Web alert: new Algerian car import legislation

Members are advised that the Ministry of Industry in Algeria has issued a new legislation affecting the activities of parties engaged in the import of cars into Algeria.

The law specifies several key points that cars (carried as cargo) need to satisfy before they will be accepted for importation. These new specifications revolve around safety equipment and are designed to rationalise the car dealership market and increase road safety. Although vessels have no direct control of the quality of the cars they are asked to load, the vessel may well find itself the first point of contact if the Algerian authorities determine that the cargo does not meet importation requirements.

To avoid becoming embroiled in a protracted dispute, owners are advised to obtain all necessary documentation before shipment as a means of making sure that the cargo will be accepted at the port of discharge. Failure to confirm that the vessel’s cargo meets these new specifications may result in the vessel being prevented from unloading the cargo and thus having to transport it to an alternative discharge port. Updates on this matter should be sought from local agents or correspondents.