Under Article 13 of the Egyptian Commercial Code, you are legally considered a merchant if you professionally engage, in your own name and for your own account, in a commercial act. Companies that adopt one of the forms stipulated under Egyptian companies law are also automatically classified as merchants.
Why does this matter? Being classified as a merchant triggers a range of legal obligations and protections under the Commercial Code, including rules on commercial bookkeeping, registration in the Commercial Register, and exposure to commercial bankruptcy proceedings. Under Article 11, any act carried out by a merchant is presumed to be related to their trade unless proven otherwise — which has significant implications for contracts and liability.
Conversely, Article 19 carves out an exception for small craftsmen — individuals who work a craft requiring minimal expenses to earn a basic living — who are not subject to commercial law provisions. If you run a small artisan or craft-based operation, you may fall into this category. To determine exactly where you stand and what obligations apply to you, it is wise to get a formal assessment from an Egyptian commercial lawyer, especially before signing contracts or taking on financial obligations.
This is general legal information, not legal advice. For advice on your specific situation, consult a lawyer licensed in Egypt.