The 2024 Guide to Import Used Cars from China to Algeria

Algeria is the largest country in Africa, the country is located in the northwestern part of the continent with a coastline of approximately 1,200 kilometers. The National Statistics Office of Algeria reported that at the end of 2019, there were 6.5 million cars in Algeria, showing an increase of 2.5 million cars over a decade.

However, between 2017 and 2023, vehicle imports in Algeria had been shut down. Imports through dealers were resumed in early 2023, and a decree was released on February 22, 2023, allowing private importation of used cars below 3 years old.

News related to the automotive industry in Algeria:

On October 5, 2023, the Algerian Ministry of Industry and Pharmaceuticals issued new car import permits to 24 companies while approving 27 authorized dealers to import new cars. The ministry had authorized three Algerian authorized dealers to import vehicles from Fiat (Italy), JAC (China), and Opel (Germany) in March 2023.

On February 20, 2023, the Algerian Prime Minister signed Decree No. 23-74 that regulates customs and regulatory procedures for importing used cars.

On November 17, 2023, Chery would operate in thirty provinces with seven car models pricing from 1.99 million dinars.

On May 12, 2024, the Ministry of Industry had given 2023 imported quotas for 180,000 vehicles to 24 dealers, and now 159,000 cars have been imported.

Regulations for importing used cars in Algeria:

1. Algerian individuals can import used cars below 3 years old from overseas. The cars can be EV, gasoline, or hybrid, but no diesel.

2. Algerian individuals can import 1 used car every 3 years and the payment must be made with personal foreign exchange.

3. Imported used cars must be in good condition, without major defects, and comply with safety and environmental regulations. Vehicles temporarily imported for tourism purposes are not subject to this monitoring.

Import taxes and fees for used cars in Algeria:

Since diesel cars are forbidden from import, the import taxes and fees mentioned below are mainly for gasoline cars, non-plug-in hybrid gasoline cars, plug-in hybrid gasoline cars, and electric cars.

- Vehicles with an engine displacement of less than 1800cc, the import taxes and fees are: D 15%, PRCT 2%, TCS 2%, VAT 19%.

- Vehicles with an engine displacement equal to or greater than 1800cc, the import taxes and fees are: DD 30%, PRCT 2%, TCS 2%, TIC 60%, VAT 19%.

- Battery electric vehicles, the import taxes and fees are: DD 30%, PRCT 2%, TCS 2%, VAT 19%.

New features introduced by the 2023 finance law for used vehicles less than 3 years old:

- Gasoline or hybrid car with a cylinder capacity greater than 1,800 cm³: 20% reduction in the total amount of duties and fees

- Gasoline or hybrid car with a cylinder capacity equal to or less than 1,800 cm³: Reduction of 50% of the total amount of duties and royalties

- Electric car: 80% reduction in the total amount of fees and charges

And please note that there will be a special import duty for new cars in Algeria.

Documents required for used car customs clearance in Algeria:

The specific clearance documents required for used cars exported to Algeria from different countries may vary. However, they generally need to meet the following requirements:

- Original vehicle registration documents or international book

- Original certificate of compliance

- Original commercial invoice

- Vehicle data sheet providing cylinder capacity in cm3 and power of the vehicle

Please note:

- On the day of expiration of the carnet, the owner must go to the Ministry of Customs (Ministère des douanes) located on Rue Bédier in Algiers.

- All vehicles must be completely emptied of fuel and run until stalled.

- Batteries must be disconnected, taped, and properly secured to prevent movement in any direction.

- No hazardous materials should be containerized, secured, or stowed in vehicles.

- The vehicle should be driven to or collected from the storage facility by the client or their representative, and the vehicle should be insured for this one day.

So, what documents will be needed for customs clearance when importing used cars from China to Algeria?

- Sales contract: The contract must have information about the buyer, seller, vehicle details, contract amount, and trade terms.

- Commercial invoice: The commercial invoice must specify the value of the vehicle and be stamped by the exporting company.

- Vehicle registration certificate: The original certificate is a must, showing the vehicle's registration information, engine displacement and other main mechanical specifications

- Inspection report: Clearly stating that the exported vehicle meets the technical requirements for export.

- Used car export certificate

- Certificate of origin

- COC

- B/L

In Conclusion

It is worth mentioning that the customs clearance policies and tax policies of the country of importation can change. Always remember to check with your local customs officer for the latest used car import regulations and tax. If you want to bring in a car from China to Algeria, we strongly advise you to get hold of a professional and dependable firm that has been around for a long time and has a strong background to help you out with sourcing automobiles, organizing domestic logistics, obtaining export permits, and other relevant clearance papers, as well as organizing ocean freight logistics. AutoCango offers transparent prices throughout the whole process and accepts the customer’s preferences for various service providers and vehicles to enhance clients’ rights protection, thus maximizing their savings. Feel free to consult us, AutoCango, your reliable used car export partner.