The Right to Clear and Accurate Product Information
Under Article 4 of Law No. 181 of 2018, every supplier in Egypt is legally required to inform you of all essential data about any product, including:
- The source or origin of the product
- The price in full
- Features and basic characteristics of the product
- Any additional data specified by executive regulations based on the product's nature
For expats, this means you have the right to ask for full product information in a comprehensible format. If a supplier refuses or provides misleading details, this is a breach of Egyptian consumer law.
Pricing Transparency: What Must Be Displayed
Article 7 requires suppliers to clearly declare the prices of all goods and services they offer. Crucially:
- The displayed price must be the all-inclusive price, incorporating all legally imposed taxes and financial obligations
- Hidden fees or charges added at the point of sale that weren't disclosed upfront may constitute a violation
- The executive regulations specify the exact controls around how prices must be displayed
Practical tip for expats: If a price at the register differs from the marked shelf price, you are entitled to the lower displayed price. Always check your receipt.
Your Right to an Invoice
Article 10 requires every supplier to provide you with an invoice after any transaction. The invoice must include:
- Tax registration number of the supplier
- Date of the transaction or contract
- Price of the product
- Specifications, nature, and quality of the product
This applies to physical stores, service providers, and electronic transactions. As an expat, always request an invoice — it is not just good practice, it is your legal right.
If a supplier fails to give you an invoice, Article 11 protects you: you can prove the product's specifications and all contract terms using any available evidence, including photos, messages, or witness statements.
Documentation in Arabic: What This Means for You
Article 5 requires that all advertisements, data, invoices, receipts, contracts, and electronic records be written in Arabic in clear, readable text. While this is designed to protect Egyptian consumers, expats should be aware:
- You can legally request a translation or clarification of any document
- Suppliers offering services specifically to expatriate communities often provide bilingual documentation voluntarily
- Any contract clause that is unclear or hidden in fine print may be challenged
Labelling Requirements on Products
Under Article 6, suppliers must place required data on commodities in Arabic, in a clear and readable format. This typically includes:
- Ingredients or composition
- Country of origin
- Expiry or best-before dates
- Safety and usage instructions
If you purchase a product without proper labelling, this is a legal violation by the supplier — not your problem as the consumer.
Deposit and Pre-Purchase Receipts
When you agree to purchase a product in advance — for example, placing an order for custom furniture or a pre-ordered appliance — Article 12 requires the supplier to give you a receipt stating:
- The characteristics and features of the product
- Any other essential data required by regulations
This is especially important for expats purchasing goods that will be delivered later, as it gives you legal grounds to enforce exactly what was promised.
Protection Against Deceptive Practices
Article 9 prohibits suppliers and advertisers from engaging in any deceptive behavior related to:
- The nature, features, or composition of a product
- Its source, weight, size, or method of manufacture
- Any claims made in advertising
If you feel a product was misrepresented — for example, an imported product falsely marketed as locally made — you have grounds to complain to the Consumer Protection Agency (CPA).
Installment Purchases: Know What You're Signing
If you're buying on installment plans — common for electronics and appliances in Egypt — Article 30 requires the supplier to provide documentation clearly showing:
- The total sale price
- The equivalent cash price
- The annual yield and total interest for the installment period
- The amount payable per installment and the schedule
Never sign an installment agreement without verifying all these figures are present.
Key Takeaways for Expats
- Suppliers must disclose price, origin, and product details upfront
- You are legally entitled to a detailed invoice for every purchase
- All-inclusive pricing must be displayed — surprise fees at checkout are illegal
- Deceptive advertising is prohibited and can be reported
- Installment agreements must clearly state all financial terms