Fast-tracked registration procedures for exporters to Egypt: The Trade Ministry has announced changes to streamline its import registration procedures in a bid to make it easier for overseas companies to export goods to Egypt, it said in a statement Thursday. The amendments will see exporters added to the official trade registry within 15 days of submitting the required documents, which can now be done via embassies rather than only through the General Organization of Export and Import Control (GOEIC), the ministry said.

And better dispute resolution: Grievances submitted by exporters who were removed from or denied approval to the registry will be reviewed and settled within 15 days by a new dedicated committee, the statement reads. Only the president of the GOEIC has the authority to remove exporters from the registry, which will be updated on a monthly basis via the Official Gazette and the General Organization for Export and Import Control’s website.

A (partial) answer to the EU? The EU last year filed a case at the World Trade Organization (WTO) against Egypt’s “arbitrary” registration requirements, alleging that they violate trade rules and are responsible for a 40% fall in European exports to Egypt.

Background: The government in 2016 began requiring some foreign companies to register with GOEIC before exporting goods to Egypt. Registration is currently required for 29 categories of goods, including agricultural and food products, cosmetics, toys, textiles, garments, household appliances, furniture, and ceramic tiles.