Egyptian Customs Issues New Import Instructions for Raw Tea Shipments Ahead of Packaging Deadline Extension
The Egyptian Customs Authority has issued new import instructions concerning raw tea shipments as part of ongoing efforts to regulate the domestic tea market and enforce updated packaging standards introduced by the Ministry of Supply and Internal Trade.
The new measures were introduced through Import Circular No. 15 of 2026, issued under the supervision of Ahmed Amwai, Head of the Egyptian Customs Authority, to implement Supply Ministry Decision No. 110 of 2026 regarding controls governing the import and packaging of raw tea in the Egyptian market.
According to the circular, customs authorities have been instructed to begin enforcing the updated regulations across all customs ports starting this week.
Government Extends Grace Period for Tea Importers and Packaging Factories
The latest decision extends the grace period granted to companies involved in importing raw tea and tea packaging operations until September 1, 2026, allowing businesses additional time to clear and distribute tea packages produced under previous regulatory standards established by Ministerial Decision No. 382 of 1998 and its amendments.
The move comes after the Ministry of Supply and Internal Trade introduced Decision No. 217 of 2025 as part of broader government efforts to tighten oversight of food commodities, combat commercial fraud, and standardize product packaging across the market.
Fixed Tea Packaging Weights Become Mandatory
Under the updated regulations, importers of raw tea and tea packaging factories are required to comply with officially approved package weights for products intended for retail sale.
The approved standard weights for loose tea packages include 25g, 40g, 50g, 100g, 225g, 250g, 500g, and 1,000g packs. The regulations also define standards for tea bags, requiring each bag to weigh two grams, with package sizes limited to 10 bags, 25 bags, or multiples of 25.
Officials say the measures are intended to eliminate irregular packaging sizes in the market while improving transparency and consumer protection standards within Egypt’s food retail sector.
Customs Tightens Oversight Amid Broader Import and Food Market Reforms
The latest tea import regulations form part of wider reforms being implemented across Egypt’s import and customs ecosystem as authorities continue modernizing trade procedures and strengthening oversight mechanisms on strategic consumer goods.
Industry observers expect the updated rules to impact importers, packaging companies, and distributors operating within Egypt’s tea supply chain, particularly as businesses work to align production and inventory with the newly standardized packaging framework.