Importing Personal Effects into Algeria: Documents & Customs Rules

Source: FIDI Customs Guide · Updated 2026 · Download the Algeria Import Guide (PDF)

Personal effects – Returning Citizen

• Original Radiation certificate issued by the Algerian consulate/ embassy
• Original Certificate of Change of Residence (CCR) issued by the Algerian consulate/ embassy
• Original detailed valued inventory stamped by the Algerian consulate/ embassy
• Original declaration of honour issued by the Algerian consulate/ embassy
• Copy of valid Algerian passport
• Copy of the consular card
• For Vehicle:
• Original car title or certificate of compliance
• Original commercial invoice
• Characteristic sheet of the vehicle

• Food can only be imported in small quantities. Alcohol is not allowed to be imported in the country for Returning Citizens.
• Timeframe to clear Air shipment imports are 15 working days
• Timeframe to clear Sea shipment for HHE only is 15 working days
• Timeframe to clear Sea shipment HHE and POV is 18 working days
• Timeframe to clear POV only in a 20ft or 40ft is 15 working days
• Shipping documents needed for customs to clear the shipment is SWB
• NOTE: These time frames are estimates and should be considered for working days, excluding weekends.
• To import personal effects, the Algerian citizen must have resided outside Algeria for at least three years. The dates indicated on the consular card will be those taken into consideration. The combined CIF value of the goods and vehicle must not exceed 8 000 000 DZD for interns and students training abroad, a n d 10 000 000 DZD for other Algerian citizens.
• Customs authorities inspect all containers and parcels integrally. The shipment
• inspected must match what is declared on the inventory.
• The returning citizens must be present in the country during customs clearance as their fingerprints will be taken by the customs authorities.
• If goods are not listed on the inventory, customs authorities will charge a TEL (Extra Legal Tax), the amount of which is at the discretion of the customs officer, or the goods that were not listed will be seized.

• Extra charges are systematic: AIR (Airport storage) SEA (demurrages, port storage, custom visit) in Algeria and are not included in the destination service rates. Do inform the agent or the client that will support these charges at destination.
• AIR
• Airport storage is systematic - please request an estimate when you have the weight of the shipment + 12% Management fees
• SEA
• Extra charges for a 20’ full for returning Algerian citizens: between €600 and €900. + 12% Management fees
• Extra charges for a 40’ full for returning Algerian citizens: between €800 and €1100. + 12% Management fees
• NOTE: These amounts are estimates and may vary. It is recommended allowing 21 days of free time to minimize demurrage charges as much as possible; however, port storage fees and customs inspection charges will still apply. All receipts will be provided at the time of invoicing
• Do not send shipments without the green light of the destination agent.

Personal effects – Foreigner

• Copy of passport
• Copy of valid Algerian residence card or receipt from the police station
• Copy of work permit or annex 10
• Copy of local work contract
• Original work certificate
• Original Certificate of Change of Residence (CCR) issued by the country of departure, stamped by the Algerian consulate
• Original detailed valued inventory stamped by the Algerian consulate
• For Vehicle:
• Original car title or certificate of compliance
• Copy of the commercial invoice
• Characteristic sheet of the vehicle

• Food can only be imported in small quantities. Alcohol is not allowed to be imported in the country for Foreigners
• It takes approximately 15 days for the temporary admission of Foreigners to get signed (after arrival of the shipment)
• Timeframe to clear Air shipment imports are 25 working days
• Timeframe to clear Sea shipment for HHE only is 30 working days
• Timeframe to clear Sea shipment HHE and POV is 35 working days
• Timeframe to clear POV only in a 20ft or 40ft is 30 working days
• NOTE: These time frames are estimates and should be considered for working days, excluding weekends.
• Shipping documents needed for customs to clear the shipment is SWB
• One Change of Residence certificate is required per shipment, and it must be
• stamped by the Algerian consulate in the country of origin.
• Personal effects are admitted into Algeria under the Temporary Admission Regulations.
• Once obtained, temporary admission should be extended by AGS Algeria (as AGS Algeria can provide temporary admission renewal service) until the client re-export his personal effect
• Customs authorities inspect all containers and parcels integrally. The shipment inspected must match what is declared on the inventory. If goods are not listed on the inventory, customs authorities will charge a TEL (Extra Legal Tax), the amount of which is at the discretion of the customs officer, or the goods that were not listed will be seized.

• NOTE for the Foreigners: the temporary admission signature/ approval by the customs takes around 15 days after the arrival of the shipment and before the start of the above standard customs clearance timeframe.
• Extra charges are systematic: AIR (Airport storage) SEA (demurrages, port storage, custom visit) in Algeria and are not included in the destination service rates. Do inform the agent or the client that will support these charges at destination.
• AIR
• Airport storage is systematic - please request an estimate when you have the weight of the shipment + 12% Management fees
• SEA
• Extra charges for a 20’ full for foreigners: between €1100 and €1500. + 12% Management fees
• Extra charges for a 40’ full for foreigners:
• between €1500 and €2000. + 12% Management fees
• NOTE: These amounts are estimates and may vary. We recommend allowing 21 days of free time to minimize demurrage charges as much as possible; however, port storage fees and customs inspection charges will still apply.
• All receipts will be provided at the time of invoicing
• Do not send shipments without the green light of the destination agent.

