To sell or import electronic and telecommunications equipment in Egypt, companies must comply with local regulations enforced by the National Telecom Regulatory Authority (NTRA) for wireless and telecom equipment, and by the Egyptian Organization for Standardization and Quality (EOS) or the General Organization for Export and Import Control (GOEIC) for electrical safety and general product conformity.
Certification in Egypt typically falls under two main areas:
- NTRA Type Approval – for wireless and telecommunications equipment
- EOS/GOEIC Product Compliance – for electrical, electronic, and consumer products
1. NTRA Type Approval (Wireless and Telecom Equipment)
The National Telecom Regulatory Authority (NTRA) is responsible for approving any equipment that uses radio frequencies or connects to public telecommunications networks in Egypt. Type approval is mandatory before wireless or telecom devices can be imported or sold.
Products that require approval include mobile phones, routers, RF modules, Bluetooth and Wi-Fi devices, two-way radios, and any telecom terminal equipment.
The approval process involves:
- Appointing a local legal representative or importer in Egypt
- Submitting international test reports (usually CE or FCC reports are accepted), along with detailed technical documents such as block diagrams, user manuals, and frequency specifications
- Applying for NTRA type approval via the official portal or through authorized third-party agents
- Undergoing document review and, in some cases, local testing or inspection by NTRA
- Receiving a Type Approval Certificate valid for a limited period (typically one year), subject to renewal
Labeling is required and must comply with NTRA guidelines. The approved product must show traceable information, including model number and type approval details.
For some technologies—especially those using specific frequency bands—additional spectrum authorization or coordination with military or governmental bodies may be necessary.
2. EOS/GOEIC Compliance (Electrical and Consumer Products)
The Egyptian Organization for Standardization and Quality (EOS) and GOEIC oversee the safety, quality, and performance of electrical and electronic products entering Egypt. These bodies ensure that products conform to national standards, which are often based on IEC norms.
Products such as household appliances, lighting products, power supplies, IT devices, and personal electronics typically require:
- Technical conformity based on EOS standards (test reports from accredited labs may be accepted)
- Product registration with GOEIC, including submission of safety documentation, manuals in Arabic, and declarations of conformity
- In some cases, testing in local labs or factories may be required
- Labeling with product and importer information in Arabic
- Annual or shipment-based inspections and documentary verification
Importers must be registered with GOEIC and should maintain up-to-date documentation for customs clearance.
Customs and Import Oversight
Egyptian Customs works closely with NTRA, EOS, and GOEIC to enforce compliance at the time of import. Shipments without proper certification or labeling may be held, rejected, or confiscated. Delays can occur if product information is incomplete or inconsistent with regulatory expectations.
It is crucial to coordinate all certification processes before shipment and ensure that labeling, documentation, and declarations match exactly what is filed with the regulatory authorities.
Closing Remarks
Certification ensures not only regulatory compliance but also consumer trust and market access. Companies planning to enter the Egyptian market should budget time and resources for these approvals early in their go-to-market process. Getting certified in Egypt can feel complex, but it’s essential for legal market entry and consumer safety. Whether you're launching smart devices, telecom gear, or electrical appliances—compliance is your passport to Egypt.
Need help managing Egypt approvals? We are happy to guide you through it!
