⚖️ Regulatory Framework

The VoC programme draws its legal foundation from several key instruments:

• 📜 Note 16/DGC/2009 of the Bank of Algeria (effective February 2009)
• 📜 Decrees 05‑465 and 05‑467, establishing conformity control procedures
• 📜 Ordonnance 09‑01 of July 2009 (Complementary Finance Law), which authorizes pre‑shipment inspection by approved bodies and enforces bank domiciliation (Art. 67) and payment by Letter of Credit for import operations (Art. 69).

Together, these regulations ensure product safety, quality assurance, and compliance with Algerian or relevant international standards before entry into the local market.

🎯 Objectives of the VoC Programme

The main goals of Algeria’s Verification of Conformity system include:

• 🛡️ Consumer and environmental protection
• ⚖️ Ensuring fair market competition
• 🚚 Facilitating customs clearance through a valid Certificate of Conformity (CoC)
• ❌ Preventing counterfeit or unsafe goods from entering the country

📦 Scope and Product Categories

The VoC programme applies to all types of new products imported into Algeria.

Prohibited or restricted goods include:

• Used or refurbished items (e.g., vehicles, tyres, machinery)
• Counterfeits, especially automotive parts
• Materials containing asbestos
• Fireworks and pyrotechnics
• Toy weapons resembling firearms

All shipment values are subject to verification — there is no exemption threshold.

🧾 Technical and Labelling Requirements

To gain import approval, goods must demonstrate conformity through documents such as test reports, third‑party certificates or manufacturer quality certifications (e.g., ISO 9001).

Labeling must include:

• Manufacturer, brand, importer name and model details
• Country of origin
• Information in Arabic (other languages may be added)

Some products may also require energy efficiency labels or specific technical markings according to future Algerian regulations.

⚙️ Step‑by‑Step Process

Step 1 – 📑 Application

Exporters submit a Request for Certificate (RFC) to an authorized inspection body.

The request includes:

• Invoice, Letter of Credit or packing list
• Transport documents
• Technical test reports or quality certificates

Step 2 – 🛠️ Route to Compliance

Three certification routes streamline VoC processing:

• Route A: Any trader, any product
• Route B: Registered products (for regular exporters)
• Route C: Licensed products (for frequent exporters with pre‑approved systems)

Step 3 – 🔬 Documentary Review and Testing

Submitted documents are reviewed for compliance.

If necessary, product samples undergo lab testing in an ISO 17025‑accredited laboratory.

Step 4 – 🧍 Inspection

An on‑site inspection verifies that goods match documentation and meet Algerian or international standards.

Step 5 – 📜 Certification

Upon satisfactory verification, a Certificate of Conformity (CoC) is issued.

The exporter provides the CoC to the Bank of Algeria and the importer for customs clearance.

If standards are not met, a Non‑Conformity Report is issued.

Exporters should not ship goods before receiving the CoC to avoid customs delays.

🔖 Conformity Marking and Updates

In 2017, Algeria introduced a new national conformity marking, which will eventually apply to products covered by forthcoming technical regulations.

Once these are published, the marking will become a mandatory indicator of compliance within the VoC process.

📊 Programme Developments

• 2018: Algeria temporarily banned imports of around 900 products under Decree 18‑02, affecting consumer and industrial goods.
• 2019: The restriction was lifted by Decree 19‑12, replacing the ban with tariff measures, further encouraging transparency and conformity‑based import control.

These regulatory adjustments reinforce Algeria’s emphasis on quality and official certification rather than outright prohibition.

💼 Fees and Responsibilities

The cost of conformity assessment is generally borne by exporters or importers and varies by product and inspection needs.

Any additional inspections or re‑testing are at the exporter’s expense.

🤝 How ComplyMarket Can Help

🌐 ComplyMarket supports exporters and importers in achieving full compliance under the Algeria VoC Programme by providing:

• Expert guidance on Algerian technical regulations and product standards
• Assistance with document preparation and submission
• Coordination with accredited inspection bodies
• Ongoing compliance tracking and regulatory updates

Our platform simplifies certification management, helping you export confidently and avoid costly delays.