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13 Jan 2025

Everything you need to know to obtain ACI Number

What is the Advanced Cargo Information (ACI) System?
The Advanced Cargo Information (ACI) system is a modern customs system designed to streamline customs procedures and enhance cargo security. It requires the submission of all cargo data and documents such as the pro forma invoice, purchase order, and preliminary bill of lading (if available) 48 hours prior to the commencement of the shipment process. This procedure allows the relevant authorities to verify the origins of shipments entering Egypt, thereby contributing to the safety and security of its citizens.

When Was the ACI Number First Implemented in Egypt?
The ACI system was implemented in accordance with Article 39 of Customs Law No. 207 of 2020, along with the decisions of Minister of Finance Dr. Mohamed Maait, Nos. 38, 328, 430, and 490 of 2021. A trial run for the ACI system for sea shipments began on April 1, 2021. Later, the system became mandatory in October 2021.
 
What Are the Benefits of the ACI Number?

  • Securing and protecting citizens from any cargo of unknown origin.
  • Reducing the time and cost associated with cargo clearance.
  • Advancing digitization and minimizing the use of paper documents.
  • Enabling the monitoring of the customs certificate via the “Nafeza” platform instead of relying solely on the customs broker.
  • Providing a clear overview of the required inspections for imports based on the customs tariff code (HS Code).
 
Who Are the Stakeholders in the ACI System?

  • The exporter
  • The importer
  • The shipping line or freight forwarder
  • The customs clearance company
  • The bank
 
What Are the Steps to Obtain an ACI Number?

Initially, the exporter must be registered on the Cargo X platform. The importer must then follow several steps before starting the registration process:
  1. Receiving the Pro Forma Invoice:
    The importer obtains the pro forma invoice from the exporter, which includes the value, weight of the goods, and the type of contract.
  2. Document Authentication:
    The importer visits MTS to authenticate the necessary documents.
  3. Obtaining the Electronic Signature Token:
    The importer acquires an electronic signature token (E-Token).
  4. Completing the ACI Number Request:
    The importer uses his account on the Nafeza platform to complete the request for the ACI number, entering the exporter’s details, including the VAT number.
 At this stage, the importer proceeds to create an account on the Nafeza platform. 

  • Creating an Account on Nafeza:
The importer sets up a new account on the Nafeza platform to record important data, such as the importer’s details, exporter’s details, information about the departing shipment, type of contract, and the bank’s Form 4.

  • Entering Shipment Details:
The shipment details are entered using the pro forma invoice or purchase order. The Nafeza platform then sends an email to both the exporter and importer containing the exporter’s details, importer’s details, consignee information, and the required ACI number to be added to the shipping documents.

  • Uploading Shipment Documents:
After the shipment process is complete, the exporter uploads the shipment documents to the Cargo X platform using the ACI number. These documents are then received on the Nafeza platform, where the customs procedures for the shipment begin. 
 
At this stage, it is confirmed that the customs broker is authorized via the Nafeza platform to complete the customs procedures. The broker must also verify the validity of the company documents, which include:

  • The tax card
  • The commercial register
  • The industrial registry
  • The import card
  • The VAT certificate

When Is It Necessary to Obtain an ACI?
An ACI number is required when an importer intends to ship goods by sea or by road (air shipment remains non-mandatory). The ACI must be obtained at least 48 hours before the shipment date.

What Is the Validity Period of the ACI Number?
The ACI number is valid for six months, after which it becomes void.


Is the ACI Number the Same for All Your Shipments?
No, it varies based on the exporter, shipment details, quantities, and other factors.

What Does the ACI Number Consist Of?

  • The client’s tax card (9 digits)
  • The year of issuance
  • The serial number assigned by the Nafeza platform

Can the Invoice Be Submitted After the Cargo Has Shipped to Obtain the ACI Number?
No, it cannot. According to Egyptian customs law, the invoice date must precede the shipment date; otherwise, the shipment will be re-exported.

What Are the Consequences of Not Obtaining an ACI Number?
Failure to obtain an ACI number will result in the shipment being re-exported without any exceptions.

Is the ACI System Global or Specific to Egypt?

The ACI system is specific to Egypt for imported goods. However, some countries, such as Jordan and Libya, have announced that they will adopt a similar ACI system.

What Steps Are Required from the Foreign Exporter?

  • Register on the Cargo X platform.
  • Create an account and upload the company documents and tax card for authentication.
  • Contact the bank for authentication and complete a transfer of USD 220, which is the cost for purchasing document upload units for one ACI number.
  • The cost of one ACI is USD 160.
  • Any additional documents cost USD 3 per document.
  • After completing these steps, the exporter receives a Blockchain Key, which requires a password each time documents are uploaded using the ACI number.
  • Use the account to upload the shipment data in PDF format for each document separately, along with the electronic invoice.

Points to Be Cautious About When Dealing with the ACI System:

  • Ensure that the ACI number appears on all documents.
  • The exporter must upload the documents to the Cargo X platform before the shipment arrives to avoid delay penalties.
  • The customs broker should review the documents uploaded on the Nafeza platform before obtaining the customs certificate or Form 46.
  • Submit a request to the bank through the Nafeza platform to obtain Form 4 if the shipment value exceeds USD 2,000, after the exporter has uploaded the documents to Cargo X.
 
Important Information:
Instead of manually entering your shipment data, you can use the Nowlun – Nafeza browser extension to obtain your ACI number in just three minutes! This is done by uploading an Excel file containing all the required data for your shipment.
Download the Nowlun – Nafeza browser extension from here:  https://bit.ly/40ggNUP 
 
You can watch this video to learn the steps in detail.
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