On 22 April 2026, the Egyptian House of Representatives gave final approval to amend Egypt’s competition law, marking the most significant transformation of the legislation in years and carrying far‑reaching implications for the private sector. The amendments to Law No. 3 of 2005 on the Protection of Competition and Prohibition of Monopolistic Practices (the “ECL”), described by legislators as the “constitution regulating the Egyptian market”, introduce sweeping changes designed to level the playing field, enhance the powers of the competition authority, and update merger control rules. This article explores all known amendments that businesses should be aware of, as widely reported, until the new version of the ECL is published in the Official Gazette.

Emphasis on Competitive Neutrality

The revised law establishes a Supreme Committee for Competitive Neutrality, chaired by the Prime Minister – the first time such a framework has been introduced. The Committee has the authority to cancel any exemptions or privileges granted by government decisions or laws to state‑owned entities where such advantages distort fair competition. In addition, existing legislation and decisions issued by government bodies will be reviewed to ensure alignment with free competition principles. For private sector businesses, this represents a significant step toward a more equitable market environment.

Enhanced Independence for the Competition Authority

The Egyptian Competition Authority (“ECA”) receives a major upgrade in its legal status, now falling under Article 215 of the Constitution, which governs independent regulatory bodies. This grants the ECA full technical, administrative, and financial independence – placing it alongside institutions such as the Central Bank of Egypt and the Financial Regulatory Authority. Senior leadership will be appointed by the President with parliamentary approval, reinforcing the ECA’s capacity to act as a true market watchdog.

Higher Thresholds for Merger Control Notifications

One of the most practical changes for the private sector is the significant increase in the financial thresholds that trigger mandatory merger control review. The amendments effectively double the thresholds, reflecting Egypt’s economic growth and inflation. The key new thresholds are as follows:

• Domestic Thresholds: The combined annual turnover or assets of all parties must now exceed EGP 2.5 billion (previously EGP 900 million), with at least two parties each exceeding EGP 500 million (up from EGP 200 million).
• Worldwide Thresholds: The combined global annual turnover of the parties must exceed EGP 15 billion (previously EGP 7.5 billion), and the Egyptian target company must have annual turnover exceeding EGP 500 million (up from EGP 200 million).

Notably, while transactions falling below these thresholds are exempt from mandatory notification, the ECA retains discretion to review any transaction if there is evidence that it may undermine free competition.

Significantly Increased Fines

The amendments introduce a two‑track penalty system with substantially higher fines.

• For competition‑restricting behaviors (such as price‑fixing or market division), fines can reach up to 15% of the revenues of the product in question during the entire violation period. Where revenues cannot be determined, a fixed fine of up to EGP 700 million applies.
• For unlawful concentrations (such as failing to notify a qualifying transaction), fines can reach up to 10% of the combined annual revenues of all parties based on the latest audited financial statements. An absolute cap of 10% of the infringing party’s total annual revenues (including all related entities) applies regardless of the calculation method.

What This Means for Businesses

As the final shape of the law continues to take shape, private sector entities should begin preparing now. The higher notification thresholds may exempt many smaller transactions from mandatory review, but caution is still advised given the ECA’s residual discretion to investigate any potentially problematic deal. Proactive compliance strategies are essential, particularly in light of the dramatically increased fine levels.

For tailored guidance on navigating and complin with these developments and preparing for potential filings under the new framework, you reach out to our antitrust & competition team at GLA & CO.

Authors: Partner and Head of Antitrust & Competition, Asad Ahmad and Associates, Khaled Al Khashab and Mounir Hany.