Egypt’s Ministry of Trade and Industry recently released Decree of Minister of Trade and Industry No. 43, announcing that exporters of manufactured goods imported into Egypt will be required to register the factories into the General Organization for Export and Import Control.

To receive a release of imported goods a factory must be registered with the Ministry. If a factory is not registered, but the goods were imported by a trademark owner or by a previously registered distribution center the imported products may be released. This will impact a wide range of goods including foodstuffs, children’s toys, chocolate, dairy, and others.

This rule will go into effect on March 16, 2016. Exporters will be able to register on-line. The full decree, including a list of products that will be affected can be accessed here