The Egyptian Ministry of Trade and Industry regulates imported products through two certification programmes. These programmes are GOEIC and NFSA and here is how they differ.
If you are considering exporting to Egypt, chances are you have come across the terms GOEIC and NFSA. GOEIC stands for the General Organisation for Export and Import Control. On the other hand, NFSA stands for the National Food Safety Authority.
To clarify, GOEIC and NFSA are verification of conformity programmes run by the Egyptian Ministry of Trade & Industry to regulate the standard of products exported to Egypt. What is the difference between GOEIC and NFSA? In short, NFSA regulates food imports and GOEIC regulates everything else.
In fact, GOEIC initially launched in 2012 as a registry for leather and textile goods exported to Egypt. In 2016, GOEIC began enforcing certification requirements for all regulated products exported to Egypt. Notably, Cotecna has been a GOEIC accredited partner since the year the programme started.
Subsequently, NFSA launched in 2020 with a focus on enforcing minimum safety, hygiene and health requirements for food products exported to Egypt. NFSA regulated products also include food contact materials like blenders, pots plates and so on. Also, some food contact materials need both GOEIC and NFSA certification.
Another difference between GOEIC and NFSA is the type of certification document the programmes require. The GOEIC certification process requires a Certificate of Conformity (COC). However, the NFSA certification process requires a Certificate of Inspection (COI).
Exporters to Egypt are encouraged to comply with certification. Certification gives importers the advantage of faster customs clearance (fast track) thus reducing business costs arising from delays, returned products and fines.
In addition, GOEIC certifications will be mandatory starting from 17 February 2012. Meaning, all consignments of GOEIC regulated products must be accompanied by a Certificate of Conformity issued by a GOEIC accredited conformity body like Cotecna.
To learn more about exporting to Egypt or to get a commitment free quote, please contact us.
About Cotecna
For over 50 years, we have been supporting agriculture, food and pharma, minerals and metals, and consumer products supply chains all over the world. We provide testing, inspection, and certification services to help our clients navigate evolving regulations, ensure product compliance, and support their sustainability journey.