Personal effects – Diplomat

• Copy of passport with entry stamp page
• Copy of diplomatic card
• Original detailed valued inventory, signed and stamped by the diplomat's organization
• Original Diplomatic Franchise
• Original Power of Attorney under the name of your agent signed and stamped by the diplomat's organization
• For Vehicle:
• Original car title
• Original Diplomatic Franchise related to vehicle importation (issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs)
• Copy of the vehicle commercial invoice with the stamp of the organisation.
• Characteristic sheet of the vehicle

• Food can only be imported in small quantities. Alcohol is permitted to be imported by diplomates, but they must stick to the quota set by the Algerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. It can take 4-6 weeks for diplomatic franchise to be ready.
• (Diplomats need to apply for their diplomatic cards, which can take around 2-4 weeks to be issued by the MOFA from the time they arrive in the country - The green light to dispatch the shipment is given once the diplomat has received their diplomatic card).
• Timeframe to clear Air shipment imports are 12 working days
• Timeframe to clear Sea shipment for HHE only is 12 working days
• Timeframe to clear Sea shipment HHE and
• POV is 15 working days
• Timeframe to clear POV only in a 20ft or 40ft is 12 working days
• NOTE: These time frames are estimates and should be considered for working days, excluding weekends
• Shipping documents needed for customs to clear the shipment is SWB.
• Diplomats may import one or more air and/or sea shipments duty free, provided they arrange for diplomatic exemption for each shipment.
• Before requesting diplomatic exemption, the diplomat must have already started their duties in Algeria and have had their diplomatic card issued (usually delivered within 4 weeks).
• The shipment will be physically inspected (even if the client is an ambassador) and the client’s presence (or their proxy’s) will be required by customs.
• Customs authorities inspect all containers and parcels integrally. The shipment inspected must match what is declared on the inventory.
• Once the diplomatic card has been issued, AGS will ask the carrier for a copy of the shipping document. With this copy the diplomat will be able to start the exemption process (it takes approx. five weeks for the exemption letter to be issued by the Algerian MOFA).

• Add the mention ‘’diplomatic shipment’’ in the description section of the B/L.
• Extra charges are systematic: AIR (Airport storage) SEA (demurrages, port storage, custom visit) in Algeria and are not included in the destination service rates. Do inform the agent or the client that will support these charges at destination.
• AIR
• Airport storage is systematic - please request an estimate when you have the weight of the shipment + 12% Management fees
• SEA
• Extra charges for a 20’ full for diplomats:
• between €600 and €900. + 12% Management fees
• Extra charges for a 40’ full for diplomats: between €800 and €1100. + 12% Management fees
• NOTE: These amounts are estimates and may vary. We recommend allowing 21 days of free time to minimize demurrage charges as much as possible; however, port storage fees and customs inspection charges will still apply.
• All receipts will be provided at the time of invoicing.
• Do not send shipments without the green light of the destination agent.

Personal effects – Returning Algerian Diplomat

• The original diplomatic transfer letter,
• The original diplomatic franchise,
• The original valued inventory stamped by the Algerian consulate/ embassy,
• A passport copy
• For Vehicle:
• Original car title or certificate of compliance,
• Original commercial invoice,
• The characteristic sheet of the vehicle.

• The total inventory value must not exceed 10 000 000 DZD.
• Algerian diplomats may import their household effects into Algeria if the move is a change in residence (final return to Algeria with CCR).
• Customs authorities inspect all containers and parcels integrally. The shipment inspected must match what is declared on the inventory.

• Extra charges are systematic: AIR (Airport storage) SEA (demurrages, port storage, custom visit) in Algeria and are not included in the destination service rates. Do inform the agent or the client that will support these charges at destination.
• AIR
• Airport storage is systematic - please request an estimate when you have the weight of the shipment + 12% Management fees
• SEA
• Extra charges for a 20’ full for returning Algerian citizens: between €600 and €900. + 12% Management fees
• Extra charges for a 40’ full for returning Algerian citizens: between €800 and €1100. + 12% Management fees
• NOTE: These amounts are estimates and may vary. We recommend allowing 21 days of free time to minimize demurrage charges as much as possible; however, port storage fees and customs inspection charges will still apply.
• All receipts will be provided at the time of invoicing.
• Add the mention ‘’diplomatic shipment’’ in the description section of the B/L.
• Do not send shipments without the green light of the destination agent.

Restricted and prohibited items

• Firearms, weapons, ammunition
• Explosive substances
• Drugs
• Cigarettes
• Wine, alcohol
• Drugs, narcotics and poisonous substances
• Used and retreated tyres
• Books and any manuscripts, films and other articles that offend against morality and decency.
• Pornographic materials
• Antiques, paintings
• Military or paramilitary equipment (Surveillance camera, binoculars, antennas) Materials against Islam or the government.

