Required Report - public distribution

**Date:** 7/31/2008

**GAIN Report Number:** EG8015

E

**Egypt**

FAIRS Country Report

**Annual**

2008

**Approved by:**

![](media/image1.wmf)Peter Kurz

#### U.S. Embassy

**Prepared by:**

Chris Rittgers & Salah Mansour

**Report Highlights:**

The following sections have updated information:

Section I

Section VII

Section VIII

Section IX

Includes PSD Changes: No

Includes Trade Matrix: No

Annual Report

Cairo \[EG1\]

\[EG\]

Table of Contents

[Disclaimer 3](#disclaimer)

[Section I. Food Laws 3](#section-i.-food-laws)

[Section II. Labeling Requirements
6](#section-ii.-labeling-requirements)

[Section III. Packing and Container Requirements
8](#section-iii.-packing-and-container-requirements)

[Section IV. Food Additive Regulations
8](#section-iv.-food-additive-regulations)

[Section V. Pesticide and Other Contaminants
10](#section-v.-pesticide-and-other-contaminants)

[Section VI. Other Regulations and Requirements
11](#section-vi.-other-regulations-and-requirements)

[Section VII. Other Specific Standards
13](#section-vii.-other-specific-standards)

[Section VIII. Copyright and Trademark laws
15](#section-viii.-copyright-and-trademark-laws)

[Section IX. Import Procedures 15](#section-ix.-import-procedures)

[Appendix I. Governemnt Regulatory Agency Contacts
16](#appendix-i.-government-regulatory-agency-contacts)

[Appendix II. Other Import Specialist Contacts
19](#appendix-ii.-other-import-specialist-contacts)

[Appendix III. Import Tariff 20](#appendix-iii.-import-tariff)

[Appendix IV. Shelf-Life and Packaging Standards
21](#appendix-iv.-shelf-life-and-packaging-standards)

# Disclaimer

This report was prepared by the Office of Agricultural Affairs of the
USDA/ Foreign Agricultural service in Cairo, Egypt for U.S. exporters of
domestic food and agricultural products. While every possible care was
taken in the preparation of this report, information provided may not be
completely accurate either because policies have changed since its
preparation, or because clear and consistent information about these
policies was not available. It is highly recommended that U.S. exporters
verify the full set of import requirements with their foreign customers,
who are normally best equipped to research such matters with local
authorities, before any goods are shipped. FINAL IMPORT APPROVAL OF ANY
PRODUCT IS SUBJECT TO THE IMPORTING COUNTRY'S RULES AND REGULATIONS AS
INTERPRETED BY BORDER OFFICIALS AT THE TIME OF PRODUCT ENTRY.

## Section I. Food Laws

**Recent laws:**

**Tariff:**

A. in April 2008, Presidential Decree No. 103 for 2008 was issued to
reduce the customs tariff for some imported products including: butter,
dairy spreads, cheese, milk for nursing infants, milk substitutes, rice,
and soybean oil.

**Rice Exports:**

B. Following the sharp increase in rough rice prices in the first
quarter of 2008, Egypt decided to halt rice exports for six months
beginning April 1, 2008.

**GMO Corn:**

C. On March 2008, the Ministry of Agriculture approved decisions made by
the National Biosafety Committee and Seed Registration Committee to
allow for commercialization of a genetically modified BT Corn variety
(MON810). This marks the first genetically modified crop approved for
domestic planting in Egypt.

**Cattle & Meat:**

D. Trade in live cattle has been restored, after a new protocol for
testing for bovine leucosis was agreed upon, which will allow the first
shipment of live dairy cattle to come to Egypt in some time.

E. In 2007, the Egyptian government lifted the ban on imports of
pregnant heifers from Canada and Denmark

F. In 2005, Egypt partially lifted its Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy
(BSE) - related import ban by allowing boneless beef and selected bovine
offals (e.g. livers, hearts, and kidneys) from animals less than 30
months of age. In addition, with the exception of the United States,
Egypt required that beef come from countries free of BSE. This ban had
been in place since December 2003, when a single case of BSE was
discovered in the United States. In addition, the GOE eliminated its
restriction on the imports of frozen beef cuts with a fat content of
more than seven percent. The restriction had been in place since 1995 as
a health protection measure, although this requirement was not applied
to local producers.

G. In October 2007, Egypt opened its market to Canadian boneless beef
and offals under 30 months of age.

H. in 2008 Egypt announced that it will accept beef offals from animals
slaughtered in the U.S. but originating in Canada and Mexico.

I. Pet food that has ruminant materials is still banned

J. All imported meat must be certified halal. The beef must come from
plants on an approved list.

**Poultry & Products:**

K. In July 2006, GOE allowed for imports of whole broilers at zero duty,
and day old chicks, but left the ban on poultry by-products. As the U.S.
is not generally competitive in whole broilers, only trade in Brazilian
product has occurred. Furthermore, the requirement that GOE officials
review for halal all shipments at processing plants further erodes
opportunities for U.S. whole broiler exports to Egypt.

L. Imports of poultry parts are still banned.

M. In 2008, Egypt has agreed to allow the import of poultry byproduct
meal, which has been banned for several years due to concerns about
Avian Influenza in the U.S. and the possible contamination of BSE.

**General conditions**:

A.  The process of inspection and certification of imported goods is
    centralized under the General Organization for Export and Import
    Control (GOEIC) located in the Ministry of Trade and Industry. There
    are representatives from other ministries such as, the Ministry of
    Agriculture and the Ministry of Health monitoring the inspection
    process. Release certificate is not issued unless all authorities
    approve the consignment and hence GOEIC issues a release or approval
    certificate.

B.  It often takes about two weeks for the product to complete all
    customs formalities. The rejection of a product for any reason
    quickly throws the consignment "off track," or as one importer puts
    it, "into a loop". Getting the product out of the loop and back on
    track is both time consuming (occasionally in excess of 3 months or
    more) and expensive. There are no guarantees or assurances in
    appealing a rejection. In the end, authorities may still refuse to
    clear the product.

