Certification of conformity for Algeria

What is Algeria’s conformity certification ?

Certification of conformity for Algeria is an essential document proving that products intended for export to that country are in accordance with local technical standards and regulations. This certificate is required for the import of any type of goods into Algeria, regardless of its nature or origin.

This certification is issued by an accredited inspection and certification entity called IANOR (Algerian Institute of Standardization). These standards define the technical, safety and quality requirements that the products must meet in order to be sold in Algeria., which assesses the conformity of the products by performing documentary checks, laboratory tests and on-site inspections. The certificate of conformity is a document necessary to present to Algerian customs for the entry of goods into the country and their delivery to recipients.

The aim of conformity certification for Algeria is to guarantee the protection of local consumers, safeguard the environment, ensure safety and public health, while facilitating international trade. It also offers exporters the opportunity to demonstrate the quality of their products and comply with the legal standards required by Algeria.

Which products are concerned by the conformity certification for Algeria ?

Certification of conformity in Algeria is mandatory for all imported goods, regardless of nature or origin. Although there is no exhaustive list, some product categories must meet specific criteria related to their sector. Some of these categories include:

Food and cosmetics products

Food and cosmetics products must comply with Algerian health, quality and religious principles. For example, items containing gelatin, animal fat or alcohol must be halal certified. Cosmetics, for their part, must follow the safety standards and labelling rules in force.

Electrical and electronic products

These articles must adhere to Algerian safety and technical standards, as well as international standards related to electromagnetism, electromagnetic compatibility and low voltage. They must also comply with environmental standards, particularly as regards the recycling of waste electrical and electronic equipment.

Industrial and construction products

Products intended for industry and construction must comply with Algerian quality and technical standards, as well as safety and environmental protection regulations. This includes a wide range of products, such as metal, chemical, petroleum, plastic, wood, cement, glass, ceramic, textiles, leather and paper items, all of which must meet the applicable Algerian standards.

Automotive products and spare parts

This category must comply with Algerian safety and technical standards, in addition to regulations on environmental protection and emission reduction. Vehicles and their components, such as tires, batteries, braking systems, seat belts, airbags, headlights, mirrors and horns, must all comply with Algerian standards.

How to obtain the conformity certification for Algeria ?

To obtain the necessary conformity certification for Algeria, it is essential to go through an inspection and certification body recognized by the Algerian authorities. Several entities, such as Bureau Veritas, Intertek or SGS, offer this type of service. It is necessary to select the organization that will best meet your requirements and those of your products.

The next step is to submit an application for certification to the selected organization by providing the necessary documents :

• The certification application form, available for download on the organization’s website,
• The final invoice, detailing the name and contact details of the exporter and importer, as well as the list, the designation of the exported products, their price and the terms of payment,
• The packing list, indicating the number and weight of the packages, as well as their marks and identification numbers,
• Documents attesting to the quality of products and their compliance with Algerian standards and technical regulations, such as test reports, certificates of analysis, ISO 9001 certificates or other quality management system certifications,
• Any other document considered relevant according to the type of product, such as the halal certificate for food or cosmetic products, the certificate of origin, the phytosanitary certificate, etc.

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The inspection and certification body will verify the conformity of the products through documentary checks, laboratory tests and physical inspections. In case of compliance, it will issue the certificate of conformity, a secure and numbered document.

In case of non-compliance, a non-compliance report will be issued, specifying the reasons for the refusal and the corrective measures to be adopted.

The certificate of conformity must be presented to the Algerian customs authorities for the customs clearance of your goods and their delivery to your customers. This certificate is valid for a single shipment and for a period of six months from the date of issue.

What are the benefits of obtaining conformity certification for Algeria ?

Obtaining conformity certification for Algeria offers significant benefits for both exporters and importers of products destined for this market. Let’s discover together these advantages :

For exporters

• It simplifies the clearance of goods, reducing the risk of delays, penalties or refusals at the border.
• It strengthens the confidence of Algerian customers, ensuring the quality and safety of products, which builds customer loyalty.
• It offers a competitive advantage, allowing to stand out in a growing market and rich in commercial opportunities.

For importers

• It ensures compliance with Algerian regulations, thus avoiding sanctions, fines or legal actions for non-compliance with standards.
• It guarantees the protection of Algerian consumers by providing quality products that meet health, environmental, safety and performance standards.
• It contributes to the economic development of Algeria, encouraging international trade, innovation, competitiveness and diversifying the product offer.

Which bodies offer conformity certification for Algeria ?

To obtain the necessary conformity certification for Algeria, it is essential to apply to an inspection and certification body recognized by the Algerian authorities. Several entities offer this service, each with its specificities, rates and deadlines.

Below is a non-exhaustive list of these organizations :

SGS Algeria

SGS Algeria, a branch of the SGS Group - a global leader in inspection, control, analysis and certification - has been offering its compliance certification services in Algeria since 2010. This service is part of the compliance verification program (VoC) initiated by the Algerian Ministry of Commerce. SGS Algeria relies on accredited laboratories and offices located in several cities across the country, in addition to an extensive international network of partners.

