Egypt examines Korean advance cargo information model for e-commerce customs

Egypt's Customs Authority examined South Korea's procedures for managing cross-border e-commerce shipments during a capacity-building programme in Seoul. The advance cargo information focus of the programme ran from 14 to 25 October 2025, according to a statement published by the Egyptian authority on 25 October. A delegation attended the programme organised by the Korea International Cooperation Agency and Korea Customs Service. The programme, entitled Cross-Border E-Commerce Management and Customs Valuation, focused on mechanisms for handling postal and express cargo.

Korean integration of advance cargo information with risk targeting#

The delegation examined how South Korea integrates advance cargo information systems with risk analysis to direct inspection resources toward higher-risk shipments. The programme covered the integration of shipment data with X-ray images and the use of technical analysis to support targeting decisions. The delegation visited the Incheon Logistics Centre to observe procedures for verifying importer information and the application of advance rulings in customs classification and valuation. Amal El-Gabry, Director General of Development Initiatives and Head of the E-Commerce Unit, stated the delegation learned how specialised technical committees and advance rulings standardise customs decisions, reduce disputes and improve procedural transparency for traders. The visit covered the integration of shipment data with X-ray images at the Incheon facility.

Recommendations for Egyptian advance cargo information system improvements#

The visit produced recommendations including a study of improvements to Egypt's advance cargo information system for e-commerce shipments. The recommendations covered an assessment of introducing a personal customs identification code through the Nafeza platform. Further recommendations included the potential establishment of centralised connectivity for X-ray images, strengthened risk analysis for postal and express cargo, and improved customs classification procedures. The delegation also proposed examining how Korean customs applications could be adapted to meet Egyptian operational requirements. The recommendations addressed mechanisms for reducing unnecessary interventions in legitimate trade while maintaining inspection capacity for higher-risk consignments. El-Gabry stated the recommendations covered assessing the potential for establishing centralised connectivity for X-ray images and strengthening specialised risk analysis for postal and express cargo shipments.

Broader customs modernisation and digital transformation programme#

Ahmed Amoui, Head of the Egyptian Customs Authority, stated the government is drawing on international experiences to expand the use of advanced technology. The authority is improving the advance cargo information system to enhance risk assessment. The efforts aim to accelerate shipment clearance, facilitate trade flows and strengthen governance. The authority is developing its system for handling cross-border e-commerce shipments as part of broader digital transformation and customs modernisation efforts. Amoui stated the government is working to improve customs service efficiency and simplify procedures to keep pace with growing international trade. The government is working to develop its system for handling cross-border e-commerce shipments to keep pace with growing international trade, according to the statement.

Delegation composition and programme operational focus#

The Egyptian delegation was headed by Amal El-Gabry and included Sally Gabr, Nora Labib, Lamia Awadeen and Ahmed El-Sakka. El-Gabry stated the programme examined South Korea's handling of rising e-commerce shipment volumes, with particular focus on postal and express cargo flows. The delegation explored how information exchange systems integrate with risk analysis. The Incheon Logistics Centre visit covered how shipment data integrates with X-ray images, how technical analysis supports inspection decisions, and how procedures verify importers' information. The delegation examined mechanisms for integrating information exchange systems with risk analysis to direct inspection and supervisory resources towards higher-risk shipments while reducing unnecessary interventions in legitimate trade.