Incentive Benefits for “White List” Companies Extended to Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises as Part of the “Single Window” System Strategy

Dr. Mohamed Maait, Minister of Finance, accompanied by Major General Adel El-Ghadban, Governor of Port Said, conducted an inspection tour of the Logistics Center for Customs Services at Port Said Port. The visit came as part of the Minister’s commitment to conducting field follow-up on the performance of employees working within the National Single Window System for Foreign Trade, contributing to the gradual establishment of the “Single Window” system and the transition from a paper-based working environment to a digital one. The objective is to simplify customs procedures, reduce customs clearance times and costs, and consequently lower the cost of goods in local markets, in addition to improving Egypt’s ranking in key international business performance indicators, such as global competitiveness, ease of doing business, and the macroeconomic environment.

The Minister and the Governor held a meeting with a number of representatives of customs brokers and entities involved in the “Single Window” system. The Minister led an open dialogue, emphasizing the need to work as one team, recognizing the national responsibility that requires everyone to make every possible effort as an integral partner in the successful and sustainable achievement of the objectives of the new system. This is in the interest of Egypt and aims to restore its leading position among the world’s advanced economies, particularly as the country had previously succeeded through a spirit of teamwork in implementing the electronic tax filing system despite the challenges it faced at the time.

The Minister responded to the customs brokers’ requests, directing that an office be provided for representatives of the National Food Safety Authority to facilitate and expedite procedures. He also directed the continuation of the “Conference Call” service as a digital platform for receiving and responding to inquiries, operating alongside what is known as the “Consultation Room,” in a manner that helps overcome any obstacles. He noted that new customs personnel would be assigned to the Port Said Logistics Center to ensure the transfer of expertise, strengthen human capabilities, and qualify staff to perform their duties to the fullest.

He explained that electronic integration between customs clearance yards, ports, and inspection entities would be completed by the end of February. He also called on customs brokers to prepare a weekly report documenting all challenges they encounter on the ground and submit it to the customs administration, which would present it to him personally so that the necessary measures could be taken immediately to address them.

He stated that the “Single Window” system, despite the challenges it faces, is subject to continuous development, particularly the system for standardizing and automating customs procedures, based on lessons learned through practical implementation. Any obstacles are addressed immediately in accordance with the latest international practices, ensuring sustained quality of performance and the speed and accuracy of execution.

The Minister reviewed the Prime Minister’s decision to establish permanent joint committees comprising one or more representatives from the Customs Authority, the General Organization for Export and Import Control (GOEIC), the National Food Safety Authority, and other relevant entities responsible for inspecting, examining, and monitoring imported and exported goods. He noted that inspection, examination, and control procedures for imported and exported goods, as well as sample collection, are to be completed simultaneously within a period not exceeding three working days from the date of registration of the customs declaration.

He pointed out that a committee is currently studying the development of the “Authorized Economic Operator Program” to include incentive benefits for compliant and serious customs operators, who will benefit from the “Green Lane” system for “White List” companies. He explained that he looks forward to expanding the “Authorized Economic Operator Program,” which aims to further reduce clearance times and customs clearance costs. The program is also planned to be extended to small and medium-sized enterprises, helping support these promising economic entities and enhance their productive capacities.

He affirmed that a “High-Risk List” would be established for non-compliant companies, contributing to strengthening governance mechanisms.

Major General Adel El-Ghadban, Governor of Port Said, praised the notable improvement in the level of performance at the Port Said Logistics Center, which reflects the great attention and close follow-up provided by the Minister of Finance to ensure the success of the “Single Window” system in cooperation with all relevant stakeholders. He affirmed that the system would further enhance governance and contribute to reducing the cost and prices of goods by helping accelerate the completion of customs procedures.

Dr. Ehab Abu Eish, Deputy Minister of Finance for the Public Treasury, noted that the Port Said Logistics Center is one of the components of the national project to modernize and automate the customs system. He stressed the importance of strengthening national partnership among all relevant stakeholders and maintaining regular open dialogue with them to identify any obstacles and make serious efforts to address them.

Dr. Mona Nasser, Head of the Ministerial Meetings Unit, stated that she would follow up on the observations raised by customs brokers and other operators dealing with the Port Said Logistics Center, with a view to taking the necessary immediate measures to address them in cooperation with all relevant stakeholders in the “Single Window” system and achieve the desired objectives.

The meeting was attended by Dr. Ehab Abu Eish, Deputy Minister of Finance for the Public Treasury; Dr. Magdy Abdel Aziz, Advisor to the Minister for Customs Affairs; Mr. Kamal Negm, Head of the Customs Authority; Captain Osama El-Sherif, Chairman of the company implementing the “Single Window” system; and Dr. Mona Nasser, Head of the Ministerial Meetings Unit.