C.  According to Ministry of Trade and Industry decree \# 285 for 2006,
    product must arrive at the port of entry with the following periods
    remaining of its established shelf life, otherwise the consignment
    will be rejected:

    -   3 months minimum for products that have shelf life of more than
        6 months

    -   One month minimum for the products that have shelf life of 3-6
        months

    -   One week minimum for the products that have shelf life of less
        than 3 months

    -   3 days minimum for the products that have shelf life up to 10
        days.

> The shelf life of a product is calculated from the date of production
> until the date of completion of all customs procedures and import
> certification at the Egyptian port of entry. Exceptions to the above
> include corn seeds and green coffee, as long as the seeds being
> imported were harvested during the same year of importation.

D.  The Egyptian Organization for Standardization and Quality Control
    (EOS) in the Ministry of Trade & Industry has sole responsibility
    for establishing, adopting and publishing food standards and codes
    of practice. While the EOS issues all product standards, it is the
    responsibility of the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Trade
    and Industry to apply those standards. Anyone who wants to have a
    new specification established and included on the list of approved
    Egyptian specifications must present proof that the desired
    specification standard already exists and is approved for use in
    some other "acceptable" country.

E.  In cases where no mandatory Egyptian standard exists, the Codex
    standards are acceptable. In the absence of an Egyptian or
    international standard, authorities often refer to the Analysis
    Certificate accompanying the product. If no suitable standard exists
    for a product, a committee may be formed to develop a new standard.
    However, it may take up to two years or more for the new standard to
    be implemented after it is approved.

F.  Egyptian authorities claim that all product standards and
    requirements applied to imported food are identical to those
    applicable to domestically produced products. In fact, Egyptian
    authorities are stricter in enforcing product standards on imported
    food products than on locally produced food products. If a local
    product standard for a specific imported item does not exist,
    Egyptian authorities may apply the standard for that product used in
    the country of origin. Importers report that they frequently
    encounter problems because of ill-defined product standards. All
    product specifications used in Egypt include the following
    information:

\- Name of product

\- Ingredients

\- General provisions governing the condition of the product

\- Specifications

\- Packaging and labeling statements

\- Means of testing and analysis

\- Production dates

\- Authorities setting the standard for the product

After a product standard is approved, the Egyptian Organization for
Standardization and Quality Control assigns it an identification number.
The number also includes the year in which it is announced (e.g.,
1812/2008).

Some modifications to regulations are announced in the "Official
Gazette." Others are implemented without official notification. Once a
ministerial rule (e.g., decree, law, etc.) is issued, importers are
strongly advised to periodically check with the various government
clearing authorities to see if it has been amended (for example, by
internal memoranda). Laws often change and invariably take effect as
soon as they are announced.

The Institute of Nutrition under the Ministry of Health is responsible
for registering and approving all specialty and dietary foods. Importers
are required to submit a form in order to obtain a license for dietary
products. The validity period of the license varies from 1 to 5 years
depending on the product. After the expiration date of the license, the
importer has to submit a new request for license renewal. It takes 4 to
6 months to register a product. The renewal of the license costs about
\$500. However, if a similar local dietary product is available in the
market, registration for an imported product is not approved.

G. The following tests are mandatory on all imported food products upon
arrival:

\- Laboratory tests and analyses by the Ministry of Health

\- Ministry of Agriculture veterinary inspection of dairy, fish, meat,
and poultry products

\- Labeling and product compliance with the Egyptian Standards enforced
by the General Organization for Export and Import Control (GOEIC) of the
Ministry of Trade and Industry.

All tests are conducted in government laboratories. Tests and analyses
by private laboratories are not permitted or acceptable.

Tests and analyses are conducted to assure that the product is fit for
human consumption, free from contagious diseases, and in compliance with
Egyptian product specifications.

Since inspection is now centralized in GOEIC, a committee is formed with
representatives from the Ministry of Agriculture, Health, and GOEIC.
Each ministry performs its analysis on the same product sample and
issues its results to GOEIC. If one ministry rejects the product, GOEIC,
in turn, also rejects the product.

The number of samples withdrawn has been reduced as a result of
centralizing the inspection process with GOEIC. Importers are supposed
to be notified of all test results within 7 days after samples have been
drawn. However, for canned products, mineral water, and frozen products,
tests results must be submitted within 14 days after samples have been
drawn.

H. A product may be rejected for the following reasons:

\- Not fit for human consumption

\- Incorrect labeling

\- Prohibited colors, additives, or preservatives

\- Incorrect or missing certificates (however, authorities usually allow
importers extra time to submit corrected documents)

\- Failure to comply with Egyptian product specifications

\- Less than 50 percent of the established shelf life remains for the
product

If a product is rejected, it may be:

-   re-exported from the port of entry.

> **or**

-   confiscated at the port of entry.

If the rejection is due to unsatisfactory laboratory tests, the importer
has the right to have the product re-tested three times. The appeal for
reconsideration should be submitted to GOEIC within seven days.

## 

# Section II. Labeling Requirements

## 

Egypt requires restrictive labeling for imports of food products. In
addition to the foreign language, all information must also be written
in Arabic. Arabic language is mandatory. Any contradiction between the
English and Arabic dates may lead to product rejection. Labels can be
printed on the package or be of a permanent adhesive type. Products
cannot show more than one date of manufacture or expiration on the
package. For example, goods have been rejected if the inside package has
a different date than the outside carton. Information on the label
cannot be erased, scratched, or altered in any way. Requirements are
more restrictive for meat and poultry products.

All labels must include the following information:

\- Name and address of manufacturer

\- Brand or trademark, if appropriate

\- Country of origin

\- Type of product and grade

\- Name and address of importer

\- Production and expiration dates. These dates may be mentioned
separately on the top of the package. They can be applied by laser,
imposed, or printed. In such cases, there is no need to repeat them on
the label.

\- Product use instructions (optional)

\- Product ingredients

\- Storage instructions or temperature

\- Net weight

\- Gross weight and total number of the packages per case or carton

\- If the product contains preservatives, the percentage of each
preservative should be indicated

\- If the product is meat or poultry, the following statement must
appear: "slaughtered according to the Islamic ritual" or "Halal
slaughtered"

However, the following items are exempted from the labeling obligation:

\- Small items whose greater surface is 10 cm square or less.

