Egypt has taken a major step towards implementing the international TIR customs transit system after the Egyptian Customs Authority and the Federation of Egyptian Chambers of Commerce (FEDCOC) signed a guarantee agreement paving the way for its rollout.
Egypt acceded to the TIR Convention in 2020, but the latest agreement provides the final guarantee mechanism required to make the system operational.
It establishes FEDCOC as Egypt’s national TIR association and enables goods to move across multiple borders under a single international customs guarantee.
The system would simplify customs procedures, reduce repeated border inspections and provide a secure framework for international transit, the International Road Transport Union (IRU) said.
TIR could reduce border transit times by up to 92% and lower transport costs by as much as 50%, improving the efficiency of cross-border road freight and regional supply chains, the IRU said.
The agreement is expected to strengthen Egypt’s position as a regional transport and logistics hub by facilitating trade with Arab, African and European markets.
TIR implementation formed part of Egypt’s broader strategy to develop integrated logistics corridors linking ports, dry ports, industrial zones and border crossings, Transport Minister Kamel El-Wazir said.
He said the country was shifting from isolated transport infrastructure projects to connected logistics corridors supporting trade and economic development.
The Egyptian Customs Authority will establish a dedicated department to oversee implementation of the system. The government expects the initiative to reduce truck waiting times at ports and border crossings, improve customs efficiency and enhance the competitiveness of Egyptian exports.
