Advisory for Indian Exporters to Algeria

Indian exporters intending to export goods to Algeria are advised to exercise due diligence and ensure strict compliance with Algerian import and banking regulations before dispatching any shipment and ensure that the following procedures have been completed by the Algerian importer. These precautions are intended to help Indian exporters better understand Algeria’s import procedures and reduce the risk of payment delays, cargo detention, demurrage, or non-payment, if any.

1. Check and confirm Bank Domiciliation Before Shipment

Under Bank of Algeria Note No. 01/DGC/2026 dated 14 May 2026, the required bank domiciliation must be completed before the goods are shipped. Bank domiciliation is the registration of an import transaction with an Algerian bank before the goods are shipped.

Do not dispatch goods based solely on the buyer’s assurance that domiciliation will be completed later. A proof of Bank domiciliation may be seen and confirmed. Algeria does not accept domiciliation operations for commercial contracts that involve transhipment/transit of goods via Moroccan ports.

2. Verify Import Authorization

Before shipment, exporters should obtain confirmation that the Algerian buyer has secured all applicable import authorizations, permits and regulatory approvals for the product. Indian exporters should request a copy of the import authorization from the Algerian importer and verify its validity period before shipping the goods.

3. Customs clearance and relevant certifications :

Customs clearance is handled by the Algerian importer or its customs representative (clearing agent). The exact certificates depend on the HS code and nature of the product. Before shipment from India confirm the HS code in the Algerian tariff to determine:

• Customs duty;
• VAT and other applicable taxes;
• Whether the product is restricted or subject to special authorization;
• Technical, sanitary, phytosanitary or other requirements.
• Check the Algerian importer's registration
• Valid Algerian Commercial Register (RC);
• Activity corresponding to the goods being imported;
• Tax identification and other required registrations.
• Bank domiciliation (very important) : The Algerian importer must open the import-domiciliation file with an approved Algerian bank before the goods are shipped. Since the Bank of Algeria's Note No. 01/DGC/2026 of 14 May 2026, the shipment/transport document date must be after the date of bank domiciliation. The bank issues the domiciliation number/visa and the relevant invoices should carry the domiciliation visa.

Following certificates are required to be provided by the Indian exporter :

• Certificate of Origin : For goods manufactured in India, an Indian Certificate of Origin can be used to establish the origin of the goods.

• Certificate of Conformity / Quality : Algeria carries out conformity controls on imported products before customs clearance. The controls can include:

• Documentary examination;
• Visual inspection;
• Analytical testing, where necessary.
• Following the control, the authorities can issue either an authorization for admission or a refusal decision

Special certificates according to the product :

Meat, dairy and animal products require :

• Veterinary Health Certificate;
• Sanitary certificate;
• Halal certificate where applicable;
• Laboratory/health analyses;
• Temperature/cold-chain documentation

Pharmaceuticals and medical products

• Authorization/registration of the product;
• Import approval of the Algerian importer;
• Certificate of pharmaceutical product/free sale in India documentation;
• Certificate of Analysis;
• Good manufacturing Practice documentation;
• Other Ministry of Pharmaceutical Industry/health-authority requirements.

4. Confirm the Payment Mechanism :

Algeria is a potential market. However, the Embassy of India recommends that, the contracts should be negotiated with the Algerian companies on the basis of confirmed and irrevocable L/Cs through reputed International banks and not on the basis of COD/CAD. The Exporter has to be cautious in business transaction and to sign the contract in writing specifying all the business details including that the buyer is responsible for obtaining all Algerian import approvals; completing bank domiciliation before shipment; complete customs clearance; payment within the agreed deadline; and clearly defines which party will be responsible for any demurrage, storage, detention or other charges arising from delays in import clearance or payment.

5. Understand Algeria’s new import regulations :

Algeria has banned import of marble and ceramics in their finished forms, generic drugs and medical supplies for which Algerian manufacturers procure adequate equivalent products.

The Algerian Interprofessional Office of Cereals (OAIC), a public Algerian institution responsible for the cereals sector, particularly the supply and management of cereals and cereal products, has exclusive authority to import pulses and rice. The list of sub-headings is available on the link : https://algerie-eco.com/2025/11/25/exclusivite-dimportation-des-legumes-secs-et-riz-a-loaic-la-liste-des-sous-positions-tarifaires-elargie/

6. In case of trade dispute :

The following sentence may be inserted in the contract for the purpose of resolving disputes through arbitration by the Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration Center of the Algerian Chamber of Commerce and Industry CACI:

"All disputes arising out of or relating to this contract shall be settled by arbitration in accordance with the rules of the Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration Center of the Algerian Chamber of Commerce and Industry by one or three arbitrators appointed in accordance with these rules."