A practical, step-by-step guide for Egyptian garlic importers: port selection, GOEIC registration, MFN tariff, shipping routes from Qingdao to Alexandria and Damietta, documentation, and cost breakdown for Normal White garlic.
Published: August 12, 2026 | Reading time: 14 min
Quick Answer: To import garlic from China to Egypt, you need GOEIC (General Organization for Export and Import Control) registration with a valid import card, a Phytosanitary Certificate and Certificate of Origin from your Chinese supplier, and all documents legalized by the Egyptian Embassy in China. Ocean freight from Qingdao to Alexandria takes 25-30 days. Egypt applies MFN tariffs on garlic (typically 10-40%). Egyptian buyers prefer Normal White garlic in 5.0-6.0cm sizes, packed in 10kg mesh bags. The standard MOQ is 1 x 40HQ Reefer Container (28MT) at -2°C to -3°C.
Egypt is one of the largest garlic markets in the Middle East and North Africa. While Egypt has its own domestic garlic production, local supply cannot meet year-round demand, especially during the off-season when domestic harvests are depleted. Chinese garlic fills this gap with competitive pricing, consistent quality, and year-round availability through cold storage. For Egyptian trading companies and wholesale distributors, understanding the import process, documentation, and logistics is essential to running a profitable garlic import business.
This guide is written for Egyptian importers, food distributors, and supermarket procurement teams who want to source garlic directly from China. It covers market data, the full import process, GOEIC registration, tariffs, shipping routes, documentation, and a cost breakdown comparing FOB Qingdao and CIF Alexandria terms.
Egypt consumes approximately 300,000-350,000 metric tons of garlic per year. Egypt is also a garlic producer, with domestic cultivation concentrated in Upper Egypt regions. However, domestic production is seasonal and typically runs from March to May, creating a significant supply gap during the remaining months. Annual garlic imports are estimated at 80,000-120,000 MT, with China being the dominant supplier.
Chinese garlic dominates the Egyptian import market due to its price competitiveness, reliable supply, and the range of sizes available. Garlic is a staple ingredient in Egyptian cuisine, used daily in dishes such as koshari, molokhia, ta'meya, and various meat preparations. This makes demand relatively stable throughout the year, with peaks during Ramadan and Eid celebrations.
The main garlic wholesale hubs in Egypt include the Obour Market in Cairo, the wholesale market in Alexandria, and regional distribution centers in cities like Mansoura and Tanta. Garlic arriving at Alexandria or Damietta Port is typically trucked to these wholesale markets within 1-2 days of customs clearance. Importers who can deliver fresh, well-preserved garlic to the Obour Market quickly after vessel arrival have a significant competitive advantage.
China produces over 60% of the world's garlic, and Shandong Province is the heart of China's garlic export industry. The region's loamy soil, distinct four-season climate, and decades of farming expertise produce garlic with uniform bulbs, tight skin, and excellent storage characteristics — qualities that matter greatly when shipping across the Indian Ocean to Egypt.
For Egyptian importers, the advantages of sourcing from China include:
If you want to compare the two main garlic varieties available from China, see our detailed comparison at Normal White Garlic and Pure White Garlic product pages.
Importing garlic from China to Egypt involves seven key steps. Each step has specific requirements under Egyptian regulations, and skipping any can result in customs delays, fines, or cargo spoilage. Below is the complete process.
Before you can import anything into Egypt, your company must be registered with GOEIC (General Organization for Export and Import Control). This is a mandatory legal requirement. The registration process requires your commercial registration, tax registration card, industrial license (if applicable), and chamber of commerce membership. Once registered, you receive an import card that authorizes your company to import goods. First-time registration takes 2-4 weeks.
Your import card must be renewed periodically and must cover the HS code for fresh garlic (0703.20). Work with a licensed Egyptian customs broker to ensure your registration covers the correct product categories before placing any order.
