What should I do if I want to import?

Create a company structure: EURL (if you are on your own, capital freely set, 100 000 DZD bank standard) or SARL (if you have partners). Registration with the CNRC with a corporate purpose that includes importing, then an importer NIF + Import Article number from Customs, and import bank domiciliation.

Which activities remain possible as an auto-entrepreneur?

Import-export consulting, sourcing on behalf of third parties, commercial agent on commission, market studies for foreign exporters, training in international trade, translation and interpreting for import files.

How much does moving to an EURL to import cost?

UpGrowth Connect EURL package: 268 610 DZD (12-month domiciliation) or 208 610 DZD (6 months). Add: share capital of 100 000 DZD, the standard banks ask for (1/5 paid up at the notary, recovered by cheque once the trade register is issued), ~10 000 DZD for the Import Article at Customs, ~15 000 DZD to open the import bank domiciliation. Total ~293 610 DZD + capital (12 months) or ~233 610 DZD + capital (6 months).

Can I import temporarily as an auto-entrepreneur if it is occasional?

No. Any commercial import requires the right structure from the very first operation. 'Personal imports' are capped and cannot be resold. To test a market without importing, prefer the commercial agent route or dropshipping through local suppliers.

Are dropshippers considered importers?

Yes if the goods are shipped from abroad in your name. No if you buy from a local supplier who already imports. The second option is compatible with the auto-entrepreneur status.

What do you risk by importing under the auto-entrepreneur status?

Rejection at customs, confiscation of the goods, tax reassessment (IBS 26 % + VAT 19 % + TAP 2 % retroactively), penalties of up to 300 % of the value, and criminal sanctions for tax fraud in case of repeat offence.

Auto-Entrepreneur and Import in Algeria 2026

Can you import into Algeria under the auto-entrepreneur status? Straight answer: no. The ANAE status is limited to the domestic market. This guide explains why, what remains possible (consulting, sourcing, commercial agent), and how to move to an EURL in order to import legally.

Content verified on July 31, 2026Our methodology

ByÉquipe UpGrowth, Experts statuts entrepreneuriaux & import-export

Published on April 24, 2026Updated on July 31, 2026

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Move to an EURL in order to import, UpGrowth Connect

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Move to an EURL in order to import, UpGrowth Connect

Can an auto-entrepreneur import into Algeria?

Straight answer: no. The auto-entrepreneur status, created by the 2022 Finance Act and supervised by the ANAE, is strictly reserved for service and craft activities on the domestic market. Importing, whether consumer goods, equipment or merchandise intended for resale, requires an importer trade register entry and a dedicated NIF, obtained through the CNRC and the Directorate General of Customs.

This page sets out what is allowed, what is forbidden, and the right routes for an Algerian founder who wants to add an import activity to their project.

Why importing is excluded from the auto-entrepreneur status

The IFU regime at 0.5 % does not cover VAT on imports, which is incompatible with the customs chain.
The trade register entry (RC) required to import is not issued to auto-entrepreneurs.
The 5M DZD turnover cap is systematically exceeded by regular import activities.
International banking arrangements (import domiciliation, letters of credit) require a company structure.
Customs declaration requirements (invoice, certificate of origin, DUM) go beyond the simplified obligations of the status.

What remains possible as an auto-entrepreneur

Import-export consulting: strategic support to existing importers.
Sourcing services on behalf of third parties (without taking ownership of the goods).
Drafting specifications, market studies, mystery shopping for foreign exporters.
Commercial agent for foreign brands (commission agent status, no stock).
Training and coaching in international trade.
Translation and interpreting for import files.

Some activities adjacent to importing are allowed and fit the status well.

The 3 ways to import legally

All of them must obtain an importer trade register entry that explicitly mentions the import activity.
A NIF and an Import Article number are required.
Bank domiciliation for international transfers is mandatory.

If your project genuinely requires importing, here are the 3 suitable structures, each with its own thresholds and constraints.

Structure	Min. capital	Target turnover	Who it is for
EURL	Freely set (100 000 DZD bank standard)	< 200M DZD	A single partner, recurring activity
SARL	Freely set (100 000 DZD bank standard)	< 200M DZD	Several partners, scalable project
SPA (joint stock company)	1 000 000 DZD minimum, 5 000 000 in case of a public offering	> 200M DZD	Large volumes, opening the capital

Moving from auto-entrepreneur to EURL in order to import

Keeping the existing NIF (avoids losing the tax history).
Drafting the notarized articles of association of the EURL (cost around 40 000 DZD).
Depositing the share capital in a blocked bank account. The amount is freely set by the articles of association since Law 15-20 of 2015; 100 000 DZD remains the standard banks ask for.
Registration with the CNRC with 'import' mentioned in the corporate purpose.
Obtaining a NIS (statistical identification number) from the ONS.
Applying for an Import Article number with Customs.
Import domiciliation with a public bank (BNA, BEA, CPA).
Possible termination of the auto-entrepreneur status (or keeping it if the activities are distinct).

