A joint ministerial decision was recently issued by the Ministers of Interior, Finance, Fuel, and Justice, addressing the final settlement of imported vehicles. This significant decision specifies the procedures and conditions for concluding the status of vehicles brought from European countries by foreign nationals, providing a clear pathway for their regularization. This framework is exceptional and driven by humanitarian considerations, applying specifically to vehicles under temporary customs transit. The measure targets vehicles that were previously registered and sold without completing the required procedures, aiming to resolve their ambiguous legal status. Published in Official Gazette No. 51, the joint ministerial decision officially allows for the final settlement of these mentioned vehicles, establishing a full legal framework for their regularization.
Scope and Eligibility
The new decision applies to vehicles seized by competent authorities, including those whose owners previously utilized temporary settlement procedures. It also extends to vehicles that entered Algerian territory before June 3, 2021, and were not subjected to seizure, providing a broader scope for regularization. However, the ministerial decision establishes clear exclusions for certain categories of vehicle owners. Owners whose vehicles are subject to a final court ruling of confiscation are explicitly excluded from benefiting from these final settlement measures, ensuring judicial integrity. Similarly, individuals whose vehicles are involved in final reconciliation processes are also ineligible for the provisions outlined in the new framework. This ensures that only specific cases, primarily those without definitive legal judgments against them or those not undergoing reconciliation, can proceed with the final regularization of their imported vehicles. The decision aims to provide a structured approach for resolving the status of a specific subset of imported vehicles.
Procedures for Seized Vehicles
For seized vehicles whose owners previously benefited from temporary settlement procedures, the original temporary circulation permit must be submitted to the customs collector. This document is key for initiating the regularization process. Additionally, a copy of the payment receipt for a guarantee deposit, amounting to 5 percent of the seized vehicle's value, is required to be attached. This deposit serves as a financial assurance for the customs authorities. Following these submissions and a thorough verification process conducted by the customs services, the customs collector will then grant the final circulation permit for the seized vehicle, formalizing its status. This 'Final Circulation Permit' (سند السير النهائي) is a new document that will be issued by the customs services, replacing the previously used certificate model 846.
The new regulations also address owners of seized vehicles that were sold at auction before a final court ruling was issued. These owners are now eligible to recover the proceeds from the sale of their vehicles, providing a measure of financial recourse. The recovered amount will be disbursed after deducting a lump sum that covers import rights and fees. This lump sum is estimated at 5 percent of the customs-determined value of the vehicle, as specified by the decision, ensuring that the state recovers its due taxes and duties.
Procedures for Non-Seized Vehicles
For vehicles that entered Algerian territory before June 3, 2021, and were not subjected to seizure, a request for final settlement must be submitted along with the vehicle's registration card. This submission marks the formal initiation of the regularization process for these vehicles. Owners of these vehicles are required to pay a lump sum equivalent to 5 percent of the vehicle's value. This lump sum payment covers all import rights and fees, as stipulated by the new ministerial decision, simplifying the financial obligations for owners.
Upon completion of the payment, the customs collector will issue a "Final Circulation Permit" (سند السير النهائي) for the vehicle. This new permit is designed to replace the previously used certificate model 846, streamlining the documentation process. Additionally, vehicle owners are mandated to present their vehicles for a conformity check. This check must be conducted at the designated mining services to ensure compliance with relevant standards and regulations, guaranteeing the vehicle's roadworthiness and adherence to national norms.
Official Notification
The Ministry of Interior is tasked with officially notifying the vehicle owners concerned by the new decision. This notification process will instruct owners on the necessary steps to complete the final settlement procedures for their imported vehicles, ensuring clarity and transparency. The ministerial decision aims to streamline the regularization of these vehicles, ensuring that eligible individuals can finalize their vehicle's status in accordance with the new framework. This measure shows the government's effort to address outstanding issues related to imported vehicles that entered the country under specific conditions, providing a definitive resolution. The notification will guide owners through the required documentation and financial obligations for obtaining the final circulation permit, ensuring a smooth and efficient process for all eligible parties.