Start by identifying Chinese garlic exporters with proven experience shipping to Egypt or the broader Middle East market. A supplier familiar with the Egyptian market will know the preferred garlic specifications, packaging formats, and documentation requirements — particularly the legalization process through the Egyptian Embassy in China, which is unique to Egypt.
Request the supplier's business license, export qualifications, and references from existing clients. A transparent supplier will readily provide these. You can also request a third-party inspection (SGS, BV, or Intertek) before shipment to independently verify garlic quality, size, and packing. For a comprehensive supplier verification checklist, see our guide on how to choose a garlic supplier in China.
Egyptian buyers predominantly prefer Normal White garlic because of its affordability and suitability for everyday cooking. Given the 25-30 day voyage from Qingdao to Alexandria, shelf life remains important, but price sensitivity means Normal White is the preferred variety.
The most popular specifications for the Egyptian market are:
Egypt has one of the strictest documentation requirements among garlic importing countries. All commercial documents — Commercial Invoice, Packing List, and Certificate of Origin — must be legalized through the Chamber of Commerce in China, then authenticated by the Egyptian Embassy or consulate in China. This legalization process typically takes 5-10 business days and adds a cost of approximately $200-400 per shipment.
The Phytosanitary Certificate, issued by China Customs, must also be original and accompany the shipment. A fumigation certificate is required for all agricultural imports. Work closely with your Chinese supplier to ensure all documents are prepared correctly and legalized before the vessel departs. Errors in documentation are the most common cause of customs delays at Egyptian ports.
Garlic is shipped in 40HQ reefer containers set at -2°C to -3°C with ventilation. This temperature range keeps garlic dormant without freezing it, preserving quality during the 25-30 day voyage. The container's ventilation setting should be set to 25-30 CBM/hour to allow proper airflow and prevent moisture buildup that can cause mold.
Major shipping lines serving the Qingdao-to-Egypt route include Maersk, MSC, and CMA CGM. These carriers offer regular weekly sailings to both Alexandria and Damietta ports. Your freight forwarder can help you choose the best sailing based on transit time, cost, and reliability. Book the container 2-3 weeks before the planned loading date to secure space, especially during peak shipping seasons.
Upon arrival at the Egyptian port, your customs broker files the import declaration through the Nafeza (single window) system. The following documents are submitted electronically: legalized Commercial Invoice, Packing List, Bill of Lading, Phytosanitary Certificate, Certificate of Origin, fumigation certificate, and your GOEIC import card.
Egyptian Customs and the Central Administration for Plant Quarantine (CAPQ) will inspect the shipment. The CAPQ checks for pests, diseases, and compliance with the phytosanitary certificate. If any issues are found, the shipment may be held for further inspection, fumigated locally, or in rare cases, rejected. A clean inspection report allows the customs broker to complete clearance and release the container for delivery.
Customs clearance at Alexandria or Damietta typically takes 3-5 business days from vessel arrival, provided all documents are in order. Delays usually stem from incomplete legalization, missing documents, or inspection backlogs.
After customs clearance, the reefer container is trucked from the port to your warehouse or directly to the wholesale market. Alexandria Port has excellent connectivity to Cairo (approximately 220 km, 3-4 hours by truck), making the Obour Market in Cairo the primary distribution destination. Damietta Port serves the Delta region and is closer to Mansoura and Tanta wholesale markets.
Once at your warehouse, garlic should be stored in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area. If you have cold storage, maintain the temperature at 0°C to -1°C and humidity at 65-70% to maximize shelf life. Properly stored Chinese garlic can last 3-4 months after arrival, giving you ample time to distribute through your sales channels.
Egypt has specific import regulations that differ from other garlic importing countries. Understanding these requirements is critical to avoiding customs delays and penalties.
Based on market preferences and the 25-30 day transit time, the following specifications are recommended for Egyptian importers:
For detailed information on container loading and capacity, see our garlic container loading guide. For packaging options comparison, visit our packaging options guide.
