Algeria requires prior authorisation for importing services and goods
Since 1 January 2026, any standalone import of services into Algeria must obtain prior authorisation from the Ministry of Foreign Trade even before bank domiciliation. This rule adds to an import declaration system already tightened since July 2025.
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Since 15 July 2025, Algerian companies importing goods for their own use, equipment or operations have had to declare their past and planned imports through the Import Forecast Programme (PPI), with validation from the ministry overseeing the relevant sector before any bank domiciliation. Since 1 January 2026, this prior-authorisation logic has been extended to standalone imports of services, on presentation of the pro forma invoice, the contract and technical documentation.
In September 2025, Algeria also replaced the National Agency for the Promotion of Foreign Trade (ALGEX) with two separate bodies, created by executive decrees No. 25-233, 25-234 and 25-235: an Algerian Import Authority and an Algerian Export Authority, attached to two now-separate ministries, Domestic Trade and National Market Regulation on one side, Foreign Trade and Export Promotion on the other.
The Ministry of Foreign Trade has an indicative seven-day period to respond to an authorisation request. Without this validation, Algerian banks cannot proceed with domiciliation or process payments, which effectively blocks the import.
All Algerian economic operators importing goods or services for their own use are affected, including from China; the measure targets not only large commercial importers but also companies importing for their internal operations.
What it changes for an importer
For a Sorva client based in Algeria, or whose end buyer is Algerian, it is now necessary to anticipate obtaining authorisation from the Ministry of Foreign Trade before starting bank domiciliation of the supplier payment, or risk the bank blocking it. Sorva prepares the pro forma invoice and technical documentation needed for this request in advance, but the authorisation itself remains a step for the Algerian importer to take with their administration, one Sorva cannot carry out on their behalf.
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