Are you looking to import IT and tech equipment into Algeria? Importing to Algeria can be a daunting process due to the country’s unique regulations and customs. Imported items must meet specific rules, like in most countries. However, Algeria is known for its hard-to-crack tariffs that favour local production and trade over importation. For instance, if you are importing cosmetics and hygiene-related products, you must tell the Algerian authorities what ingredients you used, and a lab will check if they are safe. If the products are made in another country, you must share with the Algerian authorities the information regarding the lab that did the tests to verify safety and quality. There are various other restrictions, including the bank domiciliation charges and complex customs clearance procedures, that you should be aware of. Not to worry, this article discusses Algerian import regulations, required documents, and customs clearance procedures. You will also learn the taxes, duties, and charges imposed on imported goods. Let’s make a start.
Like in most countries, several authorities govern the importation of goods to Algeria to ensure compliance with safety, quality and trade, and environmental standards.
A successful importation to Algeria is subject to various rules, customs, and procedures. The procedures and regulations can be challenging, causing delayed shipments or even rendering the process unsuccessful. As such, you must know the critical requirements to prepare for.
Here are some of the importation rules and procedures for a successful importation.
Like in many countries, goods imported to Algeria can be subject to inspection after clearance of the customs procedures. Imported goods are rendered prohibited if they meet the following criteria:
Algeria has various rules regulating payments for imported goods. Various updates have been made to encourage importation to Algeria, including the following:
Goods should be officially declared once they have been unloaded and are situated in warehouses, temporary storage areas, or dry ports. The goods can remain in the locations for a maximum of twenty-one days. The deadline for submitting the declaration is twenty-one days following the unloading of the goods. Failure to submit the declaration within 21 days allows the customs collector to automatically designate the goods under the deposit regime for 2 months. After two months, the goods are seized and become the property of the public treasury.
There are various documents required for a successful importation to Algeria.
Here are the essential documents that you should prepare.
Customs declarations are a must and should be submitted in writing and signed by the declarant. The declarant can be the owner, customs agent, or carrier. They provide essential information about the imported goods, including their value and end-use.
The customs declarations must be submitted to the customs office within 21 days from the date of document registration to facilitate customs clearance.
The customs clearance form comprises several documents required to streamline the customs clearance process.
Here are the critical documents expected in the file:
The Certificate of Free Marketing is one of the quality and safety compliance documents introduced in Algeria in 2018. It proves that a product has already been legally marketed in its country of origin or another third country before being imported into Algeria.
The certificate should be issued at the importer’s local chamber of commerce.
Algeria introduced the defence additional protection tax (DAPS) for imported products in 2018. The protection tax grants the Ministry of ecommerce authority to levy additional tariffs ranging from 30%-200% annually. The measure aimed to cut over-dependence on imports and promote local production.
On the same concern, a temporary additional defence tax imposed on 992 imported products has been effective since October 4, 2021. The tax may be extended to 2608 imported products in the future. Additionally, since 2018, Algeria has legislated to impose a 1% mutual aid tax on imported consumer products to subsidise the payment of pensions. Effective 2022, the law increased the contribution from 1% to 2%.
The Algerian Finance Law includes other taxes and charges, including bank domiciliation rates, computer software royalties, and online sales VAT. You can learn more about the additional taxes.
PWC also summarises Algerian corporate taxes, including customs duties and the bank domiciliation tax.
Algeria is known to be one of the leading countries with challenging import rules and procedures.
Although there are a few categories of restricted goods, customs clearance, and payment procedures can render your importation unsuccessful. Hence, it would help if you worked with an established importer of record, a licensed customs broker, or a consignee with a local entity in Algeria.
Here’s what Blackthorne’s Algeria IOR service offers you when importing to Algeria:
Hence, should you need assistance with an Importer of Record to Algeria, we are happy to assist, please get in touch.