- IMPORT & EXPORT
- CUSTOMS & COMPLIANCE
- BILLING & DOCUMENTATION
- IOR / EOR SPECIFICS
- IMPORT & EXPORT
- CUSTOMS & COMPLIANCE
- BILLING & DOCUMENTATION
- IOR / EOR SPECIFICS
What services does POD Solution offer?
POD Solution provides end-to-end logistics in Egypt — Importer of Record (IOR), Exporter of Record (EOR), air and sea freight forwarding, customs clearance, bonded warehousing, nationwide ground transport, and sole commercial agent representation. We specialize in regulated shipments such as IT equipment, telecoms hardware, and industrial goods.
Do you handle shipments for companies with no Egyptian entity?
Yes — that is exactly what our IOR/EOR service is designed for. We assume full legal responsibility for the import or export transaction, so you don't need a local company registration, tax ID, or customs code in Egypt.
What does the shipping process look like end-to-end?
Our process follows four steps: Assess (feasibility & classification) → Clear (legal responsibility, documentation & customs) → Integrate (automatic link between customs release and transport) → Deliver (last-mile to your door, with real-time tracking and a single consolidated invoice).
How long does shipping to/from Egypt take?
Air freight via Cairo International Airport typically clears in 3–7 business days. Sea freight via Alexandria Port or Ain Sokhna runs 2–5 weeks depending on origin. Your Feasibility Check will include realistic timelines for your specific product and route.
How do I get started?
Contact us or submit a shipment inquiry. Before we quote anything, we run a free Feasibility Check — verifying your HS code, ECCN status, required approvals, and estimated duties. You'll have a clear picture within 24–48 hours.
What is the Nafeza system and how does it affect my import?
Nafeza is Egypt's national single-window customs platform, mandatory for all imports. Before cargo departs origin, an ACID (Advance Cargo Information Declaration) must be submitted, generating a reference that must appear on all shipping documents. POD manages the full Nafeza workflow on your behalf — including ACID submission, document linking, and coordination with the shipping line or airline.
Do you handle GOEIC inspection requirements?
Yes. GOEIC (General Organization for Export and Import Control) inspection is mandatory for many product categories including electronics, machinery, and consumer goods. POD coordinates pre-shipment inspection at origin where required and manages the conformity certificate process to avoid delays at the port of entry.
Do you handle NTRA type approval for telecoms and wireless equipment?
Yes. NTRA (National Telecommunications Regulatory Authority) type approval is one of our core specializations. We prepare and submit the full technical dossier, liaise with the NTRA on your behalf, and manage all follow-up requirements. This is mandatory for any wireless, telecoms, or RF equipment entering Egypt.
How do customs duties and taxes work in Egypt?
Egypt applies customs duty based on the HS code of your goods, plus 14% VAT and in some cases additional levies. For goods subject to GOEIC inspection or NTRA type approval, additional fees apply. POD calculates all landed costs upfront so you know exactly what to expect before your cargo ships.
What happens if my shipment is delayed at customs?
Our team monitors every shipment actively. If an issue arises — missing documents, classification queries, or regulatory holds — we act immediately. Because we run a Feasibility Check before shipping, most delays are prevented before cargo moves.
What documents do you require from me to start an import?
Typically: commercial invoice, packing list, and product datasheet or technical specification. Depending on the goods, we may also need the Bill of Lading or AWB, a power of attorney, and manufacturer certificates (CE, FCC, etc.). We provide a precise document checklist after your Feasibility Check.
Can I get a detailed cost breakdown before committing?
Yes. Our Feasibility Check output includes a full cost estimate covering freight, duties, VAT, clearance fees, and last-mile delivery. We don't proceed without your approval of the cost structure.
What payment methods do you accept?
We accept bank transfers in USD, EUR, and EGP, plus corporate billing accounts for approved clients. All charges — duties, taxes, freight, and service fees — are consolidated into a single invoice. No surprise costs after delivery.
What is Bank Form 4 and does POD handle it?
Bank Form 4 is the Central Bank of Egypt's foreign currency transfer approval document, required for paying overseas suppliers from an Egyptian bank account. When POD acts as your IOR, we manage the Bank Form 4 process as part of the import transaction, coordinating with the relevant banking channels.
Do you offer credit terms for regular business clients?
Credit accounts are available for established clients on a case-by-case basis. For first-time engagements, we work on a deposit + balance structure. Contact us to discuss your volumes and requirements.
What is an Importer of Record (IOR) and why do I need one in Egypt?
An IOR is the legal entity responsible for a shipment entering Egypt — handling customs declarations, paying duties, and ensuring full regulatory compliance. Foreign companies without a local entity cannot import goods in their own name. POD Solution acts as your IOR, so your goods clear customs without you needing an Egyptian company, tax card, or customs registration.
What is an Exporter of Record (EOR) and when is it required?
An EOR is the legally responsible party for goods leaving Egypt. POD acts as your EOR — managing the full export declaration, Nafeza submission, CargoX document presentation, and UCR (Unique Consignment Reference) issuance. This is critical when your Egyptian supplier is not set up to handle export compliance.
Does acting as IOR mean POD owns my goods?
No. Acting as IOR is a legal compliance function only. POD assumes regulatory responsibility for the import transaction, but title and ownership of the goods remain entirely with you. We sign a formal IOR Agreement before any shipment that clearly defines the scope of our responsibility and yours.
What types of goods can POD Solution import as IOR?
We handle IT equipment, networking and telecoms hardware, industrial machinery, medical devices, consumer electronics, and spare parts. Restricted categories (pharmaceuticals, food products, weapons) require additional ministerial approvals — flagged during your Feasibility Check with the correct route advised.
Can you handle one-time shipments, or only ongoing contracts?
Both. We handle one-time project shipments (IT deployments, equipment trials, RMA returns) as well as ongoing import programs for companies with regular cargo into Egypt. High-volume clients receive dedicated account management and volume pricing.
How does POD handle RMA (Return Merchandise Authorization) shipments?
We manage the full reverse logistics process — re-export declaration, EOR documentation, coordination with the original manufacturer, and collection from your end-user in Egypt. This is particularly common for IT and telecoms hardware returned to the vendor for repair or replacement.