Authorities have extended an exceptional authorization allowing banks to process import invoices that include shipping costs until December 31, 2026. The Ministry of Foreign Trade and Export Promotion made the decision, pushing back the previous expiry date of June 30, 2026. This extension provides an additional six months for banks to continue handling these invoices under the special provision, rather than allowing the authorization to expire as previously scheduled.
Details of the Extension
The extension permits banks to continue processing invoices that bundle shipping fees, maintaining the current operational mechanisms. This means banks can continue accepting invoices that include shipping fees without changing the existing mechanisms. The measure specifically applies to import invoices that incorporate shipping costs. Other import operations are not affected by this exception and must adhere to existing regulatory frameworks. The exception is limited to processing import invoices that include shipping costs; other import operations remain subject to existing regulations. The previous extension for this measure was set to expire on June 30, 2026, having been in effect since January 2026. This latest decision provides an additional six months for banks to operate under the special provision for these specific import transactions. The Ministry of Foreign Trade and Export Promotion announced the decision to extend the exceptional authorization for processing import invoices that include shipping costs.
Background and Rationale
The measure was initially introduced at the close of 2025. This measure was first implemented at the end of 2025 due to difficulties faced by economic operators in processing import invoices with shipping costs. It was enacted in response to challenges encountered by economic operators when processing import invoices that included shipping costs. This initial implementation aimed to alleviate those difficulties for businesses engaged in international trade. The last extension of this measure was in effect from January 2026 until June 30, 2026.
The Ministry of Foreign Trade and Export Promotion has stipulated that banks must compile and submit full reports detailing shipping costs, referred to as 'fret,' for all import operations handled during the second half of 2026. These reports are a mandatory requirement under the extended exception. The directive ensures ongoing oversight of the financial implications associated with the bundled shipping costs. The Ministry of Foreign Trade and Export Promotion requires banks to prepare and send detailed reports on shipping costs ('fret') for all import operations processed in the second half of 2026.
Impact on Trade Operations
The extension of the import invoice processing exception is expected to streamline trade operations for businesses involved in international commerce. By allowing banks to continue handling invoices that include bundled shipping costs, the measure aims to reduce administrative burdens for importers. The decision provides continuity for economic operators who have adapted their processes to this exception, avoiding a sudden change in financial transaction procedures. This continuity is particularly relevant for those sectors heavily reliant on imported goods where shipping costs are frequently integrated into supplier invoices.
The professional association for banks and financial institutions, الجمعية المهنية للبنوك والمؤسسات المالية, will continue to facilitate the implementation of this extended provision among its member institutions. The requirement for banks to report detailed shipping costs for the second half of 2026 indicates that authorities maintain an interest in monitoring these transactions. This oversight ensures that while the process is simplified for businesses, the financial details remain transparent for regulatory purposes. The prolonged exception offers stability for import-dependent industries, allowing them to plan their logistics and financial arrangements without immediate concern over a reversion to stricter invoice processing rules. The extension offers key stability for businesses engaged in international trade.
