Algeria's trade authorities have issued new directives mandating that importers disclose their distribution networks and customer databases before completing bank domiciliation procedures for import operations. These new directives, issued by trade authorities across Algeria, signify a nationwide implementation of stricter controls. This requirement, which applies to importers engaged in the resale of goods in their original condition, is part of a broader effort by public authorities to enhance transparency and oversight of imported goods, specifically aiming to strengthen oversight of imported goods and enhance transparency throughout the distribution chain. "Importers engaged in the resale of goods in their original condition will now be required to disclose their distribution networks and customer databases before completing bank domiciliation procedures linked to import operations," trade authorities across Algeria stated. Under Instruction No. 01/2026, all import operations are now subject to a strict new procedure requiring prior bank domiciliation before foreign suppliers can ship goods to Algeria. "This new step aims to tighten control over the flow of imported goods within the national market and enhance the transparency of distribution operations," trade authorities added. Authorities indicated the procedure aims to improve the traceability of imported products and ensure goods reach their declared destinations.
New Disclosure Requirements Detailed
Importers must provide detailed information on the dealers and distributors receiving imported products, including their names, addresses, commercial registration numbers, and business activities. This mandatory step must be completed within the 45-day period granted for finalizing bank domiciliation procedures. Verification and approval of an importer’s distribution network has become a mandatory step, which must be completed within the 45-day period granted for finalizing bank domiciliation procedures. The measure applies to companies importing goods for resale and benefiting from import valuation programs approved by the Ministry of Foreign Trade and Export Promotion, according to trade authorities. This ensures that all entities involved in the distribution of imported goods are clearly identified and registered. "The measure applies to companies importing goods for resale and benefiting from import valuation programs approved by the Ministry of Foreign Trade and Export Promotion," trade authorities stated.
Importers are required to submit a full file detailing their approved distribution network. This file must include information on customers, commercial registration numbers, business addresses, and the nature of their commercial activities. The level of detail required aims to create a complete picture of the supply chain within Algeria. Supporting documents related to conformity and compliance certifications must also be provided, where applicable. This procedure must be completed before the expiry of the legal deadline for bank domiciliation, which is 45 days from the date of approval of the import estimate program. The required files must be submitted in two signed and stamped hard copies, accompanied by an electronic version in Excel format stored on a digital device. This dual submission format ensures both official record-keeping and ease of data processing by regulatory bodies. A copy of the import valuation program approved by the Ministry of Foreign Trade and Export Promotion must also be attached, the trade authorities confirmed. This attachment serves as a key reference point for the approved import plan. "A copy of the import valuation program approved by the Ministry of Foreign Trade and Export Promotion must also be attached," The trade authorities added.
Broader Regulatory Context
The procedure aims to improve the traceability of imported products, ensure that goods reach their declared destinations, and reinforce market regulation mechanisms. These objectives align with Algeria's broader economic strategies to control imports and support local production. The Bank of Algeria stated that new requirements coincide with stricter import-control measures recently introduced by the institution to establish bank domiciliation before foreign suppliers ship goods. The Bank of Algeria added that the measure aims to curb any irregularities or illegal financial transfers. This dual focus on product traceability and financial integrity shows the full nature of the new regulations.
Instruction No. 01/2026, which outlines these new requirements, was issued by the Bank of Algeria on May 14, 2026. The directive grounds its provisions in the amended and supplemented Regulation No. 07-01 of February 3, 2007, which governs current transactions with foreign countries and foreign-currency accounts. This legal foundation provides a clear mandate for the new oversight measures. Algeria affirmed that these combined measures reflect its ongoing efforts to tighten controls over foreign trade, enhance transparency in import operations, and combat irregularities in the movement of goods and international financial transfers. The emphasis on transparency and control is a recurring theme in the nation's recent economic policies.
Enforcement and Oversight
Authorized intermediary banks are mandated to verify that bank domiciliation procedures have been finalized prior to the shipment of goods. This places a significant responsibility on financial institutions to act as a primary checkpoint. The General Directorate of Exchange at the Bank of Algeria stated that "Banks are required to ensure that transport and shipping documents bear a date later than the date of domiciliation, effectively prohibiting the importation of goods shipped prior to the completion of banking formalities." This ensures that all banking formalities are concluded before products leave their origin, preventing pre-emptive shipments that could bypass regulatory scrutiny. This mandatory verification step by banks is critical to the enforcement of the new directive.
The Directorate of Trade of Oum El Bouaghi, located in eastern Algeria, has circulated official correspondence detailing these new requirements. This local-level communication ensures that all regional importers are aware of and compliant with the updated regulations. The Directorate explained that "this procedure must be completed before the expiry of the legal deadline for bank domiciliation, which is 45 days from the date of approval of the import estimate program." This reiteration of the deadline emphasizes the strict timeline for compliance. These combined measures reflect Algeria’s ongoing efforts to tighten controls over foreign trade, enhance transparency in import operations, and combat irregularities in the movement of goods and international financial transfers, according to Algeria. The government's commitment to these objectives is evident in the detailed and multi-layered approach to import regulation.
