The Egyptian government has announced the end of the exceptional customs exemption for mobile phones carried by passengers, effective 12:00 PM, Wednesday, January 21, 2026. This decision follows the successful expansion of Egypt’s local mobile manufacturing sector, which now offers high-quality devices at competitive prices.
Therefore, there is no longer a need to purchase mobile phones manufactured abroad or to continue the exceptional custom-exemption for those devices.
To make payment easier for citizens, taxes and fees imposed on mobile phones imported from abroad can be paid through “Telephony” app., in addition to the digital payment channels available via banks and e-wallets. A 90-day grace period, effective the date mobile phone was activated, will be granted to regularize the status of devices before any regulatory measures are taken. Furthermore, payment of taxes and fees in installments will be made available within the coming period.
Egyptian Customs Authority and NTRA also affirm that these taxes and fees will not be applied retroactively to devices that were exempted prior to the implementation of this decision. Egyptian Customs Authority also informs travelers arriving from abroad that the registration of personal mobile phones at customs offices is canceled, as its purpose no longer exists, and that payment of the due taxes and fees is to be made through the payment channels mentioned above.
For more information, contact the hotline of “Telephony” on 15380
WhatsApp:
01033151553
01152118155
01501592162
01200038580
