EGYPT
Since October 2018
Pillar Public procurement of ICT goods and online services |
Sub-pillar Other limitations on foreign participation in public procurement
Law No. 182 of 2018: Regulating Contracts Concluded by Public Entities
(قانون رقم ١٨٢ لسنة ٢٠١٨ بإصدار قانون تنظيم التعاقدات التي تبرمها الجهات العامة)
(قانون رقم ١٨٢ لسنة ٢٠١٨ بإصدار قانون تنظيم التعاقدات التي تبرمها الجهات العامة)
Art. 59 of Law No. 182 of 2018 allows "local tenders" in which only Egyptian companies of a certain governorate can participate. This applies when the total price of the tender does not exceed EGP 2 million (approx. 127,000 USD).
Coverage Horizontal
EGYPT
Since October 2018
Pillar Public procurement of ICT goods and online services |
Sub-pillar Other limitations on foreign participation in public procurement
Law No. 182 of 2018: Regulating Contracts Concluded by Public Entities
(قانون رقم ١٨٢ لسنة ٢٠١٨ بإصدار قانون تنظيم التعاقدات التي تبرمها الجهات العامة)
(قانون رقم ١٨٢ لسنة ٢٠١٨ بإصدار قانون تنظيم التعاقدات التي تبرمها الجهات العامة)
Art. 35 of Law No. 182 of 2018 accords price preference to products that satisfy the percentage of Egyptian industrial components if their value exceeds that of the lowest unsatisfying product within the maximum of 15%. The article also stipulates that the bid submitted for services or technical works shall be considered the lowest price if its value is 15% (or less) higher than the value of the lowest foreign bid.
Coverage Horizontal
EGYPT
Since January 2015
Since September 2015
Since September 2015
Pillar Public procurement of ICT goods and online services |
Sub-pillar Other limitations on foreign participation in public procurement
Law No. 5 of 2015 Concerning the Preference of Egyptian Products in Government Contracts
(قانون تفضيل المنتجات المصرية في العقود الحكومية رقم 5 لسنة 2015)
Ministerial Decree No. 656/2015 Promulgating the executive regulation of Law No. 5/2015
(قرار وزير التجارة والصناعة رقــم 656 لسنة 2015 — شأن إصدار اللائحة التنفيذية للقانون رقم 5 لسنة 2015 في شأن تفضيل المنتجات المصرية في العقود الحكومية.)
(قانون تفضيل المنتجات المصرية في العقود الحكومية رقم 5 لسنة 2015)
Ministerial Decree No. 656/2015 Promulgating the executive regulation of Law No. 5/2015
(قرار وزير التجارة والصناعة رقــم 656 لسنة 2015 — شأن إصدار اللائحة التنفيذية للقانون رقم 5 لسنة 2015 في شأن تفضيل المنتجات المصرية في العقود الحكومية.)
A preference for Egyptian Industrial Products in Government contracts for projects is applied by concerned entities according to Law No. 5 of 2015 Concerning the Preference of Egyptian Products in Government Contracts (Art. 3) and is operationalised by the Ministerial Decree No. 656/2015 (Chapter 2, Art. 2). They require concerned Governmental entities to include a clause in project proposals and contracts that obliges bidders and contractual parties to ensure that the Egyptian industrial content is not less than 40% of the overall value of the offer or contract.
Coverage Horizontal
EGYPT
N/A
Pillar Public procurement of ICT goods and online services |
Sub-pillar Signatory of the World Trade Organization (WTO) Agreement on Government Procurement (GPA) with coverage of the most relevant services sectors (CPC 752, 754, 84)
Lack of participation in the WTO Agreement on Government Procurement (GPA)
Egypt is not a party to the World Trade Organization (WTO) Agreement on Government Procurement (GPA), nor does it have observer status.
Coverage Horizontal
EGYPT
Since August 2018
Pillar Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in sectors relevant to digital trade |
Sub-pillar Maximum foreign equity share
Law No. 180 of 2018 Regulating the Press, Media, and the Supreme Council for Media Regulation
(قانون 180 لسنة 2018 بشأن تنظيم الصحافة والإعلام والمجلس الأعلى لتنظيم الإعلام)
(قانون 180 لسنة 2018 بشأن تنظيم الصحافة والإعلام والمجلس الأعلى لتنظيم الإعلام)
Law No. 180 of 2018 establishes ownership and operational conditions for foreign entities in the media sector. Art. 52 specifies that non-Egyptian shareholders, whether natural or legal persons, are prohibited from owning a majority of shares or being granted management rights in media outlets, including websites acting as electronic backers for media organisations. Art. 1 defines "media" broadly as “any terrestrial or satellite television channel, or wired, wireless, or electronic radio station.”
