Algeria is tightening controls over preliminary import programs after substantial discrepancies were identified between requested shipment volumes and the actual capacity of some companies.
According to Algeria’s Ministry of Foreign Trade and Export Promotion, 3,961 economic operators employing between zero and five people submitted import applications for the second half of 2026 with a combined value of $130.32 billion. This group includes 149 companies with no registered employees that requested imports worth $484.58 million.
Inter-agency review
The figures have prompted an in-depth review involving the relevant government authorities. Officials intend to compare application data with staffing levels, financial statements, tax records and the real scale of each company’s operations.
The amount represents the combined value of applications submitted, not approved or completed imports. The review is intended to prevent inflated requirements, illegal capital outflows and the use of foreign-trade operations by entities that lack the necessary resources.
For foreign suppliers and Russian exporters, the new measures point to stricter documentary requirements. When working with Algerian counterparties, businesses should pay particular attention to the importer’s authorization, the credibility of requested volumes, and the transparency of payment and logistics arrangements.
Based on information from Algérie Presse Service (APS) and Algeria’s Ministry of Foreign Trade and Export Promotion.