This is the simplest route: keep the auto-entrepreneur status while you get organised, then create an EURL dedicated to importing alongside it, or migrate entirely.

Cost of launching an import activity as an EURL, UpGrowth Connect package

The company package (EURL) covers the full incorporation. Only 2 import-specific items are added (Customs Import Article + import bank domiciliation).

Item	12-month package	6-month package
UpGrowth company package (see /cout-creation-entreprise-algerie)	268 610 DZD	208 610 DZD
Share capital, freely set (1/5 paid up at the notary)	100 000 DZD +	100 000 DZD +
Import Article number (Customs)	~10 000 DZD	~10 000 DZD
Import bank domiciliation (opening)	~15 000 DZD	~15 000 DZD
TOTAL	~293 610 DZD + capital	~233 610 DZD + capital

Common mistakes to avoid

Importing on an invoice in your own name with an auto-entrepreneur card: Customs rejects it (importer NIF check).
Using a front man (sogha): illegal, criminally sanctioned if checked.
Ignoring bank domiciliation: international transfers will be blocked.
Under-declaring the goods at customs: reassessment + penalties of up to 300 % of the value.
Mixing auto-entrepreneur and import activities on the same bank account: guaranteed tax problems.
Importing without mastering the HS (harmonised system) classification: incorrect taxation, risk of the shipment being held.

Ways to test an import market before switching

Local dropshipping (through Algerian suppliers who already import), compatible with the auto-entrepreneur status.
Commercial agent paid on commission on the sales of an existing importer.
Partnership with an established importer: you bring the customers, they import.
International marketplaces (Amazon, AliExpress) to test a product without stock.
Limited personal importation (non-commercial use, capped).

If you want to validate an import business without switching to an EURL straight away, several approaches exist.

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FAQ · Auto-Entrepreneur and Import in Algeria 2026

No. The auto-entrepreneur status is reserved for service and craft activities on the domestic market. Importing requires an importer trade register entry, a dedicated NIF and an Import Article number, none of which are issued to auto-entrepreneurs.
Create a company structure: EURL (if you are on your own, capital freely set, 100 000 DZD bank standard) or SARL (if you have partners). Registration with the CNRC with a corporate purpose that includes importing, then an importer NIF + Import Article number from Customs, and import bank domiciliation.
Import-export consulting, sourcing on behalf of third parties, commercial agent on commission, market studies for foreign exporters, training in international trade, translation and interpreting for import files.
UpGrowth Connect EURL package: 268 610 DZD (12-month domiciliation) or 208 610 DZD (6 months). Add: share capital of 100 000 DZD, the standard banks ask for (1/5 paid up at the notary, recovered by cheque once the trade register is issued), ~10 000 DZD for the Import Article at Customs, ~15 000 DZD to open the import bank domiciliation. Total ~293 610 DZD + capital (12 months) or ~233 610 DZD + capital (6 months).
No. Any commercial import requires the right structure from the very first operation. 'Personal imports' are capped and cannot be resold. To test a market without importing, prefer the commercial agent route or dropshipping through local suppliers.
Yes if the goods are shipped from abroad in your name. No if you buy from a local supplier who already imports. The second option is compatible with the auto-entrepreneur status.
Rejection at customs, confiscation of the goods, tax reassessment (IBS 26 % + VAT 19 % + TAP 2 % retroactively), penalties of up to 300 % of the value, and criminal sanctions for tax fraud in case of repeat offence.

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Auto-Entrepreneur and Import in Algeria 2026

Can an auto-entrepreneur import into Algeria?

Why importing is excluded from the auto-entrepreneur status

What remains possible as an auto-entrepreneur

The 3 ways to import legally

Moving from auto-entrepreneur to EURL in order to import

Cost of launching an import activity as an EURL, UpGrowth Connect package

Common mistakes to avoid

Ways to test an import market before switching

FAQ · Auto-Entrepreneur and Import in Algeria 2026

Can an auto-entrepreneur import into Algeria?

What should I do if I want to import?

Which activities remain possible as an auto-entrepreneur?

How much does moving to an EURL to import cost?

Can I import temporarily as an auto-entrepreneur if it is occasional?

Are dropshippers considered importers?

What do you risk by importing under the auto-entrepreneur status?

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