Art. 54 sets financial requirements for companies operating electronic or digital television stations or channels. The authorised capital must be at least EGP 2.5 million (approx. USD 50,000), with half of this amount deposited in a bank supervised by the Central Bank of Egypt before broadcasting begins. The deposit must remain in the bank for at least one year and be allocated for station operations and employee remuneration.
Additionally, under Art. 59, media providers may operate in Egypt subject to a licence issued by the Supreme Council for Media Regulation (SCoM). Approval requires operation within a designated media area and adherence to content restrictions, including the prohibition of materials involving violence, suicide, self-injury, or nudity.
Art. 54 sets financial requirements for companies operating electronic or digital television stations or channels. The authorised capital must be at least EGP 2.5 million (approx. USD 50,000), with half of this amount deposited in a bank supervised by the Central Bank of Egypt before broadcasting begins. The deposit must remain in the bank for at least one year and be allocated for station operations and employee remuneration.
Additionally, under Art. 59, media providers may operate in Egypt subject to a licence issued by the Supreme Council for Media Regulation (SCoM). Approval requires operation within a designated media area and adherence to content restrictions, including the prohibition of materials involving violence, suicide, self-injury, or nudity.
Coverage Media outlets or media websites
Sources
- https://elpai.idsc.gov.eg/Legislations/Item/281324
- https://wipolex.wipo.int/zh/text/578755
- https://web.archive.org/web/20231129025207/https://masaar.net/en/legislative-contexts-for-the-passage-of-internet-laws/
- https://web.archive.org/web/20241003090933/https://www.shandpartners.com/egypts-new-press-and-media-regulation-era/
- https://web.archive.org/web/20241203165637/https://www.lexology.com/library/detail.aspx?g=eb3ef46e-c072-4fab-bf72-e42933bfae7c
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EGYPT
Since August 2018
Pillar Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in sectors relevant to digital trade |
Sub-pillar Maximum foreign equity share
Law No. 180 of 2018 Regulating the Press, Media, and the Supreme Council for Media Regulation
(قانون 180 لسنة 2018 بشأن تنظيم الصحافة والإعلام والمجلس الأعلى لتنظيم الإعلام)
(قانون 180 لسنة 2018 بشأن تنظيم الصحافة والإعلام والمجلس الأعلى لتنظيم الإعلام)
Law No. 180 of 2018 imposes ownership restrictions on foreigners. According to Art. 36, non-Egyptian shareholders, whether natural or legal persons, are prohibited from holding a share percentage that grants them management rights in newspapers and websites serving as electronic backers for print newspapers.
Art. 35 establishes financial requirements for the establishment of newspapers by private legal entities. For electronic newspapers, a deposit of EGP 100,000 (approx. USD 3,200) is required, with half of this amount to be deposited prior to initiating the establishment procedures. The deposit must remain for one year to cover operational costs and employee rights in case the newspaper ceases publication. In such cases, priority is given to settling employee rights over other obligations.
For newspapers issued by natural persons, the same deposit requirements apply, with the full amount dependent on the publication's frequency. The entire deposit must be made before the newspaper is issued.
Additionally, newspapers must be printed in printing presses within the Arab Republic of Egypt, and a copy of the electronic servers hosting the newspaper's digital version must also be located in Egypt.
Art. 35 establishes financial requirements for the establishment of newspapers by private legal entities. For electronic newspapers, a deposit of EGP 100,000 (approx. USD 3,200) is required, with half of this amount to be deposited prior to initiating the establishment procedures. The deposit must remain for one year to cover operational costs and employee rights in case the newspaper ceases publication. In such cases, priority is given to settling employee rights over other obligations.
For newspapers issued by natural persons, the same deposit requirements apply, with the full amount dependent on the publication's frequency. The entire deposit must be made before the newspaper is issued.
Additionally, newspapers must be printed in printing presses within the Arab Republic of Egypt, and a copy of the electronic servers hosting the newspaper's digital version must also be located in Egypt.
