Egypt’s Industrial Control Authority (ICA) significantly expanded its regulatory and inspection activities during the first quarter of 2026, according to its latest performance report submitted to Minister of Industry Khaled Hashem.
The report highlights the government’s continued efforts to strengthen industrial oversight and ensure compliance with quality standards across manufacturing sectors.
Between January and March 2026, the authority conducted inspection campaigns covering 1,041 factories. This included 878 factories inspected through joint missions led by the General Authority for Industrial Development, alongside inspections of 148 factories carried out in cooperation with the National Food Safety Authority to collect samples and issue export validity certificates for food consignments.
In parallel, the ICA inspected 337 boilers and thermal machines through joint technical committees, conducted oversight visits to 114 service and maintenance centres, and monitored the use of production inputs in 15 factories.
During the reporting period, the authority issued 195 licences and 701 operating permits for boilers and thermal equipment, in addition to granting three licences for the transport and handling of hazardous industrial waste.
The ICA also approved and renewed licences for 186 after-sales service and maintenance centres, registered 19 printing facilities operating in the packaging sector, and handled 810 complaints—all of which were examined, resolved, and closed.
As part of its broader technical support role, the authority provided 3,659 consultations to traffic departments and various government entities.
The report further showed that the ICA prepared 745 specialised technical studies during the quarter. These included 718 studies related to temporary admission and drawback systems for the Customs Authority, 17 studies for the General Authority for Investment and Free Zones and the Tax Authority, three studies on dual-use materials, and seven studies related to alcohol quota utilisation.
Ihab Amin, Head of the ICA, said the authority plays a central role in strengthening oversight of factories and production processes. He emphasised that inspections are designed to ensure compliance with both domestic and international standards, protect consumers from malpractice, and safeguard the reputation of Egyptian products in local and global markets.
He added that inspection activities are conducted through joint technical committees to ensure accuracy, transparency, and full adherence to ministerial regulations governing industrial operations.
During the same period, the authority issued prior approvals for 59,701 vehicles in line with Ministerial Decree No. 9 of 2022, and participated in 161 technical committees, providing expert advice and technical support.
Overall, the report underscores Egypt’s ongoing efforts to enhance industrial governance, improve product quality, and support the growth of its export-oriented manufacturing sector.
