Selling Online in Egypt — What Does the Law Say?
If you're selling online in Egypt — whether on Luulwa, Facebook, Instagram, or even from home — there are laws that govern this activity. Not to scare you, but to help you protect yourself and build a legitimate business.
Key Laws Governing Online Selling
| Law | Number | Coverage |
|---|---|---|
| Consumer Protection Law | 181 of 2018 | Buyer rights, returns, warranties |
| E-Signature Law | 15 of 2004 | Electronic contracts and signatures |
| Personal Data Protection Law | 151 of 2020 | Customer data and privacy |
| Anti-Cybercrime Law | 175 of 2018 | Electronic fraud and crimes |
| Value Added Tax Law | 67 of 2016 | 14% VAT |
Do I Need a Commercial Registration?
Short answer: It depends on your scale.
| Scenario | Commercial Reg? | Tax Card? |
|---|---|---|
| Selling personal used items occasionally | ❌ Not required | ❌ Not required |
| Selling regularly (over EGP 500,000/year) | ✅ Required | ✅ Required |
| Running an online store | ✅ Required | ✅ Required |
| Importing and selling | ✅ Required | ✅ Required |
| Freelancer offering services | ⚠️ Depends | ⚠️ Depends |
E-Invoicing — The New System
The Egyptian Tax Authority has been rolling out the e-invoicing system in phases:
- Phase 1 — Large companies (completed)
- Phase 2 — Medium companies (completed)
- Phase 3 — Small businesses and shop owners (ongoing)
- Electronic receipts for individuals — Being rolled out in select areas
Practical tip: Even if e-invoicing isn't yet required for you, keep records of every sale — this protects you legally.
Buyer Rights You Must Know as a Seller
Consumer Protection Law 181 gives buyers important rights:
- Right to return: 14 days from delivery date (for online sales)
- Right to information: You must disclose all product details
- Right to warranty: New products must come with warranty
- Right to privacy: You cannot use buyer data for other purposes
How to Protect Yourself as an Online Seller
| Step | Details |
|---|---|
| Clear description | Write all product details — condition, defects, size |
| Real photos | Photograph the actual product, not stock images |
| Return policy | Define a clear return policy in your listing |
| Delivery proof | Take a photo or video at delivery |
| Secure payment | Use documented payment methods (Fawry, Vodafone Cash) |
Penalties — What Happens If You Violate?
| Violation | Penalty |
|---|---|
| Not honoring return rights | Fine EGP 10,000 - 500,000 |
| Misleading advertising | Fine EGP 10,000 - 500,000 + possible imprisonment |
| Not issuing invoice | Tax penalty + sanctions |
| Personal data breach | Fine EGP 100,000 - 1,000,000 |
Your Next Steps
- Read the rest of this article series for detailed coverage of each law
- Review your current listings — do they have enough information?
- Update your selling policies
- Register on Luulwa — the platform helps you stay compliant
Browse: Egypt listings on Luulwa
