Egyptian private companies are being accused by business leaders in Libya of levying unauthorised fees on goods destined for the Libyan market, reigniting tensions surrounding trade controls between the two countries.
The Libyan-Egyptian Joint Economic Chamber has warned Libyan businesses against any transactions involving private companies operating in Egypt that impose levies on certain shipments before they enter Libya.
In a statement, the organisation claims that several companies are demanding between $150 and $700 (approximately €138 to €645) for inspections, particularly on cement, paints, and cleaning
products.
According to the chamber, these amounts are demanded in foreign currency without any regulatory basis recognized by the authorities of either country.
The organisation describes these payments as “illegal levies,” specifying that they are paid neither to
the Libyan Treasury nor to official Egyptian government agencies.
This situation would increase import costs in a context where Libya remains heavily dependent on external supplies for many industrial and consumer goods.
Libyan customs authorities have also distanced themselves from these practices. They have stated that they do not recognise any procedure requiring prior inspections in Egypt before exports to Libya.
According to them, technical and sanitary controls of imported goods are carried out exclusively in Libyan laboratories after the products have entered the country through official border crossings.
This situation arises as trade between Egypt and Libya is gradually recovering, driven by reconstruction needs and the logistical proximity between the two markets.
However, Libyan economic operators fear that the proliferation of unregulated additional costs will
disrupt trade flows and lead to price increases on the domestic market.
The Joint Economic Chamber reports having received several complaints from importers, suppliers, and freight forwarders denouncing these additional charges. The organisation states that it has forwarded the case to the relevant authorities in Libya, including the environment ministry and customs services, in order to obtain clarifications and control measures.
By calling for swift intervention from the Libyan government, the organisation believes that the issue goes beyond mere trade and directly impacts the country’s economic sovereignty and the regulation of strategic import channels.
MK/AK/Sf/fss/as/APA