Importing cleaning products from Egypt is among the best investments an international importer can make in 2026, given the high quality, competitive pricing, and abundance of diverse products that meet the needs of all markets.
The first step in the import journey is finding a reliable Egyptian factory or export company. Search official sources such as the Chemical Industries Export Council (CEC), the Egyptian Chamber of Commerce, and the Cleaning Products Exporters Association. When evaluating a supplier, verify: export record and years in international markets, accredited certifications (ISO, GMP, CE), monthly production capacity (MOQ and Lead Time), and reviews from previous clients. Visiting the factory in person or via a virtual tour before signing the contract is recommended. Rowad El Shareq offers free Supplier Verification services for new importers.
Required documents vary by destination country, but the essential documents include: certified Egyptian Certificate of Origin, detailed Commercial Invoice, Packing List, Bill of Lading or Airway Bill, Health Certificate for products required by customs, and Certificate of Analysis from an accredited laboratory. For European countries, CE Marking is required for industrial products. For Gulf countries, SASO or ESMA certificates are mandatory. For liquid detergents, an English-language Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) must be provided. Ensure all documents are authenticated by the Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Chamber of Commerce.
Cleaning products are shipped from Egypt via Alexandria Port or Damietta Port. For large shipments (FCL), 20ft containers (up to 25 tons) or 40ft containers (up to 28 tons) are used. For smaller shipments (LCL), cargo is consolidated with other shipments. Shipping time: 7-12 days to Gulf countries, 14-21 days to Europe, 25-35 days to East Asia. Paper tissue products are shipped separately from liquid detergents to avoid product damage. ISPM-15 certified wooden pallets are preferred for international shipments. Shipping cost from Alexandria to Jeddah ranges from $1,200-1,800 for a 20ft container. Air freight can be used for samples and urgent orders at higher cost.
Quality control is the most important step before shipping any cargo. The importer must conduct a Pre-Shipment Inspection (PSI) through an international inspection company such as SGS, Intertek, or Bureau Veritas. The inspection includes: verifying quantities and specifications, random sample testing, ensuring products are properly packaged, and examining documents. It is recommended to define quality standards precisely in the contract (QAP - Quality Assurance Plan) including: active ingredient percentages, pH levels, tear resistance (for paper), and color/odor standards. The importer can request an additional Third-Party Lab Test from SGS Egypt before approving shipment.
Importing cleaning products from Egypt is an organized and profitable process when following the correct steps. From finding the right supplier to preparing documents and quality control, we at Rowad El Shareq accompany you every step of the way. Request a free consultation today.