EU-Egypt: cooperation on customs continues

On 28 January 2025, the European Commission (DG TAXUD) hosted the 9^th EU-Egypt Subcommittee on Customs Cooperation, welcoming representatives from the Egyptian Customs Authority, the Ministry of Investment and Foreign Trade, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. 

The event participants discussed recent developments in customs in the EU and Egypt and recommended areas for further cooperation to  continue improving their strategic partnership.  On the agenda was for example the EU’s Customs Union Reform, as well as Egypt’s continued digitalisation of customs procedures, significantly reducing its customs clearance time. The parties also reconfirmed their common ambition to fight against drug trafficking and the smuggling of counterfeit products; and the shared commitment to implement the revised rules of origin of the Pan-euro-Mediterranean Convention.

Since the entry into force of the EU-Egypt Association Agreement in 2004, EU-Egypt trade relations have grown by 400%. At the same time, the security of international supply chains is faced with increasing challenges. EU-Egypt customs cooperation is far-reaching and contributes to the simplification of customs procedures and the security and safety of the free-trade environment. Egypt is a strategic partner in the Middle East and North Africa in providing a safe and predictable trade environment for investors.