Egypt’s Cabinet approves overhaul of export, import control authority

Egypt’s Cabinet on Wednesday approved amendments to the General Organisation for Export and Import Control (GOEIC), updating the agency’s mandate to strengthen oversight of the country’s imports and exports. The changes revise a 1971 presidential decree that originally established the authority.

Under the new rules, GOEIC will continue to implement existing trade laws, issue certificates of conformity for exported goods, maintain registries of importers, exporters, and commercial brokers, and oversee licensing for import, export, and brokerage activities. The organisation will also review draft trade regulations, compile import and export statistics, and issue certificates of origin for locally made products under preferential trade agreements.

The amendments also restructure the organisation’s board of directors. It will be chaired by GOEIC chairperson and include heads of the Consumer Protection Agency (CPA), Egyptian Atomic Energy Authority (EAEA), National Food Safety Authority (NFSA), Customs Authority, Industrial Control Authority (ICA), Egyptian Organisation for Standards and Quality (EOS), and officials from key ministries. Representatives from the Egyptian Federation of Industries (FEI), the Federation of Egyptian Chambers of Commerce (FEDCOC), and a trade expert appointed by the Minister of Foreign Trade will also serve on the board.

The board will serve a renewable four-year term. The reforms aim to improve market governance, ensure the flow of high-quality goods, and boost competitiveness in domestic and international markets.

Attribution: Amwal Al Ghad English