The government has started discussions in order to develop an e-system which will facilitate the work of the importers of renewable energy equipment when they deal with the Customs Authority and its affiliated outlets.
Government sources told Daily News Egypt that the new system requires preparing an infrastructure to implement the system and connect it to all the customs’ outlets, which is currently under study, within the government’s measures to facilitate the climate and processes for investors.
The measures followed by importers of renewable energy equipment when dealing with the Customs Authority usually take between four to five days. However, after introducing the electronic system, the procedures will be completed within only few hours, the sources added.
In accordance with the law, renewable energy equipment is exempted from customs, except for solar panels, as importers pay 2% in custom duties. Importing European manufactured products are exempted from customs; however, importers pay a14% value added tax, and only 5%, if the equipment is for a national project.
Mohamed El Khayat, the chairperson of the New and Renewable Energy Authority (NREA), told Daily News Egypt that studies are underway to inaugurate the new electronic system.
He explained that this will take place on an electronical platform between the NREA, the Customs Authority, and all ports in order to facilitate the procedures for investors.
El Khayat added that the NREA aims to remove any obstacles facing the investors, in order to boost development.
Salah Ibrahim, a member of the Arab Consulting Office, an agent of SUNTECH in Egypt, said that the decision to develop an e-system is excellent and encouraging.
Ibrahim added that the government is always working to facilitate the measures for importers, as was the case in the customs’ exemptions for renewable energy components.
Noteworthy, the Ministry of Electricity aims to produce 20% of energy from new and renewable resources by 2020 and to open the way for the private sector to invest in power production projects.
