Country profile
Algeria
DZ · DZAAs of: 7/23/2026Energy exporter and North African port and import market
Algeria is the largest country in Africa by area and one of the most important energy exporters of the Mediterranean. Foreign trade is heavily state-regulated: the General Directorate of Customs (Direction Generale des Douanes, DGD) has been progressively migrating clearance from the legacy SIGAD system to the new digital ALCES system since November 2023. Import VAT is generally 19 percent (reduced 9 percent). Imports are subject to a restrictive regime requiring bank domiciliation before shipment and approval by the Ministry of Foreign Trade; in 2025 an Algerian Import Authority and an Export Authority were created. Sea transport dominates through the ports of Algiers (around 60 percent of container traffic), Skikda, Arzew, Bejaia, Oran and Djen Djen, while air freight runs through Algiers Houari Boumediene Airport (ALG). Around 95 percent of exports are hydrocarbons (natural gas, crude oil, LNG, LPG). The land border with Morocco has been closed since 1994.
Overview
Algeria (DZ) is the largest country in Africa by area and a key energy and trade partner of the Mediterranean, located between Europe and sub-Saharan Africa with a long Mediterranean coast in the north and the vast Sahara in the south. Foreign trade is heavily state-regulated and dominated by hydrocarbons, which account for around 95 percent of exports (natural gas, crude oil, LNG and LPG, marketed through the state company Sonatrach). The competent customs body is the General Directorate of Customs (Direction Generale des Douanes, DGD), which has been progressively migrating clearance from the legacy SIGAD system to the new digital ALCES system since November 2023; import VAT is generally 19 percent (reduced 9 percent). Imports are subject to one of the most restrictive regimes in the region: a bank domiciliation must be in place before the goods are shipped, approval from the Ministry of Foreign Trade is required, and import forecast programmes apply at times. In 2025 an Algerian Import Authority and an Export Authority were created by decree, and since 1 January 2026 standalone service imports require prior authorization. In logistics terms sea transport dominates through the ports of Algiers (around 60 percent of container traffic), Skikda, Arzew, Bejaia, Oran, Djen Djen, Mostaganem and Annaba, while air freight runs through Algiers Houari Boumediene Airport (ALG), which handles more than 80 percent of air cargo. Inland, the East-West Highway and the Trans-Sahara Highway link the coast with the hinterland and towards Niger and Mali; the SNTF rail network is concentrated in the north. Algeria is not a WTO member but maintains an EU Association Agreement (Euro-Med, in force since 2005) and is a member of the Greater Arab Free Trade Area (GAFTA) and a party to the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). The land border with Morocco has been closed since 1994. The national currency is the Algerian Dinar (DZD).
Mentioned countries
Customs & Import/Export
Customs authority
General Directorate of Customs (Direction Générale des Douanes, DGD)Import system
ALCES (new digital customs system), gradually introduced since November 2023; replaces the legacy system SIGAD. Imports require bank domiciliation and approval from the Ministry of Foreign Trade.
Export system
Export processing via the DGD (ALCES or SIGAD). Hydrocarbon exports are run by the state via Sonatrach. In 2025, an Algerian export authority was created by decree.
Import VAT
- 19 percent (standard rate)
- reduced 9 percent
Import documents
- Commercial invoice
- Packing list
- Customs declaration (ALCES / SIGAD)
- Transport document (B/L, AWB, CMR)
- Bank domiciliation (engagement de domiciliation)
- Certificate of origin (EUR.1 / EUR-MED) for preferential treatment
- If applicable, import authorization from the Ministry of Foreign Trade
Export documents
- Export declaration (ALCES / SIGAD)
- Commercial invoice
- Packing list
- Certificate of origin
- Transport document
- If applicable, export authorization
Origin proofs / FTA
EUR.1 and EUR-MED under the EU Association Agreement (Euro-Med, since 2005); certificates of origin within the GAFTA area. Algeria is a GAFTA member and an AfCFTA State Party, but not a WTO member.
Restricted & prohibited goods
Strict import restrictions and temporary import bans to protect domestic production; authorization requirements for vehicles, medicines, weapons and CITES species. Currency and domiciliation rules of the Bank of Algeria.
Export controls & sanctions
Algeria is not subject to comprehensive international sanctions. Strict currency and foreign trade controls apply; hydrocarbon exports are state-controlled (Sonatrach). National controls for weapons and strategic goods.
Without warranty — always verify with freight forwarder/customs agent and official authorities.
Customs / Import / Export (Africa) — General process
Quick operational overview for international shipments to Africa. Documentation, pre-clearance and local clearance steps can vary a lot by destination.
Documents (typical)
- Commercial invoice (description, value, Incoterms)
- Packing list (weights, dimensions, packages)
- HS code / tariff classification
- Proof of origin / preference docs (where relevant)
- Depending on destination/goods: additional permits, inspection or compliance documents
Process (simplified)
- Prepare export (docs, HS code, origin)
- Import clearance in destination country (declaration, possible checks)
- Release and delivery; duties/taxes according to classification and value
Common pitfalls
- Vague description or missing HS codes → delays and clarifications
- Incoterms unclear: who clears customs/pays charges?
