Algeria: costs from shipping document errors no longer fall on the importer
In October 2026, the Directorate of Merchant Shipping and Ports, part of the Algerian Ministry of Transport, sent shipping agents a notice: additional costs caused by errors in the shipping documents of imported vehicles, particularly from China, must now be borne by the carrier or its agent, rather than the importer.
Published · Updated
The Directorate of Merchant Shipping and Ports, which reports to the Algerian Ministry of Transport, had observed repeated delays in processing imported vehicles at the ports of Algiers and Oran, caused by frequent errors in shipping documents, particularly regarding the importer's identity and details.
In October 2026, a notice sent to shipping agents, based on executive decree 340-20 governing maritime transport assistance activities, requires that additional costs arising from correcting these errors must now be borne by the responsible party, namely the carrier, the shipping consortium or their agent, rather than passed on to the importer.
The measure directly targets flows of new and used vehicles from China, a sector where the Algerian administration had already tightened import rules in 2026, notably limiting individuals to one vehicle every three years and requiring consolidation for vehicle containers.
This affects Algerian importers of Chinese vehicles, as well as the shipping agents and carriers handling these files at the ports of Algiers and Oran, who are now required to verify the accuracy of the documents themselves before billing the importer.
What it changes for an importer
For a Sorva client importing vehicles or parts by container from China to Algeria, this notice reduces the risk of document error costs falling onto their own invoice, provided the error is indeed attributable to the carrier or its agent rather than the Chinese exporter. Sorva continues to check with the Chinese factory that the shipping documents correctly state the identity and details of the Algerian importer before the container departs, to avoid any dispute over where the error originated.
Importing from China?
Tell us what you want to buy. Our team answers on WhatsApp with the factories, the lead times and the documents your country asks for.
What is changing right now
- Algérie · Réglementation import
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.
Read the article - Libye · Réglementation import
Libya: commercial imports outside the official banking system have been banned since 30 September 2026
Under decision 449/2026 of 6 September 2026, the Libyan Ministry of Economy and Trade has banned, since 30 September 2026, any import of goods intended for trade that does not go through the official banking channels backed by the Central Bank of Libya.
Read the article - Égypte · Douane
Egypt makes electronic ACI registration mandatory for air freight
Since 1 January 2026, every air shipment to Egypt must go through the ACI system and receive an ACID number before reaching the border. This requirement, already applied to sea freight since 2021, had been postponed several times.
Read the article