The Egypt market for Indian ghee
Egypt is a top-five dairy destination (APEDA FY2024-25); Arabic labelling and NFSA clearance apply.
Indian community in Egypt (Ministry of External Affairs estimate): 5,690 (NRI 5,407 + PIO 283).
Ghee specification for Egypt orders
| Parameter | Typical export value |
|---|---|
| Milk fat | ≥ 99.5% (typical) |
| Moisture | ≤ 0.3-0.5% (typical; FSSAI limit 0.5%) |
| FFA (as oleic) | ≤ 1.4-3.0% (FSSAI; typical) |
| RM value | ≥ 24-28 per FSSAI state standards (typical) |
| Adulteration | No vegetable fat / animal body fat (Baudouin and sterol tests) |
Final values are agreed per contract and checked against the Egypt requirements below, then confirmed by lab report or pre-shipment inspection.
Import requirements in Egypt
| Requirement | Regulator | Document / registration |
|---|---|---|
| Factory/brand registration | GOEIC | GOEIC registration under Decree 43/2016 |
| Arabic labelling & standards | EOS / NFSA | Arabic labels; NFSA import clearance |
General guidance as of November 2026. Confirm with your customs broker or the regulator before shipping. Final regulatory decisions require professional verification.
Shipping ghee to Egypt
Typical sea transit from India: 12–18 d to Alexandria/Port Said; 8–12 d to Ain Sokhna (Red Sea) (ASSUMPTION — this file's analyst estimate, not in 06 §F.2) days.
Supply window: Indian ghee is mainly produced or harvested Year-round; Flush season Nov-Mar (ASSUMPTION). Allow 12–18 d to Alexandria/Port Said; 8–12 d to Ain Sokhna (Red Sea) (ASSUMPTION — this file's analyst estimate, not in 06 §F.2) days at sea plus 5–10 days for inspection, export clearance and Egypt customs when you set delivery dates.
Container loading (estimate): 20' about 16-18 MT (tins/jars), 40' HC about 22-24 MT.
Quoted on FOB, CFR, CIF, FCA; CIF Egypt is the common choice for first orders.
Where buyers are in Egypt
| City | Port / airport | Buyer sectors |
|---|---|---|
| Cairo | Inland; Alexandria / El Dekheila (Med) and Ain Sokhna Port (Red Sea, ~120 km) / Port Said | HORECA, pharma importers & local formulators (APIs, excipients) |
| Alexandria | Port of Alexandria & El Dekheila Port (Egypt's largest Mediterranean port complex, ~60% of | HORECA, shipping agents & importers, textile/yarn buyers |
| Giza | Inland (Greater Cairo); Alexandria / Ain Sokhna · Cairo International (CAI); Sphinx Intern | hotel/HORECA, 6th of October industrial zone factories (textiles, pharma |
Frequently asked questions
What do I need to import ghee into Egypt?
Key requirements: Factory/brand registration — GOEIC (GOEIC registration under Decree 43/2016); Arabic labelling & standards — EOS / NFSA (Arabic labels; NFSA import clearance). Your customs broker confirms the full list for your HS line.
How long does shipping from India to Egypt take?
Typically 12–18 d to Alexandria/Port Said; 8–12 d to Ain Sokhna (Red Sea) (ASSUMPTION — this file's analyst estimate, not in 06 §F.2) days at sea (estimate).
Does Egypt have a trade agreement with India?
No FTA with India (Egypt is in COMESA/AfCFTA/Agadir, not with India). MFN tariffs [S7 — not mentioned] A preferential certificate of origin is needed to claim any reduced duty.
Which HS code applies to ghee from India?
Usually HS 040590. Egypt applies its own national tariff extension to the 6-digit code; confirm the full line with your broker.
Is ghee shelf-stable?
Yes, properly made ghee keeps 12-18 months at ambient temperature in sealed jars or tins.
What is the difference between cow and buffalo ghee?
Cow ghee is golden and granular; buffalo ghee is whiter with a different flavour and is preferred in some markets.
How do you ensure ghee is not adulterated?
Batches are tested for RM and Polenske values, sterols and the Baudouin test to detect vegetable or animal body fat.
Related guides
Request a quote: ghee to Egypt
Tell us grade, quantity and your port in Egypt. We quote CIF/CFR with the destination documents listed above.