Importing from China to Algeria: Duties, DAPS, Freight & Procedures 2026

Introduction: the China-Algeria trade route

China has been Algeria's top supplier since 2013, surpassing France historically. Algerian imports from China represent over USD 8 billion annually, covering electronics, industrial equipment, textiles, construction materials, and consumer goods. However, Algeria applies one of the most protectionist customs policies in the Mediterranean basin.

Between customs duties reaching 30%, the Provisional Additional Safeguard Duty (DAPS) of 30% to 200%, 19% VAT, mandatory bank domiciliation, and CNIS conformity checks, importing from China requires meticulous preparation. This guide walks you through every step, from sourcing to customs clearance in Algiers.

Customs duties applicable in 2026

Algerian tariff structure

The Algerian customs tariff classifies products under the Harmonised System (HS) and applies progressive rates based on the degree of processing:

DAPS: Provisional Additional Safeguard Duty

DAPS is a protectionist surcharge imposed by Algeria to shield domestic production. It is added on top of standard customs duties and can reach very high rates:

• 30% to 70%: for products with a local equivalent (ceramics, certain processed foods)
• 70% to 120%: for products directly competing with national industry (furniture, certain cosmetics)
• 120% to 200%: for products the state seeks to quasi-prohibit from import

Critical point: the list of products subject to DAPS is regularly updated by ministerial decree. Before any import, check the latest version with the General Directorate of Customs (DGD) or your freight forwarder.

Import VAT: 19%

Algerian VAT is 19% (standard rate) or 9% (reduced rate for essential goods). The VAT base is calculated in cascade:

This cascading calculation means you pay VAT on the customs duties and on DAPS, which can significantly increase the total cost.

Other taxes and fees

• Bank domiciliation tax: 3% of FOB value for bank domiciliation openings
• Customs stamp duty: 2% of CIF value
• IT levy: fixed amount per declaration (approx. 500-1,000 DZD)
• CNIS inspection fees: 0.85% of FOB value (minimum USD 1,500)
• Transit fees: 40,000-150,000 DZD depending on volume and port

Administrative prerequisites for importing to Algeria

NIF: Tax Identification Number

The NIF is the absolute prerequisite for any import into Algeria. Issued by the General Directorate of Taxes (DGI), it fiscally identifies the importer and must be:

• Active: a suspended or cancelled NIF blocks all operations
• Up to date: tax returns must be filed regularly
• Consistent: the activity declared in the commercial register must match the imported products

Obtaining the NIF typically takes 5 to 15 business days for a newly created company.

Commercial register

The importer must be registered with the commercial register (CNRC) with an authorised import activity. Since 2020, certain import activities require prior authorisation from the Ministry of Commerce.

Bank domiciliation

Every import operation in Algeria must be domiciled with an approved bank. Bank domiciliation is the mechanism through which the Bank of Algeria controls foreign currency flows:

• File opening: the importer submits the pro forma invoice from the Chinese supplier to their bank
• Validation: the bank verifies the NIF, commercial register, product conformity, and currency availability
• Domiciliation number: issued within 5-10 days, essential for customs clearance
• Cost: file fees + commission of 0.5-1.5% of the amount

Warning: bank domiciliation has a limited validity period (typically 6 months). If goods do not arrive within this period, the file must be renewed.

Conformity certificate and Algerian standards

Since 2009, Algeria requires a conformity certificate for most imported products. This certificate attests that the product meets Algerian standards (NA) or recognised international standards (ISO, IEC, CE). Subject products include:

• Electrical and electronic equipment
• Construction materials
• Food products and beverages
• Toys and children's articles
• Textiles and clothing
• Household appliances

The conformity certificate is issued by bodies approved by the Ministry of Commerce, such as Bureau Veritas, SGS, Intertek, or IANOR (Algerian Institute of Standardisation). The process involves laboratory testing and/or factory inspection in China.

CNIS inspection (border control)

CNIS (National Centre for Customs IT and Statistics) manages the border inspection system. Certain goods are subject to pre-shipment inspection (PSI) carried out in China by an approved body:

• Quantity verification: compliance between the order and actual shipment
• Quality verification: compliance with declared standards and samples
• Price verification: declared price compared to international reference prices to detect under-invoicing
• Origin verification: confirmation that products are indeed manufactured in China

CNIS inspection costs 0.85% of FOB value, with a minimum of USD 1,500. The verification attestation is a mandatory document for customs clearance in Algeria.