\- Milk and beverage packs whose quantity is 200 milliliters or less.

\- Wrapped dried sweets (candy, jelly candy, toffee, etc. and fun size
chocolates sold by

weight (kilogram or lb.) not by bar as these are considered unpacked
product.

**Ministerial Decree No. 120 of 2006**

# 

# In Feb 2006, the Minister of Trade and Industry issued decree No. 120 for 2006 stating that products for frozen beef must be packed in sealed bags according to sanitary standards. A printed label must be inserted inside the poly bag with the following information in Arabic language:

# Country of origin

# Producer's name

# Name of the slaughterhouse

a)  Date of slaughter

b)  Importer's name and address

c)  Name of the entity that supervised the slaughtering process
    according to Islamic rules.

Such entity must be approved by the Commercial Office of the Egyptian
Embassy (or Consulate) in the country of origin.

After the complaints of the importers that such requirements will
increase their cost by \$50/ton, the Minister issued new requirements to
simplify the labeling requirement for imported frozen beef and beef
products. Imported products no longer have to be packed in labeled
plastic bags. The new guidelines now only require that a label be
inserted into clear plastic bags. The inserted label should include
country of origin, date of production, and expiration date.

Labels can be printed on the package or be of a permanent adhesive type.
Products cannot show more than one date of manufacture or expiration on
the package. Information on the label should not be altered in any way.

The package label must show the production and expiration dates without
the use of codes. For example,

Day \-- Month -- Year may be used for food products for which the
expiration period is 6 months or less.

Month \-- Year may be used for food products for which the expiration
period exceeds 6 months.

There are no specific size or placement requirements for labels.
However, labels with all required information must be placed on every
package weighing 50 grams or more.

## 

# Section III. Packing and Container Requirements

Egypt has no special packaging or container size requirements,
regulations, or preferences. There is no special Municipal Waste
Disposal Laws or product recycling regulations and there are no
restrictions or limitations on the use of any packaging materials like
PVC.

## Section IV. Food Additive Regulations

A. Artificial Colors

The Ministry of Health issued decree number 73 of 2001, which mandates
that colors used on the inner and outer package should not be harmful to
human health and should be fixed. If the color could be easily altered,
its use is not permitted.

On October 1997, the Ministry of Health issued Decree No. 411 increasing
the number of artificial colors allowed in food products. The following
colors are permitted:

\- Curcumin

\- Riboflavin: lactoflavin

\- Riboflavin-5-phosphate

\- Tartrazine: FD & C yellow no. 5

\- Quinoline yellow

\- Sunset yellow FCF: FD&C yellow no. 6

\- Carmines: cochineal extract

\- Carmoisine (azorubine)

\- Ponceau 4 R: cochineal red A, new coccine

\- Red 2 G: azogeranine

\- Allura Red AC: FD&C, red no. 40

\- Indigotine: FD&C, blue no. 2

\- Brilliant blue FCF: FD&C, blue no. 1

\- Chlorophylls and chlorophyllins:

\- Chlorophylls

\- Chlorophyllins

\- Copper complexes of chlorophylls and Chlorophyllins

\- Copper complexes of chlorophylls

\- Copper complexes of Chlorophyllins sodium and potassium salts

\- Fast green FCF: FD&C, green no. 3

\- Plain caramel

\- Caustic sulphite caramel

\- Ammonia caramel

\- Sulphite ammonia caramel

\- Brilliant black PN

\- Brown HT: chocolate brown HT

\- Carotenes

\- Mixed carotenes

\- Beta carotene

\- Annatto extracts (bixin, norbixin)

\- Paprika extract, paprika oleoresins

\- Lycopene; gamma carotene

\- Beta-apo-8-carotenal

\- Ethylester-beta-apo-8-Caro

\- Lutein: xanthophylls

\- Beetroot red (beet red)

\- Anthocyanins

\- Grape skin extract

\- Calcium carbonate

\- Titanium dioxide

Acceptable artificial colors are not always allowed in all food
products. Exporters should check with the Ministry of Health to verify
the acceptability of any food coloring.

There are no exceptions to the regulations governing food colorings. The
scientific name of the color ingredient and the percentage of
concentration must be indicated on the Analysis Certificate. Egyptian
authorities will not allow a product to be imported if it contains an
unauthorized color, even if the use of the color is acceptable in
another country.

**Natural Colors**

The following natural colors extracted from fruits and plants are
approved:

For fruit juices, concentrate, powders:

\- Berries, currants (black currents)

\- Citrus fruits

\- Drupes (cherry, plum, and prunes)

\- Melon family

\- Rose hips (hipberries)

\- Tomato

\- Pineapple, mango, kiwi

For vegetables, vegetable juice and powder:

\- Pulses (pea flower)

\- Carrot

\- Cabbage

\- Beetroot

\- Spinach

\- Netles (Utrica)

\- Alfalfa

\- Yellow and red turnip

\- Sweet potato

\- Capsicum varieties (cayenne pepper)

For cereals, fermented and roasted:

\- Maize

\- Purple corn

\- Rye

\- Barley

For spices, herbs, and flavorings:

\- Saffron

\- Sandelwood (red)

\- Carthamus red, yellow (safflower)

\- Paprika

\- Sage

\- Parsely

\- Shallots

\- Violets

\- Burdock

**Others:**

\- Malt

\- Molasses

\- Yeast

\- Cocoa

\- Coffee

\- Egg yolk

\- Carob flour

\- Liquorice

\- Honey

\- Burnt Sugar

\- Hibiscus

\- Tea

\- Mate

\- Crustacea

\- Nuts

\- Mushrooms

B. Preservatives

All preservatives must be identified along with the allowed
concentration expressed as a percentage in parts per million calculated
on the acid base. Ministerial Decree No. 478 of 1995 issued by the
Ministry of Health lists all acceptable preservatives and concentrations
levels.

C. Flavorings

The Ministry of Health does not maintain a list of approved flavorings.
However, all flavorings accepted under CODEX or WHO also are approved
for use in Egypt.

