What activities count as a 'commercial act' under Egyptian law?

The Egyptian Commercial Code (Law No. 17 of 1999) provides a broad definition of what qualifies as a commercial act, which matters because it determines whether the Code's rules — and merchant obligations — apply to you. Article 7 covers acts that are commercial by their very nature, including purchasing movable property for resale or lease, and banking or exchange operations.

Article 8 extends this to activities that become commercial when carried out on a professional basis, such as the supply of goods and services, manufacturing and industrial activities, land transport, and construction. Article 9 adds anything related to maritime or aerial navigation. Importantly, Article 10 includes a catch-all provision: any act that resembles those listed in Articles 7–9 in characteristics and objectives is also deemed commercial.

One notable exception for expats in agriculture: under Article 12, the sale by a farmer of products from land they cultivate is not a commercial act, even if done regularly. If you are unsure whether your specific activity qualifies, seek local legal advice, as being classified as a merchant triggers additional legal duties such as keeping commercial books and registering with the Commercial Registry.