SGS Algeria stands out for its fast, reliable and tailor-made service, designed to meet the needs of exporters and importers.

Bureau Veritas

Bureau Veritas, a French group expert in conformity assessment and certification, has been offering its conformity certification services for Algeria since 2011. This service is part of the Compliance Verification Program (VoC) established by the Algerian Ministry of Commerce. With offices in Algiers, Oran and Annaba, Bureau Veritas offers its recognized expertise in various sectors of activity.

Bureau Veritas guarantees a high quality, secure and transparent service, thus facilitating trade between Algeria and the world.

Intertek Algeria

Intertek Algeria, part of the Intertek Group, a leader in total quality assurance, has been offering compliance certification for Algeria since 2012. This offer is part of the compliance verification program (VoC) launched by the Algerian Ministry of Commerce.

With an office in Algiers and a wide network of laboratories and service centers around the world, Intertek Algeria provides an efficient, flexible and personalized service, meeting Algerian technical standards and regulations.

What are the steps to obtain conformity certification for Algeria ?

To obtain the certification of conformity necessary for the export of products to Algeria, it is essential to follow these key steps :

1. Select an authorized inspection and certification body

Start by selecting an inspection and certification body recognized by the Algerian authorities. Entities such as SGS Algeria, Bureau Veritas or Intertek Algeria are available options. It is important to compare their offers, rates and deadlines to choose the one that best meets your requirements and the nature of your products.

2. Submit an application for certification

Send a certification request to the selected organization with all required documents. These documents usually include the application form, final invoice, packing list, quality certificates and other relevant documents depending on your product. Certification fees, depending on the organization and the type of product, must also be paid at this stage.

3. Receive compliance verification

The body in charge will verify the conformity of your products through documentary analyses, laboratory tests and physical inspections. If your products comply, a certificate of conformity will be issued to you. Otherwise, you will be provided with a non-conformity report, with recommendations to follow to remedy the deficiencies.

4. Submit Certificate of Compliance to Algerian Customs

The certificate of conformity obtained must be presented to Algerian customs for the import of your goods. This document, essential for customs clearance, is valid for a single shipment and remains in force for six months from the date of issue.

How much does the certification of conformity cost for Algeria ?

The cost of conformity certification for Algeria varies according to various criteria, such as the type of product, the value of the goods, the volume of the shipment, the country of origin, as well as the selected inspection and certification body. It is therefore difficult to determine a flat rate for this service, but an estimate can be made based on these different elements.

In general, the price of certification is broken down into two main parts :

• Certification fee: The certification fee varies depending on the certification body and the amount of your shipment. You can estimate the cost of the certificate in a few clicks using our free simulator. Create a free account, log in and click on "New request" to access the simulator.

• Test fees : These cover the costs of laboratory analyses to ensure the conformity of products with Algerian specific standards and technical regulations. These fees depend on the type of product, the number of samples to be tested, the type of test, and the laboratory used. These costs are generally borne by the exporter, except where the product is already accompanied by a certificate of analysis recognized by the certification body.

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The total cost of conformity certification for Algeria can thus vary from a few hundred to several thousand euros, depending on the situation. It is recommended to contact the certification body directly to obtain a personalized quote adapted to your specific needs.

How long does it take to obtain conformity certification for Algeria ?

The time required to acquire the conformity certification for Algeria varies according to many criteria, including the type of product, the country of origin, the selected certification body, as well as the availability of the necessary documents and samples. There is no specific or guaranteed timeframe for obtaining this certification, but an estimate can be provided based on these different elements.

The certification process is generally divided into two phases :

The processing time, which is the time required by the certification body to review the conformity of the products. This includes document analysis, laboratory testing and physical inspections. This period may vary depending on the organization and the product, but it is usually between 5 and 15 working days.

The deadline for issuance, which is the time required for the organization to issue the certificate of conformity after confirming that the products meet the required standards, or a non-compliance report if applicable. This period also varies according to the organization and the type of product and is generally 1 to 3 working days.

The total time to obtain the conformity certification for Algeria can thus fluctuate from a few days to several weeks, depending on the situation. It is recommended to consult the chosen certification body for a more accurate estimate, adapted to your specific case.

Do I need to renew the conformity certification for Algeria ?

Certification of conformity for Algeria is required for each shipment and remains valid for six months from the date of issue. This implies the need to acquire a new certification for each shipment sent to Algeria, including for products identical to those already certified previously.

It is also required to obtain a new certification if your current certificate has expired, even if the shipment has not yet been completed.

The process for renewing this certification is identical to that of the first application. It is necessary to select a recognized inspection and certification body, submit an application for certification, go through a compliance check, and finally, provide the certificate to Algerian customs. The associated costs, including certification and testing fees, will depend on the value and type of products shipped.

Complying with this legal obligation by renewing the conformity certification is essential to comply with Algerian regulations and ensure the efficient customs clearance of your goods. It is wise to anticipate this renewal to avoid any delay, penalty or refusal at the border.