Export Tunisian olive oil to Egypt (0% GAFTA, growing

Q: What customs duty does Tunisian olive oil pay in Egypt?

Thanks to GAFTA , Tunisian olive oil enters at 0% on presentation of an Arab certificate of origin . Domestic taxes and local arrangements are with the Egyptian authorities.

Q: What is the Arab certificate of origin and why is it crucial?

It is the document that proves Tunisian origin under the Greater Arab Free Trade Area (GAFTA) and opens the 0% duty . On a very price-sensitive Egyptian market, it is indispensable for staying competitive against competing imports.

Q: Does Egypt produce its own olive oil?

Yes , Egypt has a significant local olive production , mostly geared towards table olives . Imported oil therefore faces local supply and fierce price competition .

Q: Why is price the key challenge in Egypt?

Because the market combines local production , imports of variable quality and strong price sensitivity . The customs duty is neutralised by GAFTA: the difference is made on landed price and supply regularity , where the Tunisian origin has an advantage.

Q: What is the indicative price for bulk Tunisian olive oil?

At origin, count on around 3.80 €/kg FOB at the low end of the range for bulk — a clear price advantage that is precisely the decisive asset on the very price-oriented Egyptian market.

Q: Is Egypt a growing market for olive oil?

Yes , consumption is rising. Positioning a reliable and competitive offer early prepares recurring volumes with importers who seek consistent quality.

Q: Is the Arabic-language label mandatory in Egypt?

Arabic labelling is expected, as across the Arab world. The precise labelling and product-registration rules are depending on the Egyptian regulation in force.

Q: Under which customs code is olive oil classified in Egypt?

Under HS code 1509 : 1509.20 (extra virgin), 1509.30 (virgin), 1509.40 (other virgin oils). The 0% GAFTA duty applies on presentation of the Arab certificate of origin.

Q: Is bulk suited to the Egyptian market?

Yes , particularly. On a price-sensitive market, bulk (flexitank, IBC) minimises logistics cost per kilo and leaves the importer in control of local packaging. It is the most consistent format for Egypt.

Logistics corridor

Sfax · departureEgypte

Usual entry requirements

Certificate of analysis (COA) per lot
Market-compliant labelling
Certificate of origin
Organic certification if claimed

How do you export Tunisian olive oil to Egypt?

To export Tunisian olive oil to Egypt, your oil enters under HS code 1509, through a port such as Alexandria, Damietta or Port Said. Since Tunisia and Egypt are both members of the Greater Arab Free Trade Area (GAFTA), Tunisian olive oil enters at 0% customs duty on presentation of an Arab certificate of origin — the most profitable document in the whole file.

Egypt is a growing market, but a particular one: the country has a significant local olive production, mostly geared towards table olives, and the quality of imported oil there is variable. Price competition is fierce. The Arabic-language label is expected and product registration is the importer's responsibility. Zitouna Export delivers in bulk (flexitank, IBC, drums) and private label, with a COA per batch.

In brief — Egypt (olive oil)

Values dated July 2026, to be re-verified before any firm quote. Egypt is a member of GAFTA, which opens the zero duty, but its market combines local production, rising consumption and strong price sensitivity.

Item	Detail
Customs code	HS 1509 (1509.20 extra virgin)
Typical entry port	Alexandria / Damietta / Port Said
Duty with GAFTA	0% (Arab certificate of origin)
Preferential document	Arab certificate of origin
Local production	Significant (mostly table olives)
Dynamics	Growing market
Import quality	Variable
Competition	Strong price competition
Labelling	Arabic expected

The Arab certificate of origin gives the 0% GAFTA duty. It is the central economic lever for staying competitive on a very price-sensitive Egyptian market. Without it, your oil pays the full duty — and loses its advantage against competing origins.

Price competition is the real challenge, not customs. Egypt combines local production and imports of variable quality. The landed price must be tight: this is where the Tunisian origin price advantage makes the difference, more than on the premium end.

Calculate your total landed cost with our customs duty checker.

Customs access — 0% GAFTA with the Arab certificate of origin

Egypt is a member of GAFTA, which makes customs access for Tunisian olive oil favourable in tariff terms:

HS code 1509, with an expected breakdown into 1509.20 (extra virgin), 1509.30 (virgin) and 1509.40 (other virgin oils) —.
GAFTA duty: 0%. Since Tunisia and Egypt are both members of the Greater Arab Free Trade Area, Tunisian olive oil enters at zero duty on presentation of the Arab certificate of origin. It is the central lever for staying competitive.
Domestic taxation & local taxes:. Egyptian VAT/tax and product-registration arrangements must be confirmed with the local authorities and your importer before any quote.
Significant local production: Egypt produces olives on a large scale, mostly as table olives. Competition on imported oil is therefore fought as much on price and supply regularity as on customs duty.

The real Egyptian challenge is not the tariff barrier — GAFTA neutralises it — but price competitiveness against local supply and varied imports. This is where the Tunisian origin price advantage becomes decisive.

