Algerian trade directorates nationwide have instructed importers engaged in resale activities to disclose their distribution networks and customer lists. This requirement must be met in advance, before importers can finalize bank settlement procedures for import operations. Trade directorates across the country have ordered importers active in resale on condition to disclose their distribution networks and customer lists. This measure is part of efforts by public authorities to enhance the transparency of import operations and closely track the path of imported goods within the national market, aiming to closely monitor the flow of imported goods within the national market, according to public authorities. The move shows a concerted effort to bring greater clarity to the import process and ensure accountability from economic operators.
New Disclosure Requirements Detailed
Importers are now obliged to provide detailed data about the entities to whom imported goods will be directed. This information includes their names, addresses, commercial registration numbers, and the nature of their activity. The required table for distribution networks specifically mandates detailed information on approved customers, encompassing their commercial registration numbers, addresses, and the nature of their activity. Additionally, data related to conformity certificates must be provided where applicable, ensuring that all regulatory standards are met before goods enter the market. This new procedure necessitates that importers benefiting from import programs approved by the Ministry of Foreign Trade and Export Promotion must have their distribution network pre-approved, adding another layer of oversight to the process. The thoroughness of these disclosure requirements is designed to create a full record of the supply chain for imported goods.
Integration with Bank Settlement
Approval of the distribution network has become a mandatory procedure that must be completed before the expiry of the 45-day period granted to importers for bank settlement operations. This integration ensures that transparency measures are enforced at a critical juncture of the import process. The Bank of Algeria recently tightened import control procedures by requiring economic operators to conduct bank settlement before goods are shipped by foreign suppliers. Instruction No. 01/2026, dated May 14, 2026, from the Bank of Algeria specifically mandates prior bank settlement before any shipment of goods. This instruction further requires banks to verify that the date of transport or shipping documents is subsequent to the bank settlement date, ensuring compliance with the new regulations and preventing premature shipments. This sequential process aims to reinforce financial discipline and reduce potential irregularities in import transactions.
Broader Trade Control Context
The new requirements for importer network disclosure by Algeria's مديريات التجارة (trade directorates) align with broader governmental efforts to regulate imports and enhance economic transparency. These regulations are part of a wider strategy to ensure that all import activities contribute positively to the national economy. بنك الجزائر (Bank of Algeria) has previously implemented measures aimed at controlling capital outflow and ensuring that imported goods correspond to declared values, thereby safeguarding national financial resources. These initiatives collectively seek to protect national production and optimize the allocation of foreign currency resources, which are key for sustainable economic growth. The وزارة التجارة الخارجية وترقية الصادرات (Ministry of Foreign Trade and Export Promotion) has also been involved in structuring import programs to support strategic sectors and reduce reliance on certain foreign products. The ongoing regulatory adjustments reflect a sustained push to reform Algeria's trade landscape, promoting a more controlled and transparent environment for commerce. This holistic approach is intended to foster a strong and resilient domestic market.
