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Prohibited & Restricted Imports
Last published date:

Prohibited Goods:

  • Items offensive to religious beliefs

  • Asbestos and asbestos brake pads

  • Tuna with genetically modified oils

  • Certain pesticides and chemicals

  • Poultry parts and offal

  • Two-stroke motorcycles
     

More information on prohibited imports:
 

Vehicles

  • Used vehicles generally banned (allowed only if <1 year old).

  • Electric vehicles are exempt from tariffs (Decree 419/2018).

  • Ban on motorcycle CBUs remains.

  • Although the Government of Egypt announced that Egypt accepts U.S. auto standards, this has not been implemented.


Food and Agriculture

  • Poultry: Egypt’s Ministerial Decree No. 766 of 2006 lifted the ban on imports of frozen whole birds from all origins, but the decree does not reference the import of poultry parts and offal as being permissible, so a de facto ban on these products remains. In 2022, Egypt began allowing shipments of chicken leg quarters from the United States on a limited basis.

  • Seed Potatoes: Only California-approved; other states still pending.
     

Medical Equipment

  • Ban on used/refurbished imports.

  • New equipment must:

  • Be certified safe in country of origin.

  • Have an FDA/EU standard approval.

  • Be accompanied by proof of after-sales service availability.


Pharmaceuticals & Supplements

  • Managed by the National Food Safety Authority (NFSA).

  • Multivitamins and supplements may now be approved for import as finished goods.


Used/Refurbished Products

  • Generally restricted. For example, used computers older than five years are banned.

  • Contact the U.S. Embassy in Egypt’s Commercial Section (FCS) for clarification on specific items.