Coverage Online newspapers
Sources
- https://elpai.idsc.gov.eg/Legislations/Item/281324
- https://wipolex.wipo.int/zh/text/578755
- https://web.archive.org/web/20231129025207/https://masaar.net/en/legislative-contexts-for-the-passage-of-internet-laws/
- https://web.archive.org/web/20241003090933/https://www.shandpartners.com/egypts-new-press-and-media-regulation-era/
- https://web.archive.org/web/20241203165637/https://www.lexology.com/library/detail.aspx?g=eb3ef46e-c072-4fab-bf72-e42933bfae7c
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EGYPT
Since February 2003
Pillar Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in sectors relevant to digital trade |
Sub-pillar Maximum foreign equity share
Egypt Telecommunication Regulation Law - Law No. 10 of 2003
(قانون رقم ١٠ لسنة ٢٠٠٣ بإصدار قانون تنظيم الاتصالات)
(قانون رقم ١٠ لسنة ٢٠٠٣ بإصدار قانون تنظيم الاتصالات)
The Law No. 10 of 2003 sets restrictions on Telecom Egypt, which is the monopoly operator of the fixed internet services and infrastructure market. Art. 63 stipulates that the shares of Telecom Egypt can be offered for sale at a partial value of the Company capital upon a decree from the Cabinet with the condition that the greater part of the capital remains State-owned.
Coverage Telecom Egypt
EGYPT
Since January 1976, last amended in March 2020
Pillar Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in sectors relevant to digital trade |
Sub-pillar Maximum foreign equity share
Law No. 34 of 1976: Concerning the Commercial Register
(القانون رقم ٣٤ لسنة ١٩٧٦ بشأن السجل التجارى أولا)
(القانون رقم ٣٤ لسنة ١٩٧٦ بشأن السجل التجارى أولا)
Law No. 34 of 1976 and its amendments of the years 1996 and 2020 stipulate that legal persons (Natural persons and various forms of Companies) wishing to engage in trade activities in Egypt must be entered into the commercial register (Art. 2). Those to be registered must be of Egyptian nationality and have obtained approval to practice trade from the competent Chamber of Commerce (Art. 3). As an exception to the rule in Article 2, foreigners can be registered in the Commercial Register in a number of cases, among these is when the foreigner is a partner in a company of persons, provided that at least one of the general partners is Egyptian and that the Egyptian partner(s) own 51% of the company's capital and has the right to manage and sign (Art. 4.2).
Coverage Trade activities
Sources
- Since January 1976, last amended in March 2020
- https://elpai.idsc.gov.eg/Legislations/Item/93465
- https://elpai.idsc.gov.eg/Legislations/Item/210991
- https://elpai.idsc.gov.eg/Legislations/Item/288686
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ECUADOR
N/A
Pillar Online sales and transactions |
Sub-pillar Ratification of the United Nations (UN) Convention on the Use of Electronic Communications in International Contracts
Lack of signature of the UN Convention on the Use of Electronic Communications in International Contracts
Ecuador has not signed the United Nations (UN) Convention on the Use of Electronic Communications in International Contracts.
Coverage Horizontal
ECUADOR
Since 2002
Pillar Online sales and transactions |
Sub-pillar Adoption of United Nations Commission on International Trade Law (UNCITRAL) Model Law on Electronic Commerce
UNCITRAL Model Law on Electronic Commerce
Ecuador has adopted national legislation based on or influenced by the United Nations Commission on International Trade Law (UNCITRAL) Model Law on Electronic Commerce.
Coverage Horizontal
ECUADOR
N/A
Pillar Online sales and transactions |
Sub-pillar Adoption of United Nations Commission on International Trade Law (UNCITRAL) Model Law on Electronic Signatures
Lack of adoption of UNCITRAL Model Law on Electronic Signatures
Ecuador has not adopted national legislation based on or influenced by the United Nations Commission on International Trade Law (UNCITRAL) Model Law on Electronic Signatures.
Coverage Horizontal
ECUADOR
Since June 2017
Pillar Technical standards applied to ICT goods and online services |
Sub-pillar Self-certification for product safety
Regulation for the Approval and Certification of Telecommunications Terminal Equipment (Reglamento para la Homologación y Certificación de Equipos Terminales de Telecomunicaciones)
It is reported that in 2018, the local regulator Telecommunication Regulation and Control Agency (ARCOTEL) expressed interest in conducting in-country testing and homologation certification, with the goal of becoming the exclusive homologation lab for Ecuador, which means all manufacturers need to have their products certified in Ecuador, and certifications from internationally recognised homologation labs would no longer be recognised. However, according to Art. 17 of the Regulation for approval and certification of telecommunications terminal equipment, the homologation of terminal equipment issued by other countries may be recognised by ARCOTEL as long as there are cooperation or mutual recognition agreements. The following products require ARCOTEL’s approval: terminals for Advanced Mobile Service (SMA); terminals for the Carrier Service (P); terminals for the Fixed Telephone Service (STF); terminals for the Telecommunications Satellite Service (TTS); terminals for Internet Access (AI); terminals for the Trunked Service (T); terminals for Community Service (C).