Garlic from Shandong is shipped from Qingdao Port, one of China's largest container ports. The voyage to Egypt passes through the South China Sea, the Strait of Malacca, the Indian Ocean, the Red Sea, and the Suez Canal before reaching the Mediterranean ports of Alexandria and Damietta.
Two ports serve the Egyptian garlic import market:
The choice between Alexandria and Damietta depends on your end-market location. If you distribute primarily through Cairo (Obour Market), Alexandria is more convenient. If you serve the Delta region, Damietta may save you inland transport time and cost. Both ports have cold storage facilities, though most importers arrange direct truck pickup of their reefer containers.
Understanding the total landed cost of garlic is essential for pricing your product competitively in the Egyptian market. Below is a typical cost breakdown for a 40HQ reefer container of Normal White garlic (28MT), comparing FOB Qingdao and CIF Alexandria terms.
*Note: Landed cost varies significantly depending on the applicable MFN tariff rate. Figures are indicative and for reference only. Garlic prices fluctuate seasonally. Ocean freight rates change monthly. Always request a current quote for accurate pricing. *Excludes inland transport to Cairo.
The choice between FOB and CIF depends on your logistics expertise. First-time importers benefit from CIF because the supplier handles the 25-30 day reefer shipment and the complex documentation process. Experienced importers with established freight forwarder relationships can save $200-500 per container on FOB terms by negotiating their own freight rates. For a detailed explanation of Incoterms and price calculations, see our FOB vs CIF price calculation guide.
You need a Commercial Invoice, Packing List, Bill of Lading, Phytosanitary Certificate issued by China Customs, Certificate of Origin, and a fumigation certificate. All commercial documents must be legalized by the Egyptian Embassy or consulate in China. You also need an active GOEIC registration with a valid import card, and the shipment must be pre-registered through Egypt's ACI (Advance Cargo Information) system before departure.
Egypt applies MFN (Most Favored Nation) tariffs on garlic imports, which typically range from 10% to 40% depending on the specific HS code classification and current government policy. Egypt periodically adjusts tariffs to protect domestic agriculture, especially during the domestic harvest season. Importers must verify the current rate with Egyptian Customs or a licensed customs broker before confirming any order. A 14% VAT is also applied.
Ocean freight from Qingdao Port to Alexandria takes 25-30 days. Including 5-7 days for production, quality inspection, document legalization, and container loading in China, plus 3-5 days for customs clearance at Alexandria or Damietta, the total lead time from order confirmation to warehouse delivery is typically 5-7 weeks. The ACI pre-registration must be completed at least 48 hours before vessel departure.
Egyptian buyers prefer Normal White garlic in 5.0cm and 6.0cm sizes. Egypt is a price-sensitive market where garlic is an essential ingredient in daily cooking. The 5.0cm size is popular in wholesale markets for budget-conscious consumers, while 6.0cm is used for retail and supermarket channels. Packaging is typically 10kg mesh bags, which allow ventilation and are easy to handle in wholesale markets like Obour in Cairo.
The ACI (Advance Cargo Information) system is Egypt's pre-arrival cargo registration requirement. Importers or their freight forwarders must register the shipment details in the Nafeza single window system at least 48 hours before the vessel departs from the origin port. The system issues an ACID (Advance Cargo Identification) number that must be included on all shipping documents. Failure to comply with ACI requirements will result in the shipment being refused entry at the Egyptian port.
Need an Egypt-specific garlic quote? ExCrop ships Normal White garlic 5.0-6.0cm to Alexandria and Damietta regularly. We handle phytosanitary certificates, certificates of origin, document legalization, and reefer container setup. Contact us at contact@excrop.com or WhatsApp +86 136 5898 0612 for a current FOB or CIF Alexandria quote.
Get a competitive quote today. ExCrop handles everything from production to documentation and legalization.
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