6 Steps for Importing an Electric Car From China to Egypt in 2024
In 2023, Egypt saw a 20% rise in the prices of local cars. The main reasons behind this were the Russia-Ukraine war, the floatation of the Egyptian pound, and a global electronic chip shortage.
Plus, the demand for EVs in Egypt surged by 10.5% in 2023. China offers affordable yet advanced electric cars in this scenario where people can no longer buy expensive local cars.
This blog post brings you the latest information on how to import an electric car from China to Egypt in 2024. Let’s dive in!
Why You Should Import an Electric Car From China to Egypt?
Egypt has rolled out the welcome mat for importing electric vehicles (EVs). With price hikes in the local auto industry, slashed import duties and taxes, and a streamlined import process, it is a great opportunity for Egyptians to import cars from China.
Let me explain it to you.
Now you don’t have to pay any customs duty, planning tax, and development fees for importing electric cars to Egypt. With just a 14% value-added tax (VAT), you can now import an electric car to Egypt with minimal costs.
In this backdrop, China, the global EV powerhouse, becomes a natural option. Chinese-made electric cars are significantly cheaper than locally-produced Egyptian cars. It makes them a budget-friendly option without compromising on technology or quality.
So, Egypt’s EV-friendly policies and China’s dominance in EV manufacturing present a perfect combination for Egyptian consumers seeking affordable, eco-friendly transportation.

6 Easy Steps for Importing Electric Cars to Egypt
Let’s break down the entire process of importing an electric car to Egypt in 6 easy steps.
1. Find Your Dream EV and its Supplier in China
To import an electric vehicle from China to Egypt, research and select a suitable EV model. It would be best to calculate the total cost of ownership, including potential savings on fuel and maintenance, as some EVs can save up to 80% compared to traditional vehicles. We recommend checking out cars from reputable manufacturers like BYD, NIO, or Geely.
As far as car suppliers are concerned, you should only engage with reliable suppliers who have a strong track record and meet international safety standards—someone like GuangcaiAuto.
GuangcaiAuto is a trusted and reliable Chinese auto import partner. We offer EVs from 60+ worldwide car brands at affordable prices with fast and low-cost shipping. Get in touch with our sales team now, and let us do all the heavy lifting on your behalf!
2. Comply with Pre-Export Regulations in China
You have to follow a set of regulations before importing a car from China to Egypt. One mandatory requirement for all EVs leaving China is the Chinese Compulsory Certification (CCC). Then, before export, vehicles must undergo inspections to ensure they meet quality and safety standards.
Given the dynamic regulatory landscape, you must stay updated on export policies in China and seek professional help in China to comply with the pre-export regulations.
3. Comply With Pre-Import Regulations in Egypt
You should comply with the following pre-import regulations in Egypt before importing an electric car from China:
- Vehicle Type and Age Restrictions: Only left-hand drive vehicles and those manufactured within the last three years are allowed for import in Egypt.
- Obtaining Import License: You must obtain the necessary import license from the Egyptian authorities. Note that the requirements may vary based on the type of electric car.
- Conformity to Egyptian Standards: Ensure your electric car meets Egyptian technical standards and regulations. This includes safety and electrical compatibility standards.
- Exemption from Authentication: Recent regulations have removed the requirement for documents to be authenticated at Egyptian embassies, simplifying the process for applicants.
- Application Process: The Egyptian government has launched an app to calculate the required payments and manage their applications online.
4. Gather the Required Documents Before Import
You must gather the following documents before importing an electric car from China to Egypt:
- Vehicle Purchase Invoice: This should clearly state the purchase price and details of the electric vehicle from the Chinese manufacturer.
- Certificate of Origin: This document is used to verify the vehicle’s country of manufacture, in this case, China.
- Vehicle Data Sheet: This should include detailed electric car specifications, including battery capacity and motor power.
- Bill of Lading: This shipping document is required for customs clearance.
- Customs Import Declaration: This form must be completed for customs processing.
- Certificate of Conformity: For electric vehicles, this should demonstrate compliance with Egyptian and international safety and environmental standards.

5. Shipping the Electric Car to Egypt
Here is everything you need to know about shipping your cars from China to Egypt:
Shipping Method and Delivery Time :
- The most common method for shipping a car from China to Egypt is by sea freight. Roll-on/Roll-off or container shipping are the main options, and they take between 30 and 40 days.
- You can also choose air freight. Though it will cost you more than the car itself in most cases, your car will arrive within a week.
Pre-Shipping Requirement:
- As of July 1, 2021, all used cars, including electric vehicles, must complete CargoX registration before they are imported to Egypt.
- You must register your shipment through the ACI system 48 hours before arrival in Egypt.
Shipping Costs:
- EV shipping costs from China to Egypt range from $1,500 to $3,500.
- Shipping costs depend on several factors, including the size and weight of the vehicle, shipping method (sea or air), chosen ports, time of year, and additional services like insurance.
Best Port in China:
- Tianjin Port is a good choice in China due to its efficiency and handling of car shipments.
- Other major ports like Shanghai, Ningbo, and Shenzhen are also viable options.
Best Port in Egypt:
- Damietta Port is a popular choice for car imports due to its latest infrastructure.
- Alexandria Port is another significant port, but it might have higher congestion.
Some Additional Tips:
- Choose a reputable shipping company with experience in handling electric vehicles.
- Consider insurance coverage that includes potential damages during transit and customs issues.
Check out our detailed blog post on choosing the right shipping partner: How to Choose a Logistics Company to Import a Car From China.
6. Paying Import Duty on EVs in Egypt
Ministerial Resolution 255/2018 of Egypt exempted EVs from various customs duties. With its updated car import tax structure, Egypt is trying to encourage the adoption of electric vehicles.
Here is the summary of updated import duties on cars in Egypt:
- Customs Duty: 0%
- Development Fees: 0%
- Planning Tax: 0%
- Value Added Tax (VAT): 14%
If you’re looking to import a hybrid vehicle or traditional car to Egypt, the following table shows the updated customs duty, development fee, VAT, and planning tax:
Engine Size | Customs Duty | Development Fee | Value Added Tax (VAT) | Planning Tax |
1000-1600 | 40% | 3% | 14% | 1% |
1600-2000 | 135% | 5% | 14% | 1% |
Over 2000 CC | 135% | 8.5% | 14% | 1% |
So, it is evident that you enjoy large tax cuts when importing electric cars from China to Egypt.
This blog post covers all the associated costs of importing a car from China. Check it out: How Much Does it Cost to Import a Car From China?
Final Word: 6 Steps for Importing an Electric Car From China to Egypt in 2024
So, there you have it. How to import an electric car to Egypt from China in 6 easy steps! By following these six steps, you can efficiently navigate the car import process in Egypt.
The rising local car prices and favorable import regulations make 2024 a suitable time for Egyptians to import electric vehicles from China.
If you’re considering importing your next car from China, look no further than GuangcaiAuto! We supply high-quality new and used cars from 60+ worldwide brands to Egypt.
We’re here to help you as we have helped thousands of clients globally import cars from China. All you have to do is visit our website and choose your favorite car.
And that’s it. Our team will take care of the rest for you.
Still confused about the process of importing electric cars to Egypt? Don’t worry! We’ve got you covered. Send us your inquiries, and we’ll respond to each and every one of them.
For more advice on importing cars from China to Egypt, please explore our blog or contact our customer support team.