Algeria Humanitarian Customs Regulations

This document was submitted in response to a questionnaire distributed by Global Hand regarding humanitarian customs information. It provides regulations for importing humanitarian aid into Algeria.

Required Documents

  • The following documents are necessary for importing humanitarian aid to Algeria.
  • Customs Declaration drawn up by an approved customs agent and filed with the customs bureau of the entry of the goods, to be accompanied by the following documents:
  • Certificate of Goods drawn up by the donor for the beneficiary and which contains a detailed list of the goods being offered;
  • Transport document drawn up in the name of the beneficiary, also considered the consignee;
  • Document bearing the promise of a representative of the benefiting organisation, to keep the goods for their prescribed purpose, and to record these in the inventory record;
  • charitable organisations covered by the list of the Interministerial Order of 22/11/94 will need the Authorization of the Ministry of the Interior, Local collectives, Management of Community Life and Public Relations (MICL/DVARP) of the acceptance of the goods delivered, including a list of the goods.

Conditions of Shipping

  • Goods must meet the following conditions:
  • Originate from non governmental individuals or organisations;
  • Be transported by Algerian transport companies except when these companies do not serve the shipment area. In the case of use of foreign shipping companies, the following conditions must be met:
  • The transport not be profit;
  • The costs of transport be undertaken by the donor;
  • The donors must moreover opt to use the ports or airports closest to the destinations of the goods.
  • Goods must bear the following identifying marks: a) The type and brand of the product b) The name and address of the donor, and type of institution if applicable c) The name and address of the beneficiary, and type of institution if applicable d) Expiry dates of perishable products Goods originating from Algerian organizations established abroad must transit through the relevant Algerian consulates.

Prohibited Goods

  • The following goods are prohibited entry as humanitarian aid:
  • Goods which are absolutely prohibited out of considerations for public order, morals, and security;
  • Goods not conforming to consumer protection norms (quality and packaging, environmental, hygiene, and the health of humans, animals, and plants);
  • Regulated sensitive material;
  • Restored medical materials covered by the Order mentioned below (See Relevant Regulatory Framework);
  • Vehicles and engines covered by the finance laws mentioned below.

Permissible Goods

  • Goods may be imported as humanitarian aid if they are designated for any of the following uses:
  • Pedagogical and cultural activities, scientific research, sport, and public service activities;
  • Free distribution and other uses with humanitarian ends; or
  • Activities aimed at the prevention of, and the fight against, pollution.

Permissible Beneficiaries

Approved charitable organisations appearing on the list set by the interministerial Order of 22/11/94.

Relevant Regulatory Framework

  • Article 109 of the Finance Law of 1987 (amended and completed) relating to the conditions for the import of goods
  • Interministerial Order of 22/11/94 containing the list of approved organizations permitted to receive goods
  • Circular n°71/DGD/CAB/130 of 19/9/99 on the General Management of Customs related to customs formalities for imported goods
  • Interministerial Order of 23/6/96 determining the practical terms and conditions of shipping goods coming from abroad
  • Law n°90/31 of 04/12/90 regarding organizations
  • Order n°38/MSP/CAB/MIN of 20/4/97 completed by the Order of 11/9/99 of the Ministry of Health and Population containing the list of restored medical equipment prohibited from import and commercialization
  • Articles 48 and 49 of the Finance Law of 2004 and Article 68 of the Finance Law of 1998 concerning age conditions of the import of tourism and utilitarian vehicles, and of engines

Source:

Translated extracts from the 'Guide to Customs and Shipping of Imported Donated Goods', published by Customs Systems and Techniques, Algerian Government.

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Regions / countries / territories

Middle East: Algeria