming period.
Egyptian Customs Authority and NTRA also affirm that these taxes and fees will not be applied retroactively to devices that were exempted prior to the implementation of this decision. Egyptian Customs Authority also informs travelers arriving from abroad that the registration of personal mobile phones at customs offices is canceled, as its purpose no longer exists, and that payment of the due taxes and fees is to be made through the payment channels mentioned above.
