This decree, signed by the Prime Minister of Algeria and promulgated on February 20, 2023, aims to regulate the process of customs clearance (Dédouanement) and technical compliance checks for the importation of second-hand passenger and commercial vehicles by resident individuals (Résidents) and to specify the relevant conditions and restrictions.
(i) Core elements
1. 适用范围
a. Passenger cars (Voiture Touristique): used to carry passengers (≤ 9 seats), including fuel, electric or hybrid vehicles.
b. Commercial vehicles (Voiture Utilitaires): used for carrying goods (GVW ≤ 3.5 tons), such as minivans (Pick-ups).
Import conditions
a. Payment must be made with personal foreign exchange funds (not through official foreign exchange channels).
b. Subject to customs duties and other taxes (calculated in accordance with current regulations).
a. Need to be in good operating condition and free of major defects.
b. Must comply with Algerian safety and environmental standards and manufacturer’s specifications.
customs clearance process
a. A copy of the resident’s identity card or foreigner’s residence permit.
b. Proof of residence.
c. Vehicle registration certificate issued by the original State of registration.
d. Proof of transfer of vehicle ownership (e.g., contract of sale).
e. Proof of vehicle condition: a valid inspection report within 3 months issued by a certified organization in the country of original registration.
f. Compliance report: compliance assessment issued by an expert designated by the Algerian Ministry of Energy.
g. Non-compliance treatment: If the vehicle does not pass the technical inspection, it has to be returned at its own expense or destroyed according to customs regulations.
special circumstances
Transfers of diplomatic vehicles: Vehicles transferred to residents by international organizations or diplomatic agents are subject to settlement in dinars (DZD) and the proceeds of the transfer may not be remitted abroad.
Exemptions: Vehicles entering the country temporarily (e.g., for tourism) are not subject to this Decree.
Regulatory measures
(ii) Key points
Strict age limits: only used cars within three years are allowed, discouraging the importation of older vehicles.
Foreign exchange control: residents need to raise their own foreign exchange, reducing the pressure on the central bank’s foreign exchange reserves.
Priority for technical compliance: mandatory safety and environmental inspections and promotion of vehicle standardization.
Anti-abuse mechanism: 3-year/frequency limit on imports to prevent speculation.
(iii) Policy implications
By regulating the importation of used cars, the decree aims to:
Controlling foreign exchange outflows: restricting residents from purchasing foreign exchange to import vehicles through official channels.
Improve road safety: ensure that imported vehicles meet national technical standards.
Protecting local industry: indirectly encouraging the purchase of domestically produced or new vehicles and supporting manufacturing.
Note: Specific operational details (e.g. tax calculation, list of testing organizations) are subject to subsequent joint departmental resolutions.
Keywords in the original document:
جمركة (clearance)
مطابقة (compliance check)
فرد مقيم (resident individuals)
Used car
Regarding the Algerian COC certification process:
Pursuant to Bank of Algeria Circular No. 16/DGC/2009 of 16 February 2009, and in accordance with the provisions of Algerian Law 0404-2004, articles 15 and 16 of Decree No. 05-465 and article 26 of Decree No. 05-467, all controlled products imported into Algeria must be accompanied by a document of conformity issued by an authorized inspection and certification body accredited by the competent authority of the exporting country.A document of conformity issued by an authorized testing and certification body recognized by the competent authorities of the exporting country.
Pursuant to article 13 of Ordinance No. 05-465, regulated products are goods that may have an impact on health, safety and the environment.The compliance document referred to in the note of the Bank of Algeria as the “Certificate of Quality Control of Goods” is intended to certify that the goods comply with the technical regulations and standards applicable in Algeria.
CoC certificate is a mandatory customs clearance document in Algeria, without which goods will be refused entry upon arrival at the Algerian port.Information to be prepared for COC certification:
(1) Product quality documents: such as test reports, technical parameters, QMS certificates/quality certification marks/safety certification marks/national licensing documents, etc. (Please provide if available);
(2) Product photos (one photo for each model), packaging photos, and nameplate photos;
(3) Proforma Invoice (Proforma Invoice) and Packing List (PL), completed application form RFC (to be submitted at commencement)
Upon receipt of the above application information, our company will evaluate the documents and arrange cargo inspection if the evaluation passes.If there is no problem with the inspection, the exporter will submit the final invoice and other final documents to apply for the certificate after loading the container.
If you are engaged in the production of the above products or have related trade needs, please contact us, will help you more comprehensive understanding of the latest regulations and requirements of Algeria, to improve the efficiency of customs clearance, to save worries.
Algeria COC Certificate Sample
Article source: COC
