Algerian customs authorities have initiated new procedures aimed at organizing and streamlining the processing of goods declarations at ports. Under the directive, declarants are now required to secure a "Delivery Order" from maritime transport companies before submitting detailed customs declarations. This measure is specifically intended to organize workflows and is effective immediately from the date of the notice. Declarants are explicitly instructed not to submit detailed customs declarations before obtaining this key "Delivery Order" from maritime transport companies.
Problematic Past Practices
Previously, some customs declarants submitted declarations for goods before obtaining the necessary "Delivery Order," also known as a Bill of Lading (B/L). This practice contributed significantly to inefficiencies in port operations. Without this key document, port operators faced difficulties in identifying the rightful owner of goods. Consequently, port operators frequently refused to open containers when the owner of the goods could not be clearly identified due to the absence of the "Delivery Order" documentation. This refusal to open containers directly led to delays in the unloading and clearance processes at the ports, exacerbating congestion. This practice also created difficulties in processing declarations and scheduling physical inspections, further hampering port efficiency. The new mandate from Algerian customs authorities directly addresses these issues by requiring the "Delivery Order" prior to declaration.
New Directive Details
The Customs Inspectorate of Algiers Trade Port issued a directive to customs declarants, outlining new requirements for goods declarations. The measure seeks to streamline port operations by mandating that declarants obtain a Delivery Order before submitting detailed customs declarations. A notice from the Customs Inspectorate of Algiers Trade, dated September 21, 2026, and numbered 1078, provides specific details regarding these updated procedures and the rationale behind their implementation. This new directive is designed to ensure that all necessary paperwork is in place at the initial stage of the declaration process, thereby preventing subsequent bottlenecks. The clarity provided by the Delivery Order is expected to facilitate smoother interactions between declarants, maritime companies, and port authorities.
Consequences of Non-Compliance
Non-compliance with the new directive is anticipated to lead to several operational issues, further impacting port efficiency. Such failures are expected to result in pending files and uninspected containers, directly contributing to increased port congestion. The accumulation of uninspected containers can severely disrupt the flow of goods and the overall operational capacity of the ports. Additionally, the customs authorities have indicated that failure to adhere to the mandate could prompt disciplinary measures. These measures may include the suspension of access to the customs information system, "Alsice," for non-compliant parties. This potential suspension shows the seriousness with which the authorities view adherence to the new regulations, aiming to enforce compliance across all declarants.
Aims of the New Policy
The new policy by Algerian customs authorities aims to address specific operational challenges that have historically plagued port activities. The previous practice of submitting declarations without a Delivery Order created significant difficulties in processing customs declarations. This often resulted in complications for scheduling physical inspections of goods at the ports, leading to prolonged waiting times and operational inefficiencies. By mandating the Delivery Order before declaration, customs authorities intend to streamline these processes, ensuring that all necessary documentation is in place from the outset. This measure is expected to improve the efficiency of both declaration processing and the subsequent physical inspection of consignments, contributing to a more organized and less congested port environment. Ultimately, the policy seeks to enhance the overall effectiveness of customs clearance procedures and facilitate trade.