The end of the exemption period for mobile phones received from abroad as of tomorrow
Within the framework of the implementation of the system of governance of mobile phone devices received from abroad, starting from January 2025, which was accompanied by an exceptional decision to customs exemption for one mobile phone device accompanied by a passenger until the provision of locally manufactured mobile phones not subject to customs, the Egyptian Customs Authority and the National Telecommunications Regulatory Authority announce the expiration of the exceptional exemption period for mobile phone devices received from abroad accompanied by a passenger, as of 12 noon on Wednesday, January 21, 2026, with the continued exemption of mobile phone devices for Egyptians residing abroad and tourists for a period of 90 days.
The implementation of the system has already contributed to the entry of 15 international companies for the manufacture of mobile phones to the Egyptian market, with a production capacity of 20 million devices per year, which exceeds the needs of the local market. The mobile phone industry in Egypt witnessed a paradigm shift during 2025, which reflected positively on the availability of the latest international models manufactured locally with various features and specifications, in a way that suits all segments of citizens, with their availability in all outlets and official branches of international companies. These devices are manufactured by the same international manufacturers, or under their direct technical supervision, with the same technical specifications and international quality standards with which they are manufactured abroad at competitive prices.
This movement reflects the direct positive impact of regulatory policies that led to the creation of about 10,000 job opportunities for Egyptian youth, as well as meeting the needs of the local market, and therefore the no need to buy mobile phones manufactured abroad or the continuation of the exceptional exemption for those devices.
In order to facilitate citizens, the taxes and fees imposed on mobile devices received from abroad can be paid through the "Telephone" application, in addition to the digital payment methods available through banks and electronic wallets, with a period of up to 90 days from the date of first activation, to reconcile the status of the devices before taking any regulatory measures, and the possibility of installing those taxes and fees will be available during the coming period.
The Customs Authority and the National Telecommunications Regulatory Authority confirm that these taxes and fees are not applied retroactively on the devices that were exempted before the start of the implementation of this decision. The Customs Authority also informs those coming from abroad that the registration of personal mobile phones in the customs departments has been canceled due to the absence of their purpose and that the payment of taxes and fees due is made through the payment channels indicated above.