Advance Cargo Information (ACI) / ACID

Shipment Compliance Guide for Egypt (Air & Sea Freight)

What is ACI / ACID? ?

Advance Cargo Information (ACI) is a mandatory pre-shipment data system required by Egyptian Customs for all cargo destined for Egypt by sea and air. Each shipment must obtain a unique ACID number.

The ACID number must appear on:
  • Commercial Invoice
  • Packing List
  • Bill of Lading / Air Waybill
  • All documents submitted through CargoX

No cargo can be loaded or cleared in Egypt without ACID approval.

Roles & Responsibilities

We offer smart solutions to our members; by enabling them to post potential business opportunities online and receive feedback from their overseas agents regarding their interest in business collaboration.

Role Responsibility
Importer (Egypt) Registers shipment on Nafeza and obtains ACID
Exporter / International Forwarder Uploads documents on CargoX linked to ACID
Freight Forwarder / Agent Ensures ACID is clearly printed on all shipping documents
ACI – Sea Freight Procedure

1. Importer registers shipment on Nafeza → receives ACID

2. Importer shares ACID with exporter / agent

3. Exporter/Forwarder registers on CargoX

4. Upload required documents:

  • Invoice
  • Packing List
  • Draft B/L
  • Certificate of Origin (if required)

5. CargoX approval must be obtained before vessel loading

Cargo cannot be loaded without ACI approval.

ACI – Air Freight Procedure
  • Similar steps to sea freight
  • Required documents include: Invoice + Packing List + Air Waybill details

Cargo cannot be uplifted to Egypt without valid ACID.

Required Information for ACID Registration
  • Importer’s Tax ID and full legal details
  • Exporter company registration details
  • HS Code(s)
  • Country of origin
  • Commodity value
  • POL and POD
CargoX Registration & Submission Process

1. Create CargoX account → verify email

2. Upload: Trade License / Commercial Registration + Passport/ID of authorized signatory

3. Account activation after verification

4. Purchase Blockchain Credits

5. Create New ACI Declaration → Enter ACID

6. Upload required documents

7. Submit to Egyptian Customs for review

Important: File names must include the ACID number.

Common Issues & Solutions
Issue Cause Solution
Declaration Data mismatch vs. Nafeza Ensure identical HS codes, values & legal names
Shipment delay Late CargoX submission Submit 48–72 hours before loading
Name discrepancy Different legal name on documents Use exact registered company name
Key Notes for Agents
  • Confirm ACID before issuing AWB / B/L
  • Ensure ACID is printed on all documents
  • Coordinate early with consignee
  • Submission must be completed before cargo departure
CargoX Verification Requirement – Regulatory Update
  • Since October 2021 → ACID mandatory for sea shipments
  • Starting 1 January 2026 → ACID mandatory for air shipments

To comply with customs requirements:

A verified CargoX account is required to issue:

  • MBL + HBL
  • MAWB + HAWB

Without verification → only direct BL/AWB can be issued

→ Not permitted under our operational policy

CargoX Verification Details:

  • Cost: approx. $15 (one-time payment)
  • Process time: 3–7 working days depending on bank

CargoX Official Links: