Last updated: January 2026

Understanding the ACID Certificate in Egypt’s Nafeza System

The ACID Certificate (Advance Cargo Information Declaration) is a mandatory pre-shipment document required by Egyptian Customs for all cargo entering Egypt. Registered through the Nafeza blockchain platform, it generates a unique identifier that must accompany every shipment — by sea, air, or land — before loading. Without a valid ACID number, cargo will be held at the Egyptian port or airport.

In the vast network of global trade, one document stands out for its importance in Egypt: the Advance Cargo Information Declaration, commonly known as the ACID Certificate. This essential pre-shipment requirement plays a pivotal role in the seamless movement of goods across Egyptian borders — and since January 2026, it now covers air freight as well as sea and land cargo.

At SCK Representation, we are not just a service provider; we are your guide and ally in international trade, specializing in navigating the complexities of the ACID Certificate and the Nafeza system.

What Is the ACID Certificate?

ACID — Advance Cargo Information Declaration — is a mandatory certification for all cargo entering Egypt. It functions as a pre-shipment document, giving Egyptian Customs detailed insights into incoming shipments before they arrive. The ACID Certificate serves two purposes: it bolsters the security of international trade and streamlines customs clearance by eliminating document surprises at the border.

ACID is not just paperwork — it is a unique digital identifier (a 19-character alphanumeric code) tied to the specific shipment, importer, and transaction. Once issued, the number cannot be altered or transferred. This immutability is what makes ACID so effective at eliminating cargo fraud — a fake document cannot carry a real ACID number.

The Role of the Nafeza System

The Nafeza system (National Authority for Freight and Electronic Zones Administration) is Egypt’s digital trade platform — the backbone of the ACID process. Built on blockchain technology, Nafeza centralizes all trade-related data in a tamper-proof ledger. Through Nafeza, importers, exporters, and their agents submit ACID declarations, track status in real time, and interact with Egyptian Customs digitally.

The blockchain foundation means every ACID declaration has a verifiable, immutable record. Authorities can trace any shipment reference instantly — confirming the real carrier, true port of loading, declared values, and the exact timestamp of filing. This is a major reason Egypt’s Customs Authority has reported significantly fewer fraud incidents since the system’s introduction in 2021.

Egypt’s ACID/Nafeza approach is part of a broader global trend toward advance cargo declaration systems. Similar pre-shipment requirements exist across Africa and the Middle East — for example, Sudan’s ACD requirement and the ECTN certificate used by 26 African nations.

When Did ACID Become Mandatory?

Cargo Mode	Mandatory Since	Filing Deadline
Sea freight	2021	48 hours before departure
Air freight	January 1, 2026	8 hours before departure
Land/road cargo	Phased rollout	At border crossing

The January 2026 extension to air cargo is significant. Exporters who previously handled ACID only for sea shipments now need to integrate the ACID process into their air freight operations as well. For details on what changed and what documents are needed for air cargo specifically, see our update: Mandatory ACI for Air Shipments to Egypt.

SCK Representation: Your Partner in ACID Compliance

At SCK Representation, our deep understanding of the Nafeza system and ACID procedures positions us as your ideal partner. We bridge the gap between your business needs and the intricate requirements of these systems. Our comprehensive Egypt ACID Certificate service ensures that obtaining your ACID is smooth and straightforward.

Our Services

Guidance on ACID Certificate Requirements: Clear, step-by-step guidance on the documentation and procedures needed for your ACID Certificate — for both sea and air shipments.
Efficient Submission Process: Our team manages the submission of your ACID declaration through Nafeza, prioritizing accuracy and compliance with Egyptian Customs requirements.
Continuous Updates: Receive timely updates on the status of your ACID Certificate and any regulatory changes from Egyptian Customs.
Expert Problem Solving: Our experienced team swiftly addresses challenges — whether a filing deadline is tight or an importer’s Nafeza registration needs verification — keeping your cargo on schedule.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does ACID stand for in Egyptian trade?

ACID stands for Advance Cargo Information Declaration. It is Egypt’s mandatory pre-shipment certificate, registered through the Nafeza blockchain platform before any cargo — by sea, air, or land — departs for Egypt.

How is ACID different from the ECTN/BSC used for African trade?

ACID is Egypt-specific and managed through the Nafeza platform. The ECTN (Electronic Cargo Tracking Note) or BSC (Bordereau de Suivi de Cargaison) is a separate pre-shipment certificate used by 26 other African nations, managed through different platforms. Egypt uses ACID instead of ECTN. Some countries, like Sudan, require both an ACD-style certificate and an ECTN.

Who initiates the ACID process — the exporter or the importer?

The ACID process is initiated by the Egyptian importer through the Nafeza platform. The importer registers the shipment details, generating the ACID number. The exporter must then provide this number on the shipping documents before loading. SCK Representation coordinates between both parties to make this process seamless.

What happens if cargo arrives in Egypt without an ACID?

Cargo without a valid ACID number will be held at the Egyptian port or airport. Storage and demurrage fees accumulate, and the shipment may be returned to origin at the shipper’s expense. Egyptian Customs has enforced this requirement strictly since 2021 and applies the same standard to air cargo from January 2026.

Is there a penalty for late ACID filing?

Yes. Filing after the designated deadline (48 hours for sea, 8 hours for air) can result in cargo holds, additional inspection, and fines at the discretion of Egyptian Customs. Timely filing — ideally as soon as the shipment booking is confirmed — is strongly recommended.

Conclusion

In today’s global trade environment, ACID compliance is not optional for Egypt-bound cargo. The 2026 extension to air freight means virtually every mode of shipment now requires advance declaration. With SCK Representation, you are equipped to navigate the Nafeza system efficiently — for both sea and air shipments — while keeping your focus on growing your business.