Import Ban on 34 Non-Essential Goods to Take Effect May 10

The Ministry of Industry and Trade has announced the entry into force of Transitional Council of Ministers Decision No. (74) of 2026, which provides for banning the import of 34 goods classified as luxury and non-essential items.

The decision, which had earlier been leaked prior to its formal approval, initially included a broader list of 46 items—most notably cement, Egyptian fava beans, and certain production inputs for companies—before being reduced to its current scope.

The Undersecretary of the Ministry affirmed that all technical procedures have been completed, designating May 10, 2026, as the official start date for implementation. The Ministry also reassured importers that the decision will not be applied retroactively, confirming that shipments for which import procedures had already commenced prior to the enforcement date will be exempted.

The final list covers a wide range of consumer goods, including processed meats, fish (excluding fry), ready-made dairy products (excluding powdered milk and infant formula), sweets, soft drinks, and juices. It also includes biscuits, jams, instant noodles, and snack foods such as chips.
In addition, the ban extends to plastic bags, paints, laundry soap, leather products, silk, pearls and gemstones, as well as non-educational toys, artworks, ornamental birds and fish, and wigs.