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Tuesday, 7 February 2023

Higher personal exemption limits + new taxes on dutyfree alcohol

Customs Law amendments bring changes for travelers: The value of new goods travelers can bring into Egypt has increased and new taxes are being raised on duty-free alcohol, under amendments to the executive regulations of the Customs Law published in the Official Gazette last week.

Limit raised on customs exemptions for new purchases: Tourists and citizens entering the country will now be able to bring up to EGP 15k worth of new purchases for personal use or as gifts, up from EGP 10k previously. The exemption will also apply to purchases from duty-free shops within 48 hours of arrival worth less than USD 200.

Dutyfree booze hit with new tax: The amendments introduce a customs tax on dutyfree alcohol purchases equal to 1% of the bottle’s value or USD 13, whichever is greater. Travelers entering Egypt may now purchase up to two liters of alcohol per person, up from one liter previously.

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