🇩🇿 Import Customs & Duties: Algeria
Quick Facts
Duty-free threshold
$0
Duty applies from $0
VAT / Sales Tax
19%
CIF value + duty. Reduced VAT of 9% on some essential goods. Additional taxes: DAPS (additional provisional safeguard duty) on some products.
Clearance Time
5-14 days express, 14-30 postal days
typical processing
Note: Very restrictive import policies; many goods banned
Duty Rates by Category
| Category | Duty Rate | HS Chapter |
|---|---|---|
| Electronics | 5-30% | HS 85 |
| Clothing | 30% | HS 61-62 |
| Footwear | 30% | HS 64 |
| Food products | 0-30% | HS 01-24 |
| Machinery | 5-15% | HS 84 |
| Cosmetics | 15-30% | HS 33 |
| Books | 0-5% | HS 49 |
| Toys | 15-30% | HS 95 |
Rates shown are for standard goods. Exact rate depends on the HS code of your item.
Import Duty Calculator
Customs Clearance Process
Direction Generale des Douanes (douane.gov.dz). SIGAD system for electronic declarations. Algiers port main entry point. Domiciliation bancaire required for all imports over DZD 100,000. Customs broker required for commercial imports. Oran and Annaba are secondary ports. Arabic and French documentation accepted.
What to Actually Expect
Very protectionist. Import bans on many goods. No de minimis, all imports taxed. Can be very slow. Import license required for many products. Bank domiciliation and complex licensing add weeks. Port congestion in Algiers common. Express couriers available but customs processing slow. Arabic/French documentation required.
Required Documents
Commercial Invoice
Item description, quantity, value, sender and receiver details
Packing List
Detailed description of contents in each package
Customs Declaration (CN22/CN23)
Required for postal shipments
Air Waybill (AWB)
Generated by the carrier when booking the shipment
Certificate of Origin
May be required for reduced duties (FTA/preferential rates)
Export/Import License
For restricted goods (electronics, medicines, chemicals)
Import License Requirements
Very protectionist. Import bans on many goods. No de minimis, all imports taxed. Import license required for many products. Domiciliation bancaire mandatory. 51/49% Algerian ownership rule for importers. Ban on used goods, used clothing. Vehicles face 15% duty. Pharmaceutical imports through UFAS or authorized pharmacies only.
Certificate of Origin
Chambre Algerienne de Commerce et d'Industrie (CACI) issues certificates. EU-Algeria Association Agreement provides preferential rates for EU goods. Arab Maghreb Union and GAFTA certificates for regional trade.
Learn more →Prohibited & Restricted Items
Prohibited
- xNarcotics and illegal drugs
- xExplosives and flammable materials
- xWeapons and ammunition
- xCounterfeit goods
- xCounterfeit currency and documents
Restricted (permit required)
- !Medicines and pharmaceuticals
- !Food and beverages
- !Plants and seeds
- !Electronics (lithium batteries)
- !Perfumes and cosmetics (volume limits)
Useful Links
Duty & Tax Estimate
Estimated import charges when shipping goods to Algeria:
| Goods Value | Duty | VAT/Tax | Total Charges |
|---|---|---|---|
| $50 | $15 | $12 | $27 |
| $100 | $30 | $25 | $55 |
| $200 | $60 | $49 | $109 |
| $500 | $150 | $124 | $274 |
| $1000 | $300 | $247 | $547 |
Estimates only. Actual duties depend on product category and HS code.
Popular routes to Algeria
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the duty-free threshold for Algeria?
Algeria has no duty-free threshold. All imported goods are subject to duties regardless of their value.
What is the VAT rate on imports to Algeria?
The VAT/tax rate on imports to Algeria is 19%. VAT applies to: CIF value + duty. Reduced VAT of 9% on some essential goods. Additional taxes: DAPS (additional provisional safeguard duty) on some products.
How long does customs clearance take in Algeria?
Typical customs clearance in Algeria takes 5-14 days express, 14-30 postal days. Express shipments usually clear faster.
What documents are needed to import into Algeria?
To import into Algeria, you typically need: commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading/airway bill, and customs declaration. Some goods may require a certificate of origin or import license.
What items are prohibited from import into Algeria?
Algeria prohibits the import of narcotics, weapons, counterfeit goods, certain animal products, and hazardous materials. Restrictions may also apply to alcohol, tobacco, pharmaceuticals, and certain electronics.