Egypt Oks new customs facilities for purchasing vehicles from abroad

Egypt’s Finance Ministry approved new customs facilities for purchasing vehicles from abroad, according to a statement issued on Monday.

The new facilities include exempting vehicles with a triptik customs document and which are owned by Egyptians living abroad and foreigners staying in Egypt for a short period from paying fines until maritime and land travel, halted by the coronavirus, starts again, according to the statement.

The triptik is customs traffic document issued to vehicles that will stay for a short time in the country. It is valid for one year from the date of issuance, Ahram Online reported.

The ministry stressed that these exemptions will be applied if the guarantee of the vehicle is valid and the owner must get a statement from the foreign ministry that shows the vehicle’s situation regarding the maritime and land exit points.

Finance Minister Mohamed Maait clarified that the 48-hour grace period, which is granted when a vehicle is purchased from the free-duty market, will be applied after the ending of the quarantine period for Egyptians, tourists, and foreigners who come to Egypt.

Maait said that the new facilities came in light of the COVID-19 crisis and the exceptional conditions it imposes, that have resulted in the stoppage of maritime and land travel between countries, in addition to the quarantine that is imposed on all who come to the country.

Egypt’s customs authority allows for the release of the vehicle under a temporary entry system for three months. It can be renewed for another three months.