- Incomplete origin data → preferential treatment may not apply
- Inconsistent documents (invoice vs packing list vs shipment data)
Important: Requirements depend on goods, origin, Incoterms, value, and consignee. When in doubt, confirm with your broker/forwarder and official sources.
Official links
Note: regional/general sources. Country-specific authority links will be added iteratively.
Trade
Freight Infrastructure & Transport Network
Transport relevance
Cargo airports
- ALG - Algier Houari Boumediene
- ORN - Oran Ahmed Ben Bella
- CZL - Constantine Mohamed Boudiaf
Seaports / access ports
- Algiers
- Skikda
- Arzew (oil / LNG)
- Bejaia
- Oran
- Djen Djen
- Mostaganem
- Annaba
Road corridors & border crossings
- East-West Motorway (about 1216 km, Tunisian border - Moroccan border)
- Trans-Saharan Route (Algiers - Tamanrasset - Niger / Mali)
- Coastal axis RN11
Rail corridors
- SNTF northern network (Annaba - Constantine - Algiers - Oran)
- Rocade des Hauts-Plateaux (high plateau line)
- Mining railway Gara Djebilet - Bechar (iron ore, under construction)
Top trade lanes
- Algeria - Italy (gas)
- Algeria - Spain (gas via Medgaz)
- Algeria - France
- China - Algeria
- Algeria - Netherlands
Risk & Operational Notes
Risk notes
Exports are heavily dependent on hydrocarbons (about 95 percent). The restrictive import regime with domiciliation and authorization requirements causes delays; Port of Algiers occasionally at capacity. Land border with Morocco closed since 1994.
Seasonal & weather risks
Mediterranean climate on the coast with mild, rainy winters; extreme heat and sandstorms in the southern Sahara. Heavy rain can cause flooding and road closures on the coast.
Current logistics notes
Status as of 2026-07-23: transition of customs clearance to ALCES is ongoing; ALCES-APCS interconnection (port community platform) to reduce congestion is being implemented. Since 1 January 2026, standalone service imports require approval from the Ministry of Foreign Trade. Port of Algiers is chronically overloaded (shipping lines may apply congestion surcharges). Algeria remains a central EU gas supplier (Medgaz, Transmed).
As of: 2026-07-23
Operational notes – no claim to completeness. Verify with your freight forwarder and official sources.
Public holidays
| Date | Holiday | Type | Customs closed | Transport affected | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 1, 2026 | New Year's Day | National | |||
| Jan 12, 2026 | Yennayer (Amazigh New Year) | National | |||
| May 1, 2026 | Labour Day | National | |||
| Jul 5, 2026 | Independence Day | National | |||
| Nov 1, 2026 | Revolution Day | National |
New Year's Day
Jan 1, 2026
Yennayer (Amazigh New Year)
Jan 12, 2026
Labour Day
May 1, 2026
Independence Day
Jul 5, 2026
Revolution Day
Nov 1, 2026
Sources: Loi n° 63-278 (jours fériés légaux) / APS · Loi n° 63-278 (jours fériés légaux)
Related Countries
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View all news →Sources & Data Confidence
Source references without warranty. For legal/tax decisions consult official authorities.
FAQ
Which authority is responsible for customs in Algeria and which system is used?
The General Directorate of Customs (Direction Générale des Douanes, DGD) is responsible. Since November 2023, it has been gradually switching its clearance from the legacy system SIGAD to the new digital system ALCES. Declarations are usually submitted through approved customs agents.
What is the import tax (VAT) in Algeria?
The standard VAT rate is 19 percent, and the reduced rate is 9 percent (including for basic foodstuffs, among others). Import tax is levied at customs on the basis of CIF value plus customs duty.
What is bank domiciliation and why is it important for imports?
Importers must complete a domiciliation procedure with an Algerian bank before the goods are shipped, and must first obtain approval from the Ministry of Foreign Trade. Without completed domiciliation, payment and customs clearance are not possible; in some cases, an account coverage well above the import value is required.
Is Algeria a member of the WTO or the EU?
Algeria is not a WTO member; its accession process has been ongoing since 1987. An Association Agreement with the EU has been in place since 2005 (Euro-Med). Algeria is also a member of the Greater Arab Free Trade Area (GAFTA) and a State Party to the AfCFTA.
Which ports and airports are most important in Algeria?
The most important port is Algiers, handling about 60 percent of container traffic, followed by Skikda, Arzew (oil and LNG), Bejaia, Oran and Djen Djen. In air cargo, Algiers Houari Boumediene Airport (ALG) leads, handling more than 80 percent of air cargo volume.
Which documents do I need for importing into Algeria?
Commonly required are the commercial invoice, packing list, customs declaration (ALCES or SIGAD), a transport document (B/L, AWB or CMR) and proof of domiciliation. For preferential treatment, a certificate of origin such as EUR.1 is also needed; for controlled goods, an import authorization is required.
Is the border with Morocco open?
No. The land border with Morocco, about 1400 km long, has been closed since 1994. Trade between the two countries therefore does not take place over the direct land route, but via sea and air connections.
Which trade partners are important for Algeria?
This page links to important partner countries (based on import/export partners) for quick context.
Which logistics terms are especially relevant for Algeria?
For international shipments, these terms are a good quick start:
Next steps
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