Egypt ACID Number and the ACI System: A Step-by-Step Guide for Shipping from the UAE

Every commercial shipment to Egypt needs an ACID number before it leaves the UAE. The Egyptian importer requests it on the Nafeza platform, the exporter uploads the shipping documents through CargoX, and the number must appear on the invoice, packing list and bill of lading or air waybill.

ACI has applied to sea freight since 1 October 2021 and became mandatory for air freight on 1 January 2026. This guide walks through the process for cargo moving from Dubai and the wider UAE. For transit times and service options on this lane, see our [UAE to Egypt cargo route](/en/routes/uae-to-egypt-cargo).

What ACI and the ACID number are

ACI stands for Advance Cargo Information. It is Egypt's pre-registration system: customs receives shipment data and documents before the goods are loaded, not after they arrive.

The ACID (Advance Cargo Information Declaration) is a unique 19-digit number issued per shipment through Nafeza, Egypt's national single window for trade. Without it, carriers will not load cargo bound for Egypt, and customs can refuse entry.

Three parties are involved:

- **Egyptian importer (consignee):** registered on Nafeza, files the shipment and receives the ACID. - **UAE exporter (shipper):** registered and verified on CargoX, uploads the documents against the ACID. - **Freight forwarder and carrier:** put the ACID and party IDs on the booking, bill of lading or air waybill, and transmit manifest data.

Sea vs air: what changes

| Item | Sea freight | Air freight | |---|---|---| | ACI mandatory since | 1 October 2021 | 1 January 2026 | | Where the ACID goes | Shipping instructions and bill of lading | Air waybill, "Other Customs Instructions" field | | When to have it | Before booking is finalised; data due before vessel departure | Before the flight departs | | Documents uploaded | Commercial invoice, packing list, B/L, certificate of origin if used | Commercial invoice, packing list, AWB, certificate of origin if used | | If missing | Booking rejected or container rolled to a later vessel | Shipment held; clearance cannot start in Egypt |

Some small express courier shipments follow a separate regime. Rules on weight and value thresholds have been reported differently by different sources, so confirm with your forwarder before relying on any exemption.

Step-by-step: getting an ACID for a UAE shipment

1. **Exporter registers on CargoX.** The UAE company opens an account and completes company verification. It shares its registration details (trade licence or VAT number) with the Egyptian buyer. 2. **Importer requests the ACID on Nafeza.** The Egyptian importer files the shipment using the proforma invoice and the exporter's registration details. 3. **ACID is issued.** The importer sends the 19-digit number to the exporter. Check it on Nafeza's validation page together with the importer's tax ID and the exporter's registration ID. 4. **Exporter prepares documents.** The ACID, importer's 9-digit tax number and exporter registration number go on the commercial invoice and packing list. 5. **Forwarder books the cargo.** We put the ACID and IDs on the shipping instructions, bill of lading or air waybill. 6. **Exporter uploads through CargoX.** The exporter creates an ACI envelope on CargoX, enters the ACID and uploads the documents. They go electronically to Nafeza. 7. **Clearance in Egypt.** Once documents are complete, the licensed Egyptian clearance agent starts clearance on Nafeza. Elite Cargo coordinates with the agent through delivery.

For the full documents list on this lane, read our [complete guide to shipping from the UAE to Egypt](/en/blog/shipping-from-uae-to-egypt-complete-guide).

Worked example (illustrative)

*Example only. Figures are illustrative.*

A Dubai trader sends 6 cartons of spare parts by air to a buyer in Cairo. Each carton is 60 × 50 × 40 cm and weighs 25 kg.

- Volumetric weight per carton: 60 × 50 × 40 ÷ 6000 = 20 kg. - Actual weight per carton: 25 kg. The higher figure applies, so chargeable weight is 25 kg × 6 = **150 kg**.

Timeline:

- **Day 1:** Buyer files the shipment on Nafeza using the proforma invoice. Trader confirms its CargoX account is verified. - **Day 2:** ACID issued. Trader adds it, plus the buyer's tax number and its own registration number, to the final invoice and packing list. We book the flight and enter the ACID on the air waybill. - **Day 2:** Trader uploads invoice and packing list on CargoX. The AWB follows once issued. - **Days 3 to 5:** Flight, clearance by the Egyptian agent and delivery in Cairo.

Door-to-door air from Dubai to Cairo or Alexandria typically takes 3 to 5 business days including clearance, when the ACI file is clean. Egyptian duties and taxes are paid separately and are not part of the freight quote unless stated in writing.

Common mistakes

- **Shipping before the ACID is issued.** Sea cargo is rejected at booking; air cargo is held. - **Name or ID mismatches.** The importer's tax number, exporter registration number and party names must match across Nafeza, CargoX and every document. - **Unverified CargoX account.** Verification can take time. Start it before the first order. - **One ACID for two shipments.** Each shipment needs its own ACID. Consolidated orders under one air waybill can share one. - **Late changes after loading.** Changes to consignee, shipper or ACID after the container is loaded are generally not accepted, and amendments can be costly. - **Vague invoice descriptions.** "Spare parts" alone is not enough. Use clear descriptions and HS codes.

Frequently asked questions

### Who issues the ACID number for shipments to Egypt?

The Egyptian importer requests it on Nafeza. The UAE exporter cannot request it directly.

### How many digits is an Egypt ACID number?

It is 19 digits. It must appear on the invoice, packing list and bill of lading or air waybill.

### Is ACID required for air freight to Egypt?

Yes. ACI became mandatory for air freight on 1 January 2026, alongside sea freight, which has required it since October 2021.

### Does the UAE exporter need a CargoX account?

Yes. The exporter registers and verifies on CargoX and uploads documents there against the ACID.

### What happens if my shipment has no ACID?

Carriers will not load sea cargo without a valid ACID, and customs can deny entry. Goods may need to be returned at the shipper's cost.

WhatsApp Elite Cargo on +971 54 706 0040 with your ACID number (or the buyer's Nafeza status), cargo description, carton count, dimensions and weights, and the delivery city in Egypt.