The Algerian government recently announced significant regulatory adjustments regarding import activities, aimed at strengthening control and ensuring better market regulation. These measures, introduced by the Ministry of Internal Trade and Market Regulation, specifically target the declaration of sales and stock, as well as the conditions for granting certificates of compliance to economic operators.
In a note published on December 15, 2024, the ministry had initially required importers of goods intended for resale in their original state to submit statistics regarding their sales and stocks for the first half of 2024. Those who failed to comply with this obligation were liable to lose their certificate of compliance with the conditions, a document essential for legally conducting this activity.
Among the products concerned were mainly consumer goods, but some more strategic products, such as bananas, infant milk, meat, coffee and spices, were exempted in order to avoid any disruption to market supply, particularly in view of the month of Ramadan.
Declaration of sales and stocks: the ministry sets a deadline for importers
In response to the difficulties faced by operators in complying with the new government requirements, a new instruction dated December 31, 2024 was published, reports the Algérie-Eco media outlet. This instruction grants a deferral to the affected importers, allowing them to regularize their situation by declaring their sales and stocks by March 31, 2025 at the latest. This initiative also suspended decisions to revoke certificates of compliance already issued, provided that companies submit the required documents, or else lift the reservations issued by the supervisory authorities.
In parallel, the controversial measure requiring importers to have warehouses in the same wilaya as their registration has been postponed until further notice. This aims to avoid logistical disruptions and to give operators the necessary time to adapt.
A digital platform for centralized, decentralized management
In order to strengthen its control, the Ministry of Commerce has also reiterated the importance of using the digital platform dedicated to managing compliance certificates. This platform not only allows for the centralization of requests, but also enhances transparency and administrative efficiency. However, operators whose certificates have been revoked due to non-compliance with the conditions, notably the import of prohibited or subject to international negotiations goods, are not allowed to submit new requests before the end of the initial validity period.
This digitalization contributes to better traceability of import activities and facilitates the strengthening of controls by the authorities. Inventory statistics for the second half of 2024 must also be submitted to this platform by March 31, 2025, thus extending the deadline for better compliance.
Guaranteeing the supply and stocks of the national market
These measures are part of a broader commitment to protect the national market and prevent any shortages of essential products. The ministry emphasized the importance of allowing importers to complete their procedures without compromising the supply of everyday consumer products. Economic surveys will be conducted among operators who have not complied with their obligations, and the results will be submitted to the central administration for «evaluation.».
Despite the announced adjustments, the Algerian government seems determined to establish strict discipline and control in the import sector. By further regulating the activities of operators, Algeria hopes to reduce fraudulent practices, strengthen economic sovereignty, and encourage better management of stocks and resources.
A balance between control and flexibility
These decisions from Algiers illustrate the will but also the difficulty of finding a balance between the need to regulate the import sector and the need to maintain a stable and fluid supply on the national market. While some players in the sector welcome the additional time granted, others express concerns about the potential impact of these measures on their international operations.
With these new provisions, Algeria is taking an important step towards a more rigorous and transparent management of its foreign trade. However, the challenge will be to ensure effective and equitable implementation, while supporting importers in their process of regularization, as well as in their relations with exporters.
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