Mandatory Quality and Safety Standards
Under Article 3, every supplier operating in Egypt must comply with health, safety, and quality standards. Specifically, suppliers must guarantee that products conform to:
- Egyptian Standard Specifications where they exist
- International standards adopted in Egypt where no local Egyptian specification applies
This means that as a consumer, you have a legal right to expect that products sold in Egypt meet recognized safety and quality benchmarks. This applies to food products, electronics, children's toys, building materials, household goods, and much more.
Practical expat tip: If you are purchasing goods in Egypt that you would expect to meet EU or US safety standards, be aware that Egyptian standards may differ. Always check for official certification marks where applicable.
The Right to Health and Safety
Article 2 enshrines the fundamental right of every consumer to health and safety when using products normally. No supplier or business may enter into any agreement or engage in any activity that violates this right. This is a foundational protection that underpins the entire Consumer Protection Law.
If a product causes you injury or harm during normal use, this legal foundation supports your right to claim compensation.
Mandatory Product Defect Reporting
One of the most important — and least known — obligations in the law concerns defect reporting. Under Article 19, if a supplier discovers or becomes aware of a defect in a product:
- They must notify the Consumer Protection Agency (CPA) within 7 days of discovery for standard defects
- If the defect poses a risk to health or safety, they must notify the CPA immediately upon discovery
This obligation exists regardless of whether you have already purchased the product. If a recall or safety notice is issued for a product you own, the supplier has further obligations to inform affected consumers.
What to do as an expat:
- Register your large purchases (appliances, electronics) with the supplier or manufacturer where possible, so they can contact you in case of a recall
- Follow news from the CPA about product safety notices
- If you believe a product you purchased has a dangerous defect, you can report it directly to the CPA without waiting for the supplier to act
Prohibition on Withholding Strategic Products
Article 8 makes it illegal for suppliers to hoard or withhold strategic products — including by hiding stock, refusing to sell available goods, or artificially restricting supply in order to manipulate prices. The Prime Minister has the authority to designate specific products as strategic during shortage periods.
This provision is particularly relevant for essential goods such as:
- Food staples
- Fuel and energy products
- Medicines and medical supplies
If you encounter a retailer refusing to sell you available stock of an essential product, or demanding prices far above the posted price, this may constitute a violation of Article 8.
Producer Liability for Defective Products
Under Article 27, Egyptian law establishes clear product liability rules:
- The producer is liable for damages caused by a defect in the product's design, manufacture, or composition
- The supplier is liable for damages caused by their misuse or improper handling of the product
This means that if you are injured or suffer losses because of a defective product, you can pursue the responsible party — whether manufacturer or seller — for compensation under Egyptian law.
Discrimination in Product Supply is Illegal
Article 13 prohibits the import, production, trade, or advertising of products in a way that discriminates between citizens or abuses them. While enforcement can be complex, this provides a legal basis if you believe you are being treated differently as a foreign consumer.
Protecting Yourself: Key Steps for Expats
- Always obtain an invoice for significant purchases — required under Article 10 and critical for any future claims
- Photograph products and packaging at the time of purchase as evidence of condition and specifications
- Keep warranty documents — your minimum two-year warranty (Article 22) is legally guaranteed
- Report safety concerns to the Consumer Protection Agency (CPA) through their hotline or website
- Do not sign away your rights — any contract clause limiting your statutory protections is void under Article 28
- Seek legal advice for significant disputes, particularly those involving property, vehicles, or medical products