Algeria Moving Guide: Documents, Duties & Shipping Notes

Source: IAM Country Guide · Updated 2026-09-05 · Download the Algeria Country Guide (PDF)

Documents

Specific Information

Inventory value limits: Duty and tax exemption for non-diplomatic shipments is only granted if the valued inventory is less than 20,000 EUR. For returning Algerian citizens, the combined CIF value of goods and vehicle must not exceed 3,000,000 DZD. For Algerian diplomats, the total inventory value must not exceed 2,000,000 DZD.

One shipment only: Only one shipment is authorised duty-free — maximum one sea and one air shipment.

Document language: All documents must be in French.

Consulate stamping: The Change of Residence certificate and the valued inventory must both be stamped by the Algerian Consulate in the country of origin. This is a critical requirement.

Customer presence: The owner must be present for customs purposes. The shipment will be physically inspected (except for ambassadors) and the client's presence or their proxy's is required.

Customs inspection: Customs authorities inspect all containers and parcels. The contents inspected must match the packing list and inventory. If goods are not listed on the inventory, customs will charge an Extra Legal Tax (TEL), the amount of which is at the customs officer's discretion, or the unlisted goods will be seized.

Customs tax: 2% of the total inventory value is charged as a customs processing tax.

Appliances and electronics: Only one item of each type is permitted duty-free. Invoices and receipts stating make, model, and serial numbers are required on the detailed inventory.

ISPM 15 (wood packaging): Confirm with the destination agent whether ISPM 15-compliant wood packaging is required.

Duties & Taxes

Duty-free conditions — Foreign citizens: Personal effects are admitted into Algeria under the Temporary Admission Regulations, not as a permanent duty-free import. Once obtained, temporary admission may be extended several times by the moving agent or clearing agent for a maximum of 3 years. After 3 years, the goods will be taxed as an import, at which point the client is no longer obliged to re-export. The extension of temporary admission is the client's responsibility. Failure to extend results in penalties. Imported household goods must be re-exported when the non-Algerian owner leaves the country, unless the 3-year period has expired and duties have been paid.

Duty-free conditions — Returning Algerian citizens: To import personal effects, the Algerian citizen must have resided outside Algeria for at least 3 years. The dates on the consular card are used to determine eligibility. The combined CIF value of goods and vehicle must not exceed 3,000,000 DZD.

Duty-free conditions — Foreign diplomats: Diplomats may import one or more air and/or sea shipments duty-free, provided they arrange diplomatic exemption for each shipment. The diplomat must have already started duties in Algeria and have had their diplomatic card issued (usually delivered within 5–10 days). The exemption process takes approximately 5 weeks after the diplomatic card is issued.

Prohibited & Restricted Items

Recommended: Contact the destination agent to ensure all requirements have been met prior to import, especially for differences regarding air / sea shipments.

Inventory requirements: A detailed, valued inventory must be prepared in French, signed by the owner, and stamped by the Algerian Consulate in the country of origin. Items should be listed by category. Electrical appliances must include make, model, and serial number.

Inspection: All containers and parcels are physically inspected by customs authorities (except for ambassadors). Contents must match the packing list and inventory exactly. Unlisted items may be seized or subject to Extra Legal Tax (TEL).

Owner presence: The owner or their authorised proxy must be present during customs inspection.

Timing / shipment arrival: Goods may remain at port/airport for 21 days. The customs declaration must be filed within 21 days of unloading. If not filed, goods are placed under deposit regime for 2 months. After this period, goods are seized and acquired by the public treasury. Goods may be sold at auction after 4 months.

Penalties for delays: A customs fine of €500 is levied from day 22 after arrival at port/airport. An additional €500 is charged from day 31, and a further €500 per month thereafter. Example: 2 months of fines = €1,500.

Average clearance timelines (from vessel docking, all documents received):

• Diplomats / Algerian nationals: 12 working days for personal effects; 15 days for vehicles
• Diplomatic air shipments: 10 working days
• Expatriates: 30+ working days (depending on time required for customs officer to process the temporary admission)

Port/airport storage and demurrage: Systematic (always incurred) for both air and sea shipments in Algeria.

Port of entry: Port of Algiers for sea freight. Houari Boumediene Airport (Algiers) for air freight. Other ports include Oran, Annaba, and Béjaïa for sea freight.

Special note — deceased persons' effects: When importing personal effects of a deceased person, specific documentation is required: copy of passport, original Change of Residence certificate, original valued inventory, deregistration certificate, copy of consular card, death certificate from the origin country, a locally prepared "FREDA" (notarial deed of succession), and a power of attorney issued by the notary appointing a representative.

Special territories: Algeria has no overseas territories with separate customs regimes, though the Saharan southern regions may have different practical logistics considerations.

• 2024–2025: Algeria continued to apply the DAPs (Droit Additionnel Provisoire de Sauvegarde) — temporary additional safeguard duties of up to 60% on certain processed and high-value imported products (mainly food products). These primarily affect commercial imports but movers should be aware of potential impact on items within household shipments.
• 2025: Customs tariff nomenclature updated for electronics and battery-related HS codes, with tighter classifications for electronic goods.