Coverage Telecommunications equipment
Sources
- https://web.archive.org/web/20231102171316/http://www.arcotel.gob.ec/homologacion-organismos-internacionales-reconocidos-para-la-homologacion-de-equipos-2/
- https://web.archive.org/web/20240909002129/https://www.gob.ec/sites/default/files/regulations/2018-10/REGLAMENTO-DE-HOMOLOGACIIO%CC%81N-R.Oficial-1.pdf
- https://web.archive.org/web/20231204022145/http://www.arcotel.gob.ec/homologacion-equipos-terminales-que-requieren-homologacion2/
- https://web.archive.org/web/20231206170238/https://www.larcg.com/where-we-work/ecuador/
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ECUADOR
Since April 2022, entry into force in May 2022
Pillar Online sales and transactions |
Sub-pillar Threshold for ‘De Minimis’ rule
COMEX Resolution No. 008-2022 (Resolución No. 008-2022 COMEX)
According to Art. 1 of COMEX Resolution No. 008-2022, the de minimis threshold, that is the minimum value of goods below which customs do not charge duties, is set at USD 400.
Coverage Horizontal
Sources
- https://web.archive.org/web/20241212221135/https://www.produccion.gob.ec/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Resolucion-008-2022.pdf
- https://web.archive.org/web/20241212221247/https://www.aduana.gob.ec/servicio-al-ciudadano/envios-courier-postal/
- https://itip-services-worldbank.wto.org/DetailView.aspx?id=3213713&id2=&id3=&sPath=0000400031&mzMode=Modes1
- https://web.archive.org/web/20241212221528/https://global-express.org/index.php?id=271&act=101&profile_id=-1&countries%5B%5D=-2&search_terms=&question-filter=&qid_34=1&qid_34_optid=1&qid_35=1&qid_36=1...
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ECUADOR
Since November 1999, last amended in March 2023
Pillar Online sales and transactions |
Sub-pillar Local presence requirements for digital services providers
Companies Law (Ley de las Compañías)
According to Art. 415 of the Companies Law, foreign companies must appoint at least one representative to carry out all legal acts and businesses that are destined to take effect in the national territory. This representative must be able to answer the demands and comply with the obligations. In addition, they must constitute in Ecuador a capital destined for the activity to be developed.
Coverage Horizontal
Sources
- https://web.archive.org/web/20240328094619/https://portal.compraspublicas.gob.ec/sercop/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/ECLEX-PRO-MERCANTI-LEY_DE_COMPANIAS.pdf
- https://sim.oecd.org/Simulator.ashx?lang=En&ds=DGSTRI&d1c=all&d2c=ecu
- https://www.pwc.ec/es/publicaciones/assets/2023/Reforma_a_la_Ley_de_Compa%C3%B1%C3%ADas.pdf
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ECUADOR
Since April 2002
Since July 2000, last amended October 2011
Since July 2000, last amended October 2011
Pillar Online sales and transactions |
Sub-pillar Framework for consumer protection applicable to online commerce
Law No. 2002-67 - Electronic Commerce, Electronic Signatures and Data Messages Law (Ley No.2002-67-Ley de Comercio Electrónico, Firmas Electrónicas y Mensajes de Datos)
Organic Law on Consumer Defence (Ley Orgánica de Defensa del Consumidor)
Organic Law on Consumer Defence (Ley Orgánica de Defensa del Consumidor)
The Electronic Commerce, Electronic Signatures and Data Messages Law and the Organic Law on Consumer Defence provide a comprehensive framework for consumer protection that also applies to online transactions. Arts. 36-39 of the former provides information about administrative entities of regulation, authorisation, and registration. Arts. 41-42 set out the sanctions for the illegal activities of merchants. And Arts. 48-50 clarifies consumers' rights, including the consent to the acceptance of data messages and the protection of consumers' information. In addition, the Organic Law on Consumer Defence also provides additional safeguards for online consumer protection
Coverage Horizontal
Sources
- https://web.archive.org/web/20210502160353/https://www.arcotel.gob.ec/wp-content/uploads/downloads/2015/04/LEY-COMERCIO-ELECTRONICO-FIRMAS-ELECTRONICAS-Y-MENSAJE-DE-DATOS.pdf
- https://unctad.org/page/cyberlaw-tracker-country-detail
- https://web.archive.org/web/20230925212344/https://library.fes.de/pdf-files/bueros/quito/07403.pdf
- https://web.archive.org/web/20241203194323/https://www.cienciadigital.org/revistacienciadigital2/index.php/VisionarioDigital/article/download/1774/4420/&cd=15&hl=es&ct=clnk&gl=cl
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