Algeria: Ministry of Industry implements new car import legislation

Local P&I correspondents Budd Algiers has advised that in April 2015 the Ministry of Industry in Algeria issued new legislation impacting on the import of cars into Algeria.

The new legislation requires all imports to comply with the “bill of specifications” issued by the ministry.

The ports of Mostaganem and Djendjen are presently congested as a result of the import of a  significant number of vehicles prior to the new law coming into force in order to vaoid compliance with the new legislation.  This has resulted in significant delays at these ports.

The new requirements   relate to the compulsory fitment of safety equipment such anti-lock brakes (ABS), Electronic Stability Control (ESC) / Electronic Stability Program (ESP), a speed limiting device and / or cruise control, front and side airbags, and other safety equipment.

The potential is that if vehicles imported into Algeria do not comply with the “bill of specifications”, their discharged will not be permitted and they will therefore remain on the vessel.  The vessel may then find itself involved in disputes over the quality and specifications of the vehicles it carries.

If they have not already done so, Members should ensure that their charterers are aware of the new requirements and obtain their confirmation that any cargo shipped will be in compliance with them.

Other problems have been encountered in Algerian ports (such as Algiers and Bejaia) as a result of the Ministry of Trade blocking the import of vehicles by mixed nationality companies.
Vessels trading to Algerian ports should therefore also establish with shippers that the cargo is not being imported by a mixed nationality company.

Further updates on this matter should be sought from local agents or P&I correspondents.