# Section V. Pesticide and Other Contaminants

Regulations governing pesticides, pesticide registration and use are the
responsibility of the Ministry of Agriculture. The Central Labaratory of
Residue Analysis of Pesticides & Heavy Metals in Food is charged with
analyzing pesticides and chemical contaminants in foods. The Lab also
makes recommendations to the Ministry of Agriculture on matters
pertaining to pesticide legislation and regulations. Following are the
registration Procedures for Pesticides in Egypt:

All pesticides must be registered before they can be used. The
registration process includes the following:

\- An application submitted to the Pesticides Committee (PC) of the
Ministry of Agriculture showing the following information:

\- Registration certificate valid for the country of origin.

\- Toxicological data prepared by the FAO/WHO Joint Meeting on Pesticide
Residues (JMPR).

\- Copies of all environmental impact studies.

\- Field and laboratory evaluation results and recommendations.

\- Label.

Upon review, the PC refers the application to the Recommendation
Committee, which sets the recommended usage rates.

The Recommendation Committee then forwards the application to the
Research Station for field evaluations and monitoring.

The Pesticides Committee includes representatives from:

\- The Ministry of Health

\- The Central Laboratory for Pesticides

\- The Environmental Affairs Agency

Egyptian standards for pesticide residues in food are derived from FAO
and WHO standards. It is a criminal offense to sell food or bottled
drinking water containing pesticides, heavy metals or mycotoxin in
excess of the Maximum Residues Limits (MRL) set by these organizations
for those products.

## Section VI. Other Regulations and Requirements

Food Certificates

A number of certificates are required for all imported food products:

-   Certificate of Origin

-   Health Certificate

-   Veterinary Certificate (for meat, poultry, fish and dairy products)

-   Islamic Halal Certificate, "if applicable"

-   Temperature Certificate (for frozen, deep frozen and chilled
    products)

-   Analysis Certificate, "if applicable"

-   Weight and packing certificate

All the above certificates should be countersigned by the Chamber of
Commerce and notarized by the Egyptian Embassy or Consulate in the
country of origin.

Importers must present ONE set of all import documents to the General
Organization for Export and Import Control.

The certification requirements for imported food products differ
according to the product. For example, special veterinary certificates
are required for meat, poultry, fish and dairy products. If the product
is further processed in another country during transit, the appropriate
certification may be executed in the country where additional processing
is done.

On July 10, 1997, the Ministry of Agriculture issued a Ministerial
Decree No. 1647 stipulating the following (additional) conditions
related to the importation of meat and live animals:

An importer must submit a request to the General Administration for
Veterinary Services indicating: a) the number of animals or type of and
meat being imported; b) country of origin; c) shipping port; d) expected
date of shipment arrival; and e) means of transportation.

The General Administration for Veterinary Services examines the request
according to the epidemiological status of the country of origin. If the
epidemiological status permits importation, the importer is issued a
permit. The permit is valid for one month. The importer can renew the
approval if importation does not occur within one month. No fees are
charged for the approval permit.

Also, in November 1997, the Ministry of Trade and Supply issued Decree
No. 465 adding new requirements to the importation of poultry and meat
products.

Special Requirement for Poultry and Meat Products:

\- Products must be shipped directly from the country of origin to
Egypt.

\- Products must be packaged in appropriate bags as required by the
Egyptian standards. Labels must be inserted *inside* the package as well
as on the outside carton (see Labeling Section).

Release by the veterinary authorities depends heavily on the veterinary
pre-approval license. If there is any discrepancy between the
pre-approval license and the shipping documents, the product will be
rejected. Importers should be completely familiar with all of the
information required for the pre-approval license and instruct their
suppliers accordingly. Importers should check with the Veterinary
Authority of the Ministry of Agriculture for more information and
instructions.

A number of other certificates are also required for animal products:

\- Islamic Halal Certificate

\- A Certificate of Origin showing the name of the exporting country,
number of parcels, type of meat, date of inspection, production and
expiration dates, name of exporter, port of entry, and name of
consignee.

\- A Veterinary Certificate issued in the country of origin indicating
that the animals used in making the product were examined before and
after slaughter, and that they are free from contagious diseases.

\- In the case of frozen meat, a certificate assuring that a temperature
of -18 degrees Centigrade was maintained before export, and that each
piece was wrapped in accordance with accepted international packaging
standards.

Batch Number Certificates

Batch Number Certificates (BNC) are required for all food products in
order to facilitate product sample withdrawal. Each batch will be
considered as a different item for sample withdrawal purposes.

Samples will be drawn from each batch having different production and
expiration dates. Products with different dates are considered to be
different items and should be identified as such on the Release
Certificate and Batch Number Certificate.

Product Sampling

All product samples should be representative of the consignment and
should be drawn during the unloading process. A committee is formed to
withdraw random samples (i.e., the Physical Examination Committee, see
Section 3.4). One representative sample (specified in size) is drawn
from each consignment and respective inspection agencies have that
sample for testing. However, each agency conducts its own laboratory
tests. Tests maybe conducted by 3 different laboratories.

Cleanliness must be assured when samples are taken to avoid
contamination. Also, the committee is supposed to take the necessary
steps to assure the soundness of the product samples while they are
being transported to the laboratory for analysis. All sample information
is indicated on the Form of Examination Results.

According to Decree No. 232 of 1996 issued by the Ministry of Health,
the following provisions are to be taken into consideration when samples
are withdrawn:

\- the consignment should be treated as a single shipment;

\- the samples should be divided according to batch sizes and type of
product;

\- the samples should be distributed among the laboratories so as to
avoid repetition;

\- all label information should be presented on the "Sample Analysis
Form."

If a consignment is imported from various origins or product sources,
each should have a distinctive and confidential number.

# Section VII. Other Specific Standards

## 

The following is a partial list of ministerial decrees and laws, which
affect the importation of food products:

**PRESIDENTIAL DECREES**

-   Presidential decree No. 103 of 2008 reducing maximum tariff rates on
    some products.

-   Presidential decree No. 39 of 2007 reducing maximum tariff rates.

-   Presidential Decree No. 106 of 2000 centralizing the process of
    inspection and certification of imported products under GOEIC.

-   Presidential Decree No. 250 of 1999 banning some products from the
    EU.

-   Presidential Decree No. 243 of 1998 reducing maximum tariff rates.

