Algeria is revising its approach to foreign trade regulation, moving from broad administrative restrictions towards more targeted digital oversight of transactions. The changes are intended to protect the country’s foreign currency reserves without preventing companies from importing the raw materials, components and equipment required for production.
According to the Trade Representation of the Russian Federation in Algeria, foreign trade regulation has become a central area of the country’s economic policy since 2019. Import restrictions and new planning mechanisms helped curb uncontrolled imports and illegal capital outflows, but the rigid system also created difficulties for manufacturers that depend on imported materials and components.
A digital platform for import programmes
A digital platform launched on 1 August 2026 is one of the key instruments of the reform. As many as 1,720 requests were registered in the system by the following day. The platform is designed to manage and monitor preliminary import programmes for raw materials, supplies and equipment.
The authorities expect digitalisation to accelerate the processing of business applications, improve transaction traceability and make controls more targeted. This is particularly important for companies importing goods needed to repair equipment, maintain production lines and implement investment projects.
Greater scrutiny of export transactions
The nature of the risks targeted by the state is also changing. Earlier controls focused primarily on the overpricing of imported goods. The authorities are now paying greater attention to the undervaluation of exports and the repatriation of foreign currency earnings.
Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune previously stated that USD 350 million in export proceeds had not been repatriated to the country. The new model must therefore support non-hydrocarbon exports while ensuring transparent settlements and the return of revenue from overseas sales.
What the changes mean for business
The government faces a dual challenge. It must prevent imports from being used as a channel for capital flight, while ensuring that controls do not delay supplies of raw materials, components and technological equipment needed for stable production.
For Russian companies working with the Algerian market, the reform signals a gradual shift towards more formalised digital procedures. Accurate documentation, justification of import requirements, transparent pricing and compliance with foreign currency settlement rules will become particularly important when planning deliveries.
The ultimate goal is to replace blanket transaction blocking with a modern system for monitoring financial and trade flows. If implemented successfully, the reform could simplify foreign trade procedures while maintaining protection for the domestic market and national production.
Source: Trade Representation of the Russian Federation in Algeria
