Includes the barriers (tariff and non-tariff) that U.S. companies face when exporting to this country.

Algeria applies a value-added tax (VAT) to all sales in the country. The VAT rates are 7 percent to 19 percent, depending on the product.  Staples such as bread and milk are not subject to VAT. The reduced rate of 7 percent is applied to most non-luxury goods.

Customs clearance is a frequently reported problem facing foreign companies in Algeria. Delays can range from weeks to months. In addition to a certificate of origin, the GoA requires importers to provide certificates of conformity and quality from an independent third party. Starting mid-2014, the GoA required all imported products to have transcripts written in Arabic and to clearly display the origin of the products. The Ministry of Commerce must stamp the shipping documents with a “Visa Fraud” note indicating that the goods have been successfully subject to fraud inspection before they can be cleared through customs.

In January 2016, the GoA introduced a decree on import and export licenses. The purpose of the decree is to control or limit imports and exports of certain products. Certain restrictive measures can be imposed on foreign trade with the purpose of conserving limited amounts of natural resources, promoting domestic production, and controlling expenditures on foreign products.

Prepared by our U.S. Embassies abroad. With its network of 108 offices across the United States and in more than 75 countries, the U.S. Commercial Service of the U.S. Department of Commerce utilizes its global presence and international marketing expertise to help U.S. companies sell their products and services worldwide. Locate the U.S. Commercial Service trade specialist in the U.S. nearest you by visiting http://export.gov/usoffices.