Maritime freight: China-Algeria routes

Routes and main ports

The majority of imports from China arrive at the port of Algiers, which handles approximately 60% of Algeria's containerised traffic. Major shipping lines transit through hubs like Port Said (Egypt), Tanger Med (Morocco), or Gioia Tauro (Italy).

Freight cost structure

• FCL 20': USD 2,800-4,500 (ideal for shipments over 12 m3)
• FCL 40': USD 4,500-7,000 (for large volumes)
• LCL (groupage): USD 65-110/m3 (for small volumes, minimum 1 m3)
• Air freight: USD 4.50-7.00/kg (for urgencies and high-value products)

Freight rates vary significantly by season. September-November (pre-Golden Week + Black Friday) is the most expensive. January-March is generally cheapest (post-Chinese New Year).

Payment methods for Chinese suppliers

In Algeria, the Letter of Credit (L/C) is the most common payment method for Chinese imports, as it provides guarantees for both parties. Bank domiciliation is mandatory regardless of payment method. For first-time orders, the L/C is strongly recommended despite its higher cost.

Prohibited and restricted import products

Algeria maintains a regularly updated list of prohibited or suspended import products:

Strictly prohibited products

• Used vehicles over 3 years old
• Second-hand clothing and footwear
• Products containing asbestos
• Hazardous and toxic waste
• Counterfeit goods and products infringing intellectual property

Products requiring prior authorisation

• Telecommunications equipment (ARPT authorisation)
• Pharmaceutical products (Ministry of Health authorisation)
• Food products (health certificate + conformity)
• Weapons and ammunition (Ministry of Defence authorisation)
• Certain chemical products (environmental authorisation)

Example: importing electronics from Shenzhen to Algiers

Starting data

• Product: 500 Android tablets 10-inch, accessories included
• FOB value Shenzhen: USD 25,000 = approx. 3,375,000 DZD (rate: 1 USD = 135 DZD)
• Sea freight (20' FCL Shenzhen → Algiers): USD 3,200 = 432,000 DZD
• Transport insurance: USD 250 = 33,750 DZD
• HS code: 8471.30 (portable automatic data processing machines)
• Applicable customs duty: 30% (finished electronic product)
• DAPS: not applicable for tablets in 2026 (check the current list)

Step 1: CIF value

Step 2: Customs duties (30%)

Step 3: Customs stamp duty (2%)

Step 4: VAT (19%)

Step 5: Ancillary fees

Cost summary

The landed unit cost per tablet is 6,175,488 / 500 = 12,351 DZD (approx. USD 91.50), versus an FOB price of USD 50 per unit. The import surcharge represents 83% of the FOB price, with customs duties (30%) and VAT (19%) as the main components.

Step-by-step import procedure

1. Administrative preparation: verify NIF, commercial register, and ensure the product is not prohibited or subject to DAPS.
2. Sourcing in China: identify the supplier, negotiate prices and terms (FOB or CIF Incoterm), obtain samples.
3. Conformity certificate: mandate an approved body (SGS, Bureau Veritas) for testing and factory inspection.
4. Bank domiciliation: open the file with your bank using the pro forma invoice. Timeline: 5-10 days.
5. Payment: execute payment (L/C or T/T) through the domiciling bank.
6. CNIS inspection: if required, the approved body inspects the goods before shipping in China.
7. Shipping: the supplier loads the container and transmits documents (B/L, invoice, packing list, certificate of origin).
8. Arrival at Algiers port: your freight forwarder prepares the customs declaration with all documents.
9. Customs clearance: possible physical inspection, document verification, payment of duties and taxes.
10. Delivery: transport from port to your warehouse or point of sale.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Under-invoicing: customs compare declared prices with reference databases. Detected under-invoicing triggers a 25% surcharged adjustment and cargo hold.
• Unidentified DAPS product: DAPS can add 30-200% to cost. Check the list before ordering.
• Expired bank domiciliation: if goods arrive after domiciliation expires, they remain stuck at port with demurrage charges.
• Missing conformity certificate: without this document, goods are refused and must be re-exported at the importer's expense.
• Wrong HS classification: an HS code error can trigger duty adjustment and fines.

Conclusion

Importing from China to Algeria is a demanding but potentially very profitable process when costs are correctly anticipated. Algeria's regulatory framework is protectionist, with duties reaching 30% plus DAPS, but it is stable and predictable for prepared operators. The keys to success: mastering administrative prerequisites (NIF, bank domiciliation), anticipating DAPS, finding a reliable supplier in China, and working with a competent freight forwarder in Algiers.

For further reading, see our Incoterms 2020 guide to choose the right Incoterm and our customs duty calculation guide to understand cascading taxation mechanisms.