Algeria reopened its vehicle import market in 2023 after a three-year freeze, and Chinese brands moved fast: Geely, Chery and DFSK now rank among the country's top five sellers. This guide explains the two legal import channels and what each means for dealers and individual buyers in 2026.
Importer eligibility - two separate channels
Resident individuals may import one used vehicle under three years old for personal use once every three years, under Executive Decree No. 23-74. Companies cannot use this channel for commercial or bulk imports. Commercial imports run through the dealer route: licensed distributors holding a 5-year agrement from the Ministry of Industry import new vehicles under annual brand quotas (Executive Decree No. 22-383).
Eligible fuel types (personal channel)
Under the personal used-vehicle channel established by Executive Decree No. 23-74, eligible vehicles may be petrol, petrol-hybrid, or electric. Diesel vehicles are not eligible under this channel.
How vehicle age is calculated
Vehicle age is calculated from the date of first registration to the date of the customs declaration for release for consumption - the production year alone is not sufficient. The vehicle must remain within the 3-year limit on the declaration date, so factor shipping time into your planning.
Tax framework
| Item | Level | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Import duty | 15% or 30% | Band depends on HS classification and engine size |
| VAT | 19% | Passenger cars |
| TIC (excise) | up to 60% | Highest band for petrol 2.0-3.0L; EVs exempt |
| Personal-channel reductions | 50% / 80% | Reductions of applicable duties and taxes (petrol/hybrid up to 1800cc: 50%; EV: 80%) - not final tax rates |
Import duty, VAT, TIC and other charges depend on the HS classification, customs value, engine displacement, energy type and importer status - a final calculation must be completed for each vehicle before ordering.
Conformity documents
Every vehicle needs conformity documents and inspection reports issued or accepted in accordance with current Algerian requirements (COC via approved bodies such as Intertek, SGS, TUV or Applus, obtained before shipment). Missing or invalid documents may delay or prevent customs clearance. CBT arranges COC issuance before every Algerian shipment.
Shipping from China
RoRo from Shanghai and Guangzhou (Nansha) is the most economical option, with containers for smaller high-value batches; typical transit is 28-45 days to Algiers or Oran. Available ports and seasonal routing may change according to port notices and carrier schedules - confirm the destination port and sailing arrangement before shipment.
Which Chinese cars sell in Algeria
In 2024 Algeria's new-car market nearly doubled to about 200,000 units: Geely (50,845 units) and Chery (26,742) took second and third place overall, with DFSK fourth; BAIC, GWM, JAC and Bestune have since received import approvals, and Chery is building a local assembly plant. Demand concentrates on compact sedans, small SUVs and - thanks to the EV tax reduction - affordable electric models.
For a step-by-step walkthrough, read our practical Algeria import guide.
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Official sources
Executive Decree No. 23-74 (Official Journal) Algerian Customs APS - personal import rules
Data reviewed August 2026 against official government sources. Regulations and tax rates change frequently - final eligibility and total cost must be confirmed per vehicle (VIN, age, displacement, energy type, importer status) with your customs broker. CBT Auto Export assists with export documentation from the China side on every order.