A Simple Guide to Customs and Express Shipping from Egypt to USA
In recent years, the United States has undergone significant changes in customs laws and regulations for international shipments. With the development of customs procedures and increased focus on safety and compliance, it has become essential for importers and exporters to stay updated on the latest changes to ensure a smooth and trouble-free shipping process.
If you are planning to ship parcels or documents from Egypt to USA via express air shipping, this article provides everything you need to know about the latest customs updates and how to adapt to them.
💡 Key Recent US Customs Updates (2025)
According to a 2025 article published by US Customs and Border Protection (CBP), there are several important changes in customs policies that all shippers should be aware of:
- Enhanced Security Screening: Security checks on all shipments entering USA have been intensified, which may extend clearance times for some goods.
- Compliance Verification for Prohibited Items: The list of prohibited items has been updated, including certain agricultural products, chemicals, and unauthorized medications.
- Updated Customs Duties and Taxes: Changes in some duty rates and adjustments to how taxes are calculated on commercial shipments.
💡 How to Adapt to Customs Updates
- Check for Prohibited Items: Ensure your shipment does not include any prohibited goods according to the US Customs list. When in doubt, consult your shipping company or customs authorities directly.
- Submit Correct Documentation: Provide all necessary documents, such as detailed commercial invoices or import permits, depending on the type of goods.
- Use Trusted Shipping Companies: Choose reliable carriers like DHL, FedEx, UPS, and Aramex to guarantee compliance with customs regulations and fast shipping.
- Review Duties and Fees Carefully: Familiarize yourself with updated customs duties for each product, especially for commercial shipments, to avoid unexpected costs.
💡 Additional Tips for Safe and Fast Shipping from Egypt to USA
- Book in Advance: Try to book shipments ahead of time, especially during high-demand periods like holidays or peak seasons.
- Insure Your Shipment: For valuable items, purchase additional insurance to cover potential damage or loss during transit.
- Track Continuously: Use the tracking number provided by the carrier to monitor your shipment’s status and location at any time.
🔔 Advice for Recipients in USA
Recipients are advised to contact the shipping company in advance and select the customs department to provide details such as:
- Shipment value in USD
- Actual or volumetric weight
- Detailed description of the contents
Contact Numbers by Shipping Company for Customs Inquiries
➤ FedEx:
📞 1‑800‑GoFedEx
📞 1‑800‑463‑3339
➤ Aramex:
📞 New York: +1 718‑553‑8740
📞 Los Angeles: +1 424‑750‑9338
➤ DHL:
📞 1‑866‑915‑5700
➤ UPS:
📞 1‑800‑782‑7892
🔔 Important Notes :
- Customs duties and taxes are confirmed based on product type, value, and US customs standards.
- Some products may require import licenses, permits, approvals, or certificates of origin depending on their nature.
✅ Example: Shipping Clothing to USA (Personal or Commercial)
- US customs require a detailed invoice including:
- Number of items per type (e.g., 3 t-shirts, 2 pants, 1 jacket)
- Detailed description of each item (e.g., Women’s jeans – 98% cotton / 2% elastane)
- Country of origin (e.g., Made in Egypt)
- Value of each item in USD (sale price or estimated value if a gift or personal shipment)
- Purpose of shipment (personal, sample, sale, gift – important for tax/exemption determination)
- Harmonized System (HS) Code for each item if available — an international classification used by customs to determine duties and taxes accurately.
💡 Why Does Customs Require This?
- Fabric type affects customs duty rates (Cotton ≠ Polyester ≠ Wool).
- Some materials are subject to special regulations (e.g., wool or leather).
- It affects classification under the Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS).
💡 Sample Invoice Extract
| Value (USD) | Material | Country of Origin | Item Description | HS Code | Quantity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $15 | 100% Cotton | Egypt | Men's T-Shirts, short sleeve | 6109.10 | 2 |
| $20 | 98% Cotton / 2% Elastane | Egypt | Women's Jeans, blue | 6203.42 | 1 |
| $18 | 100% Polyester | Egypt | Girls’ Dress, red | 6204.62 | 1 |
📲 Are There Tools to Help Prepare Shipments?
Yes! Modern platforms like GoZagel offer smart services that help you:
- Issue shipping Airway bills and generate detailed invoices free of charge if you don’t have a commercial invoice, based on the values and details you provide, such as item count, descriptions, and USD values.
- Compare shipping rates from different carriers.
- Get instant quotes.
- Manage all your shipments from one place.
💬 Conclusion :
Shipping from Egypt to USA in 2025 requires staying informed about the latest customs updates and complying with new regulations. By following the tips and guidelines provided, you can ensure your shipment arrives quickly and safely without delays or customs issues.
Don’t forget to contact specialized shipping companies like DHL, FedEx, UPS and Aramex in the destination country to inquire about customs procedures properly and efficiently.
Platforms like GoZagel also help you generate free detailed invoices to attach with your shipment, easing customs clearance and reducing the chance of delays.
If you need further assistance or have questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to GoZagel support team for step-by-step help throughout your shipping process.