-   Presidential Decree No. 619 of 1998 for importation of durable and
    non-durable goods.

**MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE**

-   Law 82 of 2002 for Plant Variety Protection

\- Ministerial Decree No. 3007 of 2001 for Plant Quarantine

-   Ministerial Decree No. 1073 of 1998 for Leucosis

-   Ministerial Decree No. 9 of 1997 for meat importation.

-   Ministerial Decree No. 1647 of 1997 for issues related to the
    importation of meat and live animals.

-   Ministerial Decree No. 874 of 1996 forbidding testing, importation,
    usage of pesticides classified as "B" and "C."

-   Ministerial Decree No. 25 of 1982 for product sampling.

**MINISTRY OF TRADE & INDUSTRY**

-   Ministerial Decree No. 434 for 2008 for shelf life periods for the
    food products

-   Ministerial decree No. 285 for 2006 for the periods remaining in the
    established shelf life for the imported food products.

-   Ministerial decree No. 2613 of 2008 Parts A&B regarding the general
    conditions of the shelf life periods for food products (part A) and
    shelf life periods (Part B)

-   Ministerial Decree No. 120 for 2006 for new labeling requirements
    for frozen beef.

-   Ministerial Decree No. 130 of 2005 concerning compliance with
    technical regulations in production according to the standard
    specifications.

-   Ministerial Decree No. 524 of 2000 for Inspection and Samples
    Withdrawal.

-   Ministerial Decree No. 552 of 2000 for inspection certificates.

-   Ministerial Decree No. 423 of 1999 amending Ministerial Decree No.
    619 of 1998.

**MINISTRY OF HEALTH**

-   Ministerial Decree No. 73 of 2001 for packaging materials.

-   Ministerial Decree No. 118 of 2000 for canceling radiation
    inspection except for Soviet Union and Yugoslavia.

-   Ministerial Decree No. 411 of 1997 for food colorings.

-   Ministerial Decree No. 53 of 1996 for product sampling and test
    analysis.

-   Ministerial Decree No. 354 of 1996 for product rejection.

-   Ministerial Decree Nos. 232 of 1996 and 349 for product sampling.

-   Ministerial Decree No. 478 of 1995 for food preservatives.

-   Ministerial Decree Nos. 302 of 1986 and 782 of 1984 for product
    sampling.

**MINISTRY OF INDUSTRY**

-   Ministerial Decree No. 163 of 1999 for labeling canned, frozen and
    packed food products.

-   Ministerial Decree Nos. 179, 180, and 181 of 1996 issued by the
    Ministry of Industry listing Egyptian product specifications and
    mandatory standards.

-   Ministerial Decree No. 107 of 1994 and Egyptian Standard No. 2613
    for shelf-life standards.

-   Egyptian Standard No. 1546 of 1984 for labeling requirements.

**MINISTRY OF SOCIAL SOLIDARITY (Previously MINSTRY OF SUPPLY and
INTERNAL TRADE)**

-   Ministerial Decree No. 286 canceling Decree No. 250 for prohibiting
    importation from EU countries.

-   Ministerial Decree No. 619 of 1998 mandating that all consumer goods
    be shipped directly from the country of origin.

-   Ministerial Decree No. 553 of 1998 permitting to store products of
    the customs area provided that the shipment is in accordance to all
    labeling conditions.

-   Ministerial Decree No. 465 of 1997 for import requirements of
    slaughtered birds, poultry and meat.

-   Ministerial Decree No. 227 of 1997 lifting the ban on whole poultry.

-   Ministerial Decree No. 55 of 1996 for pesticide residues.

-   Ministerial Decree No. 178 of 1996 for the importation of meat and
    dairy products.

-   Ministerial Decree No. 57 of 1939 for product and brand
    registration.

## 

## Section VIII. Copyright and Trademark laws

Ministry of Supply and Home Trade is responsible in the registration of
brand names and logo.

#### MINSTRY OF TRADE and INDUSTRY

**Commercial Registration Office**

Contact: Mr. Mostafa Mohamed Abu El-Einein, Chairman

Address: Intersection of Makram Ebeid and Nasr road, Nasr city, Cairo,
Egypt

Tel: (202) 2918-6018 (D.) / 2918-6174

Fax: (202) 2918-6014

#### 

#### General Administration for Trademarks

Contact: Mr. Mohamed Abdel Aal, Manager for Trademarks, Chairman

Address: Bldg. 109 El Fostat El Gedida Cairo, Egypt

Old Cairo behind Amr Mosque

Tel: (202) 2275-9812, 2672-0452

Fax: (202)2672-0453

A number of certificates and documents including the following items
must be submitted during the registration process:

\- A sample of the logo and brand name

\- A certification of the company\'s incorporation in the home country

\- A certificate issued by the Commercial Register in Egypt affirming
that the proposed name of the company or logo has not already been
registered in Egypt.

The company must apply for a "Trademark Examination Form" to check
whether a similar trademark for the product already exists in the
market.

If a foreign company wishes to protect its logo, the company has to
supply the General Administration for Trademark with an example of its
logo as registered with the World Intellectual Property Organization
(WIPO). The foreign company should employ an agent in Cairo to follow
the trademark registration process.

It takes approximately from 3 to 9 months to register a logo or a brand
name. Once approved, it is announced in the "Trademark Newspaper."

# Section IX. Import Procedures

Any product not in compliance with Egyptian import requirements will
likely be rejected. It is the appeal process, which accounts for the
added time and expense involved in clearing the product through customs.

The initial import procedure entails the assignment of a shipping agent
(a GOE entity and separate from the vessel shipping agent); arrival of
the consignment at port and a comparison of the invoice and bill of
lading with the ship's manifest; issuance of a title transfer document
to the importer; the unloading of the consignment; the purchase and
completion of the "Importation Form" and registration of the consignment
with customs in the so-called "No. 46 Book;" and initial tariff
classification of the product.

Egyptian companies often rely on customs brokers, or their own staff to
check on shipments and to clear products through customs.

