Industrial Registry and Business Licenses in Egypt: Establishment Steps, Specific Laws, and Advice

Issuing an Industrial Register and Obtaining Licenses

Industrial establishments in Egypt are subject to a regulated legal framework and are essential requirements for any industrial establishment to operate legally. Here are the steps, regulating laws, and key tips:

Basic Steps for Establishing an Industrial Facility and Obtaining an Industrial Register

1. Obtain Initial Approval for the Project

· Submit an application to the General Authority for Industrial Development to obtain initial approval for the activity and location.

2. Allocate the Land and Obtain a Building Permit

· Receive the plot of land (if available) and obtain a building permit for the industrial unit from the relevant authorities, along with submitting approved engineering drawings.

3. Obtain a Commercial Register and Tax Card

· Register the company in the Commercial Register and obtain a tax card in the name of the establishment.

4. Prepare Technical and Administrative Documents

· Approved engineering drawings (architectural, electrical, sanitary, and structural).

· Technical study of the soil and its bearing capacity.

· Supervisory certificate from a union engineer.

· Civil works insurance policy (for large projects)

5. Meet safety and environmental requirements

· Obtain civil defense, environmental, and occupational health approvals.

· Approval from the Federation of Egyptian Industries

6. Submit an industrial license application

· Submit an industrial license application form, along with the required documents, to the General Authority for Industrial Development.

· Pay the required fees.

7. Conduct technical inspections.

· Specialized committees from the Authority will inspect the site and ensure that technical and environmental requirements are met.

8. Issuing an Operating License

· After fulfilling all requirements, the Authority will issue the operating license for the industrial facility.

9. Submitting an Application for Registration in the Industrial Registry

· Submit the registration application within 30 days of the start of actual production, attaching the operating license, commercial registration, tax card, and membership certificate from the Federation of Industries, and paying the fees.

10. Receiving the Industrial Registry Certificate

· After reviewing the application, the industrial registry certificate will be issued within a short period (usually 3 working days after the technical opinion).

Laws Governing the Industrial Registry and Facility Licensing

·Law No. 24 of 1977 Concerning the Industrial Registry

·Law No. 15 of 2017 Facilitating Procedures for Granting Industrial Facility Licensing

·Law No. 21 of 1958 Regulating and Encouraging Industry

·Building Law No. 119 of 2008 (Conditions for Buildings)

·Environmental Law No. 4 of 1994 (For environmental requirements)

· For the executive regulations of the Industrial Licensing Law and the decisions of the General Authority for Industrial Development.

Top tips for establishing an industrial facility and obtaining an industrial registration

· Start by obtaining preliminary approval before making any financial or construction commitments.

· Prepare all technical and legal documents carefully (engineering drawings, ownership or lease contracts, approvals from the competent authorities).

· Submit an application for registration in the industrial registration within 30 days of starting production to avoid fines or closure.

· Follow up on updating the industrial registration data in the event of any change in activity, ownership, or capital within 90 days of the change.

· Seek the assistance of a legal advisor or specialized office to expedite procedures and avoid errors.

· Make sure to renew your industrial registration every 5 years and meet all technical and administrative requirements.

· Take advantage of the notification licensing system if your activity is a low-risk activity or within approved industrial zones. A license can be obtained immediately upon submitting the notification and documents.

· Ensure you pay all required fees and obtain official receipts.

important Notes

1- Failure to register in the industrial registry or operate an unlicensed facility exposes the facility owner to heavy fines and administrative closure.

2- Small and micro enterprises receive fee reductions of up to 50%.

·3- Recent legal amendments have simplified procedures and eliminated some criminal penalties, with administrative fines being the only penalties in cases of violation.

Following these steps and adhering to the regulating laws ensures the establishment of a legal industrial facility in Egypt and allows you to benefit from the investment facilities and incentives available to the industrial sector.