Answer box
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Can individuals import used cars? | Yes — residents only, one vehicle under 3 years, once every 3 years, personal use (Decree No. 23-74) |
| How is vehicle age counted? | First registration date → customs release date, not the production year |
| Which fuels qualify? | Petrol, petrol-hybrid and electric only — diesel is not eligible |
| Can companies use this channel? | No — dealers import new cars under licence and quota (Decree No. 22-383) |
| Steering side | Left-hand drive (LHD) |
The personal channel: Executive Decree No. 23-74
Resident individuals only: one used vehicle under 3 years (first registration date to customs declaration date), once every 3 years, personal use; companies cannot use this channel - dealers import new cars under licence and quota. The age window is measured from the vehicle's first registration date to the customs release date — a car that is 2 years 10 months old at loading can fail the rule if clearance happens after the 3-year mark, so build the 28–45 days sea leg (Shanghai, Guangzhou (Nansha), Ningbo → Algiers, Oran, Bejaia) into your planning.
COC per current Algerian requirements, issued before shipment; personal channel accepts petrol, petrol-hybrid and electric only (no diesel).
The dealer channel: Executive Decree No. 22-383
Authorised dealers holding a 5-year agrément from the Ministry of Industry import new vehicles under annual brand quotas. This is the channel behind Algeria's reopened new-car market — roughly 200,000 units in 2024, with Geely (50,845 units) and Chery (26,742 units) ranked second and third.
What this means for buyers sourcing from China
Under the personal channel, only recent vehicles qualify. Live stock data as of 2026-08-14: 15 eligible vehicle batches ($8,012–$46,307 FOB) currently listed at CBT Auto Export.
Start from the Algeria export market page for the full tax table, or browse eligible live stock. For step-by-step process details, see the practical Algeria export guide.
Frequently asked questions
Who can import a used vehicle under three years old?
Resident individuals may import one eligible used vehicle for personal use once every three years. Companies cannot use this channel for commercial or bulk imports - commercial imports run through licensed dealers under new-car quotas.
How is the vehicle age calculated?
Vehicle age is calculated from the date of first registration to the date of the customs declaration for release for consumption. The vehicle must remain within the applicable age limit on that date.
Which fuel types are eligible?
Under the personal used-vehicle channel, eligible vehicles may be petrol, petrol-hybrid, or electric. Diesel vehicles are not eligible under this channel.
Official sources
- Journal Officiel (joradp.dz) — Executive Decree No. 23-74
- Algerian Customs (douane.gov.dz)
- Algérie Presse Service (aps.dz)
Data reviewed 2026-08-14 against official government sources and live CBT Auto Export inventory. Duties and taxes are estimates for guidance only — final amounts are assessed per vehicle by Algerian customs. Vehicle availability changes daily.