The following documents must be presented to the customs office in order
for a shipment to be released:

\- Bill of Lading

\- Commercial Invoice

\- Packing List

\- Weight List

\- Insurance Policy

\- Certificate of Origin (countersigned by the Chamber of Commerce and
notarized by the Egyptian Embassy or Consulate in the country of origin)

\- Health Certificate

\- Import/Export Permit of the importer

\- If the importer is an agent of a U.S. (or other foreign)
manufacturer, the latter has to present an Agency Authorization
Certificate for the products being imported.

\- Form 11 from a local bank advising that payment has been transferred
to the supplier. This form guarantees payment to the supplier.

The following documents are optional:

-   A letter from the bank indicating that all administration fees have
    been paid. If this letter is not submitted, all administrative
    expenses must be paid at the port.

\- Radiation Certificate.

# 

# 

# Appendix I. Government Regulatory Agency Contacts

**MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE LAND RECLAMATION (MALR)**

Address: 71 Wezaret El Zeraa Street

Dokki, Cairo, Egypt

Tel: (202) 3337-3388 / 2677

Fax: (202) 3749-8128

Contacts:

**Eng. Amin Abaza**

Title; Minister of Agriculture and Land Reclamation

**Dr. Safwat El-Hadad**

Title: **First Undersecretary, Head of the Agricultural Services and
Follow up**

**Sector**

Tel: (202) 3760- 0893

Fax: (202) 3748-8671

Website: www.epq.gov.eg

E-mail: safwat@epq.gov.eg

#### 

#### Dr. Hamed Samaha

Title: Chairman, General Organization for Veterinary Services (GOVS)

Tel: (202) 3748-1750

Fax: (202) 3335-0692

#### Dr. Fatouh Mostafa Darwish

######## Title: Head, Central Administration for Veterinary Quarantine

Tel & fax: (202) 3748-1763

#### Dr. Ali Soliman

######## Title: Head, Central Administration for Agricultural Quarantine

Tel: (202) 3337-2881 / 336-1727

Fax: (202) 3336-3582

**CENTRAL LAB of Residue Analysis of PESTICIDES & Heavy Metals in Food**

Address: 7 Nadi El Seid St.,

Dokki, Cairo, Egypt

Tel: (202) 3748-6163

Fax: (202) 3761-1216

Contact: **Dr. Soheir Ahmed Gad**

Title: Director

**Regional LAB FOR FOOD AND FEED (CLFF/MALR)**

Address: 9 El Gamaa Street

Giza, Egypt

Tel: (202) 3573-1989

Fax: (202) 3573-2280

Contact: **Dr. Mohamed Emara**

Title: Director

#### AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH CENTER

Address: 9 Gamaa Street, Orman

Giza, Egypt

Tel: (2-02) 3572-2069 / 572-3906

Fax: (2-02) 3572-2609

Contact: **Dr. Ayman Abu Hadid**

Title: President

Tel: (2-02) 3572-0944

Fax: (2-02) 3572-2609

**MINISTRY OF HEALTH (MOH)**

Address: 3 Maglis El Shaab Street

Cairo, Egypt

Tel: (2-02) 2795-7689 / 2794-3462

Fax: (2-02) 2795-3966

Contact: **Dr. Hatem El-Gabaly**

Title: Minister

**Dr. Nasr El-Saied**

Title First Undersecretary for Preventive and Endemic Affairs

Tel: (2-02) 2794-8555

Fax: (2-02) 2792-4156

**Dr. Mohamed Said**

Title: General Manager of Food Control Division

Food & Quality Control

Tel & Fax: (2-02) 2794-8152

CENTRAL LABORATORY (MOH)

Address: 3 Maglis El-Shaab Street

Cairo, Egypt

Tel: (2-02) 2794-7271

Fax: (2-02) 2796-2248

National Nutrition INSTITUTE (MOH)

Address: 16 Kasr El Aini Street

Cairo, Egypt

Tel: (2-02) 2364-6413 / 3522

Fax: (2-02) 2364-7476

Contact: **Dr. Azza Gohar**

Title: Chairman

**Dr. Ismail Refaat**

Title: Dietary and Specialty Food

#### MINISTRY OF TRADE & INDUSTRY 

Address: 2 Latin America Street

Garden city, Cairo, Egypt

Tel: (2-02) 2792-1188

Fax: (2-02) 2795-5025

Contact: **Mr. Rachid Mohamed Rachid**

Title: Minister of Trade & Industry

#### EGYPTIAN ORGANIZATION FOR STANDARDIZATION AND QUALITY CONTROL

Address: 16 Tadreeb el Motadarebeen Street

Ameriya

Cairo, Egypt.

Tel: (2-02) 2603-1348

Fax: (2-02) 2603-1351

Contact: **Dr. Mahmoud Eissa**

Title: Chairman

MINISTRY OF SOCIAL SOLIDARITY

Address: 99 Kasr El Aini Street

Cairo, Egypt

Tel: (2-02) 2794-6165 / 2794-6777

Fax: (2-02) 2795-6835

Contact: **Dr. Ali Moselhi**

Title: Minister

GENERAL ORGANIZATION FOR EXPORT AND IMPORT CONTROL (GOEIC)

Address: Cargo village, Airport building

Cairo, Egypt

Tel: (2-02) 2266-6847

Fax: (2-02) 2266-9668

Contact: **Mohamed Abdel Hameed El Banna**

Title: Chairman

**Eng. Shaker Hamza**

Title: Undersecretary for Food Imports

Tel: (2-02) 2266-9609

Fax: (2-02) 2266-9668

**Dr. Youssef Labib**

Title: Undersecretary for Food Lab. Affairs

Tel: (2-02) 2266-9548

Fax: (2-02) 2266-9668

## Appendix II. Other Import Specialist Contacts

For further help, please contact the Office of Agricultural Affairs,
American Embassy, Cairo, Egypt, Tel: 011 (20-2) 2797-2388 / 2389; Fax:
011 (20-2) 2796-3989. E-mail: [Agcairo@fas.usda.gov]{.underline}

## Appendix III. Import Tariff

# 

  -------------------------------------- --------------------------------
  **Product**                            **Feb. 2007**

