Shipping Cargo to Egypt: Who Is Responsible for Customs Clearance?

Cargo may arrive at an Egyptian port and a dispute may arise over who is responsible for customs clearance and the procedures required for its release.

There is no single answer for every shipment. Responsibility may depend on the sale terms, contract of carriage, bill of lading, and the arrangements between the shipper, importer, charterer and shipowner.

The allocation of responsibility becomes particularly important when failure to complete the required procedures or provide the necessary documents results in delayed cargo release, detention, storage and port charges, or demurrage.

The fact that the shipper is the foreign exporter does not necessarily make it responsible for every procedure required in Egypt. Likewise, the importer's ownership of the cargo does not automatically make it responsible for every risk arising from the vessel or the carriage.

Responsibility should therefore be determined by examining the contracts and documents governing the transaction, delivery terms, bill of lading, charterparty and the nature of the customs procedure in dispute.

This is particularly important for grain, food and strategic commodities, bulk cargo and containerised shipments, where a seemingly procedural issue can quickly result in significant costs if not addressed promptly.