Do Leather Shipments from India to Egypt Need an ACID Number?
Updated: 18 hours ago
Yes. To export leather from India to Egypt, each commercial sea or air shipment needs an ACID number under Egypt's Advance Cargo Information system, as of November 2026. The Egyptian importer obtains the ACID on Nafeza using the proforma invoice, and the Indian exporter uploads the shipping documents through CargoX before dispatch.
Key Takeaways
As of November 2026, every commercial sea or air shipment of leather from India to Egypt needs an ACID number.
The Egyptian importer obtains the ACID on Nafeza using the Indian supplier's proforma invoice.
The Indian exporter uploads shipping documents through CargoX before dispatch, and at least 8 hours before departure for air freight.
ACI has applied to sea freight since October 2021 and became mandatory for all air freight from 1 January 2026.
The ACID must appear on the commercial invoice, packing list and bill of lading or air waybill.
Exporting Leather from India to Egypt: The Detailed Answer
Egypt introduced Advance Cargo Information for sea freight in October 2021 and made it mandatory for all air freight from 1 January 2026, according to the German-Arab Chamber of Commerce in Egypt. It applies whether you are shipping wet blue, crust, finished leather or hides to a tannery, footwear factory or trader in Cairo, Alexandria or Port Said. The order of steps matters: the importer must act first, then the exporter.
Step | Who | What happens |
|---|---|---|
1 | Egyptian importer | Registers the shipment on Nafeza using the Indian supplier's proforma invoice; customs validate it and issue the ACID. |
2 | Importer to exporter | Shares the ACID, which must then appear on the invoice, packing list and bill of lading or air waybill. |
3 | Indian exporter | Registers and verifies its company on CargoX, creates a blockchain key and buys filing units (existing sea-freight accounts also work for air). |
4 | Indian exporter | Uploads the shipping documents via CargoX before dispatch; for air freight at least 8 hours before the flight departs. |
5 | Egyptian customs | Approve the ACI filing, and the shipment proceeds to standard clearance on arrival. |
For an air shipment, the Dutch embassy's agricultural team in Cairo lists the documents to file: the air waybill, commercial invoice, packing list, the invoice in Nafeza XML format and a certificate of origin. For leather and hides, keep these details identical across the proforma, the invoice and the packing list:
HS code and description: for example 4104 for bovine wet blue or crust, or 4107 for finished bovine leather.
Quantity basis: pieces, square feet and net/gross weight, with grade and substance in mm.
Parties and ACID: the same importer name and ACID on every document.
Import duty and VAT depend on the HS code, so confirm current rates with your Egyptian customs broker before you fix the price. For ports, documents and grading when buying hides from India, see our guide for overseas hide buyers and our leather hides supply page.
Sanwas International is an LWG-certified OEM and private label leather manufacturer based in Jalandhar, Punjab, India, producing footwear, outerwear, furniture leather and hides for brands in India and worldwide. It supplies cow, buffalo and goat hides to factories, tanneries and traders in Africa, Asia, Europe, North America and Australia, with AQL inspection before dispatch and sample hides for approval before bulk. Share your Egypt hide requirement with our export team to get started.
Frequently Asked Questions
Must the ACID appear on the bill of lading for leather shipments?
Yes. The ACID must appear on all shipping documents, including the commercial invoice, packing list and bill of lading. For air cargo it goes in the OCI segment of the air waybill, following IATA standards.
Can leather samples be couriered from India to Egypt without ACI?
Possibly. In February 2026 the Dutch embassy in Cairo reported a current exception for express shipments of up to 50 kg and no more than USD 2,000 in value. Exceptions can change, so confirm with your courier before sending swatches or sample hides.
What happens if a leather shipment reaches Egypt without an ACID?
It risks being refused entry. Egypt's customs require the ACID before goods are allowed in, so the importer and exporter should complete the Nafeza and CargoX steps before the container or air cargo leaves India.
Which documents does an Indian exporter file for an air shipment of leather to Egypt?
The air waybill, commercial invoice, packing list, the invoice in Nafeza XML format and a certificate of origin. They are uploaded through CargoX at least 8 hours before the flight departs. Keep the HS code, quantities and the importer's ACID identical across every document.
Can I get sample hides from Sanwas International before ordering a bulk shipment to Egypt?
Yes. Egyptian tanneries, factories and traders can request sample hides for approval before bulk. Share the leather type, grade, quantity and destination port so the samples and the quote match your order, and confirm with your courier whether the express exception for small shipments applies.
Get a Quote for Leather Hides Delivered to Egypt
Egyptian tanneries, footwear and leather-goods factories, traders and distributors can share the product, leather type and grade, quantity, destination port or city, preferred Incoterm and target date. Sanwas International supplies buyers across India and exports worldwide, and sample hides for approval can be arranged before bulk.
Include these details in your enquiry:
Product category and style (hides, crust or finished leather, and the end product)
Leather type, finish and colour
Target quantity per grade and colour
Destination port or city in Egypt, plus preferred Incoterm
Target delivery date and whether you need sample hides before bulk
Contact Sanwas International
Mob: +91 8728858686
Address: 308 Leather Complex, Kapurthala Road, Jalandhar, Punjab 144002, India
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