  Live bovine animals, sheep, goat       Free

  Live poultry, Turkey                   5%

  Meat of bovine animals, sheep, goat    Free

  Poultry                                30%

  Beef liver                             5%

  Fish (most types), shrimp              5%

  Dairy products                         0-20%

  Live trees and other plants            2%

  Roses                                  30%

  Fresh or chilled vegetables            5-10%

  Nuts                                   5%

  Tomato paste                           5%

  Prepared or Preserved vegetables,      20%
  fruits                                 

  Dried fruits                           10%

  Citrus, grapes, apples, pears,         20%
  apricots, fruit juices                 

  Cherries, strawberries, plums, peaches 5%

  Jams                                   20%

  Coffee: not roasted                    Free

  Coffee: roasted                        10%

  Tea, spices                            2%

  Wheat, corn, barley, and their flour   Free

  Rice                                   0%

  Sorghum, millet, soybeans, linseeds,   5%
  starches                               

  Vegetable seeds                        Free

  Fat of bovine animals                  5%

  Vegetable oil: crude                   2%

  Vegetable oil: Semi-refined            5%

  Vegetable oil: Put-up for retail sale  10%

  Soybean oil                            0%

  Sugar                                  2%

  Molasses                               10%

  Chewing gum                            30%

  Cocoa beans, paste                     Free

  Cocoa butter, fat, oil                 5%

  Chocolate                              10-20%

  Mineral water                          30%

  Beer                                   1200%

  Wine, whiskies                         1800-3000%

  Sawn Wood                              2-5%

  Fiberboard                             10%

  Wood panels                            20%

  Raw cotton                             5%
  -------------------------------------- --------------------------------

# Appendix IV. Shelf-Life and Packaging Standards

## 

+--------------------------+----------------+---+-------------------------+
| **Product**              | **Expiration   |   | **Type of Package**     |
|                          | Period**       |   |                         |
+--------------------------+----------------+---+-------------------------+
| Cold fumigated fish      | 5 months       |   | Suitable package        |
+--------------------------+----------------+---+-------------------------+
| Hot fumigated fish       | 4 months       |   | Suitable package        |
+--------------------------+----------------+---+-------------------------+
| Semi-hot fumigated       | 3 months       |   | Suitable package        |
+--------------------------+----------------+---+-------------------------+
| Shrimp & Crustacean      | 8 months       |   | Plastic or carton       |
+--------------------------+----------------+---+-------------------------+
| Frozen fish              | 6 months       |   | Polyethylene bags       |
|                          |                |   | inside strong carton    |
| (Fish kept at Suitable   |                |   | boxes. Boxes are        |
| Temperature inside       |                |   | stacked with crossed    |
| Stores Fulfilling Good   |                |   | belts. For large-size   |
| Aeration Conditions)     |                |   | fish, suitable package  |
+--------------------------+----------------+---+-------------------------+
| Frozen Cuttlefish        | 10 months for  |   | Suitable package        |
| (Sepia) (Fish kept at    | gutted frozen  |   |                         |
| Suitable Temperature     | Sepia          |   |                         |
| inside Stores Fulfilling |                |   |                         |
| Good Aeration            | 8 months for   |   |                         |
| Conditions)              | non-gutted     |   |                         |
|                          | frozen Sepia   |   |                         |
+--------------------------+----------------+---+-------------------------+
| Sardine                  | 36 months      |   | Sterilized metal pack   |
+--------------------------+----------------+---+-------------------------+
| Tuna                     | 36 months      |   | Sterilized metal pack   |
+--------------------------+----------------+---+-------------------------+
| Anchovy canned in oil    | 18 months      |   | Tightly closed metal    |
|                          |                |   |                         |
|                          | 18 months      |   | Tightly closed glass    |
|                          |                |   |                         |
|                          | 12 months      |   | Metal packs             |
|                          |                |   |                         |
|                          | 12 months      |   | Anchovy paste in tubes  |
+--------------------------+----------------+---+-------------------------+
| Salmon fish              | 36 months      |   | Sterilized metal pack   |
+--------------------------+----------------+---+-------------------------+
| Mackerel Fish            | 36 months      |   | Sterilized metal pack   |
+--------------------------+----------------+---+-------------------------+
| Salted Fish              | 6 months       |   | Suitable packages       |
+--------------------------+----------------+---+-------------------------+
| Fish Roes (egg mass)     | 3 months       | S |                         |
|                          |                | u |                         |
|                          |                | i |                         |
|                          |                | t |                         |
|                          |                | a |                         |
|                          |                | b |                         |
|                          |                | l |                         |
|                          |                | e |                         |
|                          |                | p |                         |
|                          |                | a |                         |
|                          |                | c |                         |
|                          |                | k |                         |
|                          |                | a |                         |
|                          |                | g |                         |
|                          |                | e |                         |
|                          |                | s |                         |
+--------------------------+----------------+---+-------------------------+
| Cooked Cheese and its    | 12 months      | M |                         |
| pastes having different  |                | e |                         |
| names                    |                | t |                         |
|                          |                | a |                         |
|                          |                | l |                         |
|                          |                | p |                         |
|                          |                | a |                         |
|                          |                | c |                         |
|                          |                | k |                         |
|                          |                | s |                         |
|                          |                | , |                         |
|                          |                | f |                         |
|                          |                | i |                         |
|                          |                | r |                         |
|                          |                | m |                         |
|                          |                | l |                         |
|                          |                | y |                         |
|                          |                | c |                         |
|                          |                | l |                         |
|                          |                | o |                         |
|                          |                | s |                         |
|                          |                | e |                         |
|                          |                | d |                         |
+--------------------------+----------------+---+-------------------------+
| Ghee                     | 24 months      | F |                         |
|                          |                | i |                         |
|                          | 12 months      | r |                         |
|                          |                | m |                         |
|                          |                | l |                         |
|                          |                | y |                         |
|                          |                | c |                         |
|                          |                | l |                         |
|                          |                | o |                         |
|                          |                | s |                         |
|                          |                | e |                         |
|                          |                | d |                         |
|                          |                | m |                         |
|                          |                | e |                         |
|                          |                | t |                         |
|                          |                | a |                         |
|                          |                | l |                         |
|                          |                | p |                         |
|                          |                | a |                         |
|                          |                | c |                         |
|                          |                | k |                         |
|                          |                | s |                         |
|                          |                |   |                         |
|                          |                | O |                         |
|                          |                | t |                         |
|                          |                | h |                         |
|                          |                | e |                         |
|                          |                | r |                         |
|                          |                | p |                         |
|                          |                | a |                         |
|                          |                | c |                         |
|                          |                | k |                         |
|                          |                | s |                         |
+--------------------------+----------------+---+-------------------------+
| Ripened, soft Cheese     | 12 months      | M |                         |
|                          |                | e |                         |
|                          | 6 months       | t |                         |
|                          |                | a |                         |
|                          |                | l |                         |
|                          |                | p |                         |
|                          |                | a |                         |
|                          |                | c |                         |
|                          |                | k |                         |
|                          |                | a |                         |
|                          |                | g |                         |
|                          |                | e |                         |
|                          |                | s |                         |
|                          |                |   |                         |
|                          |                | S |                         |
|                          |                | u |                         |
|                          |                | i |                         |
|                          |                | t |                         |
|                          |                | a |                         |
|                          |                | b |                         |
|                          |                | l |                         |
|                          |                | e |                         |
|                          |                | p |                         |
|                          |                | a |                         |
|                          |                | c |                         |
|                          |                | k |                         |
|                          |                | a |                         |
|                          |                | g |                         |
|                          |                | e |                         |
|                          |                | s |                         |
+--------------------------+----------------+---+-------------------------+
| Feta Cheese              | 12 months      | M |                         |
|                          |                | e |                         |
|                          | 6 months       | t |                         |
|                          |                | a |                         |
|                          |                | l |                         |
|                          |                | p |                         |
|                          |                | a |                         |
|                          |                | c |                         |
|                          |                | k |                         |
|                          |                | a |                         |
|                          |                | g |                         |
|                          |                | e |                         |
|                          |                | s |                         |
|                          |                |   |                         |
|                          |                | S |                         |
|                          |                | u |                         |
|                          |                | i |                         |
|                          |                | t |                         |
|                          |                | a |                         |
|                          |                | b |                         |
|                          |                | l |                         |
|                          |                | e |                         |
|                          |                | p |                         |
|                          |                | a |                         |
|                          |                | c |                         |
|                          |                | k |                         |
|                          |                | a |                         |
|                          |                | g |                         |
|                          |                | e |                         |
|                          |                | s |                         |
+--------------------------+----------------+---+-------------------------+

