Chamber figures put the number of registered businesses at 41,000, up by 3,400 on last year, most of them in retail and logistics.
The division head said the meeting examined the direct effect of the decision on supply inside the local market, and that the Chamber submitted a detailed memorandum carrying traders’ proposals on the timetable.
What it means for traders
The ministry’s representative stressed that the new rules aim at transparency in the supply chain rather than at fixing prices, and that breaches will go to the Consumer Protection Agency.
Every day of delay in customs release costs an importer more than any tax cut saves him.
Analysts expect no immediate effect on consumer prices: current stock covers market needs at least to the end of next quarter.
What happens next
- localising household-goods manufacturing among next quarter’s priorities
- A review of the timetable with the trade divisions
- A monthly report to the federation’s board
A number of importers argue that the proposed timetable needs a transition period of at least six months, so that small businesses can adapt their accounting systems.
Hala Soliman
Karim Fouad
Ahmed El-Shahbandar