None of the above replaces an up-to-date check. Local taxes, ports, codes and registration arrangements are given for indication (July 2026) and must be confirmed with Egyptian customs and your freight forwarder before any commitment.

Buying culture & expectations of Egyptian buyers

Egypt is a volume and price market, different from the premium Gulf. Its specifics:

Price drives the decision. Facing local production and imports of variable quality, the Egyptian buyer is very sensitive to landed price. The Tunisian origin price advantage is a central argument here, more than the terroir story.
Supply regularity matters. On a growing market, the importer looks for a supplier who is reliable over time, able to hold volumes and lead times. Consistency reassures as much as price.
Consistent quality is a differentiator. Since import quality is variable, offering regular, documented quality (COA per batch) sets you apart and justifies a lasting relationship.
Relationship and Arab formalities remain important. As across the Arab world, trust is built; the Arab certificate of origin and a clean file facilitate the relationship.
A growing market to cultivate. Olive oil consumption is rising: positioning a reliable, competitive offer early prepares recurring volumes.
Samples and analysis are still expected before any volume commitment.

Buyer side (Egyptian importer/distributor): secure the Arab certificate of origin for the 0% duty, negotiate a tight landed price, and require a consistent COA per batch to guarantee consistent quality. Seller/exporter side: play price competitiveness and supply regularity, rely on the Tunisian origin price advantage, and secure the GAFTA file. Get export training.

Logistics & incoterms — Egypt

Egypt is served by sea via Alexandria, Damietta or Port Said. Mediterranean proximity to Tunisia and the volumes sought make bulk (flexitank, IBC) particularly relevant for a price market.

Standard departure incoterm: FOB Radès is the benchmark for a first order — you control freight up to shipment, the importer takes over.
CIF Alexandria / Damietta delivers a port landed price, often preferred by buyers who compare landed costs.
Bulk preferred: on a price-sensitive market, bulk (flexitank/IBC) minimises logistics cost per kilo and leaves the importer in control of local packaging.
Registration & Arabic label to anticipate if you deliver packaged product.

Radès→Egypt freight levels, transit times and port arrangements are with your freight forwarder at the time of the quote.

Estimate your landed cost with our customs duty checker and prepare the file with the export document checklist.

FAQ — Exporting Tunisian olive oil to Egypt

What customs duty does Tunisian olive oil pay in Egypt?

Thanks to GAFTA, Tunisian olive oil enters at 0% on presentation of an Arab certificate of origin. Domestic taxes and local arrangements are with the Egyptian authorities.

What is the Arab certificate of origin and why is it crucial?

It is the document that proves Tunisian origin under the Greater Arab Free Trade Area (GAFTA) and opens the 0% duty. On a very price-sensitive Egyptian market, it is indispensable for staying competitive against competing imports.

Does Egypt produce its own olive oil?

Yes, Egypt has a significant local olive production, mostly geared towards table olives. Imported oil therefore faces local supply and fierce price competition.

Why is price the key challenge in Egypt?

Because the market combines local production, imports of variable quality and strong price sensitivity. The customs duty is neutralised by GAFTA: the difference is made on landed price and supply regularity, where the Tunisian origin has an advantage.

What is the indicative price for bulk Tunisian olive oil?

At origin, count on around 3.80 €/kg FOB at the low end of the range for bulk — a clear price advantage that is precisely the decisive asset on the very price-oriented Egyptian market.

Is Egypt a growing market for olive oil?

Yes, consumption is rising. Positioning a reliable and competitive offer early prepares recurring volumes with importers who seek consistent quality.

Is the Arabic-language label mandatory in Egypt?

Arabic labelling is expected, as across the Arab world. The precise labelling and product-registration rules are depending on the Egyptian regulation in force.

Under which customs code is olive oil classified in Egypt?

Under HS code 1509: 1509.20 (extra virgin), 1509.30 (virgin), 1509.40 (other virgin oils). The 0% GAFTA duty applies on presentation of the Arab certificate of origin.

Is bulk suited to the Egyptian market?

Yes, particularly. On a price-sensitive market, bulk (flexitank, IBC) minimises logistics cost per kilo and leaves the importer in control of local packaging. It is the most consistent format for Egypt.

Can you do private label in Egypt?

Yes. We supply in bulk or packaged. On a price market, bulk destined for local packaging by the importer is often the most efficient scheme. See our private-label offer.

Which incoterm should you choose for Egypt?

For a first order, FOB Radès is the standard: you control freight up to shipment. CIF Alexandria / Damietta delivers a port landed price, often preferred for comparing landed costs. Freight levels are.

How do you stand out on the Egyptian market?

Through a competitive landed price (Tunisian origin advantage), regular, documented quality (COA per batch) and supply reliability over time. It is this combination that builds a relationship on this growing market.

Request your quote for Egypt

Volume, format (flexitank / IBC / drum or packaged), incoterm (FOB Radès or CIF Alexandria / Damietta), private label or bulk for local packaging, organic or conventional: tell us your need, and we'll send you a dated quote with a reference sample, a COA and a clear note on the Arab certificate of origin and price competitiveness.

Request a free quote — drawer pre-filled "Destination: Egypt".