+--------------------------+-----------------+--------------------------+
| **Product**              | Expiration      | ####### Type of Package  |
|                          | Period          |                          |
+--------------------------+-----------------+--------------------------+
| Butter (kept at a        | 2 months        | Suitable packages        |
| temperature ranging from |                 |                          |
| 0 to 5 degrees)          |                 |                          |
+--------------------------+-----------------+--------------------------+
| Biscuit:                 | Plain: 1 Year   | Suitable packages        |
|                          |                 |                          |
| \- Plain                 | Stuffed: 9      |                          |
|                          | months          |                          |
| \- Stuffed               |                 |                          |
+--------------------------+-----------------+--------------------------+
| Popcorn                  | 3 months        | Suitable packages        |
+--------------------------+-----------------+--------------------------+
| Jelly Powder             | 18 months       | Suitable packages        |
+--------------------------+-----------------+--------------------------+
| Custard Powder           | 12 months       | Suitable packages        |
+--------------------------+-----------------+--------------------------+
| Cream Caramel Powder     | 12 months       | Suitable packages        |
+--------------------------+-----------------+--------------------------+
| Brown Sugar              | 18 months       | Suitable packages        |
+--------------------------+-----------------+--------------------------+
| Canned fruits            | 24 months       | Cans polished with anti  |
|                          |                 | acidity varnish          |
| \- Grapefruit            |                 |                          |
|                          |                 |                          |
| \- Strawberry            |                 |                          |
+--------------------------+-----------------+--------------------------+
| Canned fruit juice       | 24 months       | Suitable cans            |
+--------------------------+-----------------+--------------------------+
| Apricot, Orange,         | 18 months       | Suitable package         |
| Grapefruit, Mandarin,    |                 |                          |
| and Lemon juice          |                 |                          |
+--------------------------+-----------------+--------------------------+
| Dried Fruit juices       | 24 months       | Suitable cans            |
+--------------------------+-----------------+--------------------------+
| Dried fruits (raisin,    | 12 months       | Paper or plastic         |
| plums, apricot)          |                 | packages                 |
+--------------------------+-----------------+--------------------------+
| Pickled vegetables       | 18 months       | Heat treated glass       |
|                          |                 |                          |
|                          | 12 months       | Aluminum foils           |
|                          |                 |                          |
|                          | 6 months        | Plastic packages         |
|                          |                 |                          |
|                          | 24 months       | Varnished metal pack     |
+--------------------------+-----------------+--------------------------+
| All tomato products      | 18 months       | Varnished metal package  |
|                          |                 |                          |
|                          |                 | Suitable packages        |
+--------------------------+-----------------+--------------------------+
| Jam, marmalade, jelly    | 24 months       | Suitable packages        |
+--------------------------+-----------------+--------------------------+
| Frozen liver             | 7 months as of  | Polyethylene bags inside |
|                          | the date of     | impermeable carton boxes |
|                          | freezing        |                          |
+--------------------------+-----------------+--------------------------+

+--------------------------+-----------------+--------------------------+
| **Product**              | **Expiration    | **Type of Package**      |
|                          | Period**        |                          |
+--------------------------+-----------------+--------------------------+
| Frozen Meat              | As of the date  | Suitable intact package, |
|                          | of slaughter:   | polyethylene bags,       |
|                          |                 | impermeable carton box   |
|                          | \- 9 months for |                          |
|                          | cow, camel, and |                          |
|                          | buffalo meat;   |                          |
|                          |                 |                          |
|                          | > \- 6 months   |                          |
|                          | > for sheep and |                          |
|                          | > goat meat;    |                          |
|                          |                 |                          |
|                          | \- 6 months for |                          |
|                          | brisket and     |                          |
|                          | flank meat      |                          |
+--------------------------+-----------------+--------------------------+
|                          |                 |                          |
+--------------------------+-----------------+--------------------------+

##