Complaint
- Complaint number
- AfCFTA-000-106
- NTB Type
- 2.5. Rules of origin
- Reported through
- Mobile
- Complaint
-
We are trying to sell white-top kraftlinerboard (HS code 4804.19) manufactured by Mondi in South Africa to customers in Egypt. However, Egyptian Customs are insisting on applying a 15% import duty because of the country of origin, despite the AfCFTA.
To our understanding, this product should qualify for a 0% duty rate under AfCFTA preferences, but Customs’ current assessment is not reflecting this. We would appreciate clarification on the correct applicable duty and guidance on how to ensure the AfCFTA exemption is applied at clearance. - Status note
-
A Non-Tariff Barrier (NTB) was reported concerning exports of white-top kraftlinerboard (HS Code 4804.19) from South Africa to Egypt. The exporter had indicated that, despite submitting a valid AfCFTA Certificate of Origin, Egyptian customs authorities were applying import duties, contrary to expectations under AfCFTA preferential treatment.
Initial engagement (11 December 2025) was undertaken with the exporter and representatives of South African authorities (DTIC). A meeting was also held with the representatives of Egypt on the 20 January 2026. From the meeting with the Exporter, it was understood that the Exporter was a trading company based in Cyprus and Canada which sources its products from South Africa. Furthermore, there was no specific consignment being held by the Egyptian authorities, the exporter was only seeking for information based on inadequate information gathered from elsewhere.
During the engagement, Egypt emphasized that its treatment was guided by the principle of reciprocity, reflecting the phasedown period for PSTC submitted by South Africa. Egypt also reported that the e-tariff book did not reflect the phasedown correctly.
The matter was settled with Egypt requesting for the Secretariat to correct the matter to reflect the reciprocal offers between South and Egypt as a factual reference for use by the private sector. Egypt also recommended that the Exporter may contact them directly for further clarification if still required. - Progress update note
- Policy or regulatory NTB
- No
- Location
- Egypt: Port of Ain Sukhna (Seaport)
- Reporting Country or Region
- South Africa
- Date of incident
- 2025-11-26
- Status
- Resolved
- Date of resolution
- 2026-01-20
- Product Description
-
white-top kraftlinerboard (white/bleached top ply, otherwise kraftliner): HS code 4804.19
- Total value
- EGYPTIAN POUND (EGP)1 000 000.00
- Annual trade value
- 0
- Date reported
- 2025-11-26
- Modified
- 2026-06-16 18:18
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