Pharmacy (regulated activity)

Activity contents

• The establishment responsible for the retail dispensation of pharmaceutical products and medical devices and for the execution of master and compendial preparations. It may also provide retail distribution of parapharmaceuticals.
• It provides health-related services and participates in information, counselling2, monitoring and therapeutic education for the health of users, in particular by discouraging self-medication and encouraging the use of generic medicines.

Authorized accessory activities

• Sale of baby hygiene articles and products;
• Sale of cosmetic and body hygiene products.
• List of products authorized for sale in the shops, provided for by Order No 52 of 10 July 1995.

Supervisory authority

WILAYA

Type of authorization: Authorisation

How to start this activity in Algeria

Official procedure, ordering of steps, and realistic timelines

1. Step 1: Obtain the licence from WILAYA

   The activity "Pharmacy (regulated activity)" is regulated. You must first build an accreditation file with the supervisory authority (articles, qualification proof, premises eligibility) before any CNRC registration.

   2 to 6 weeks

2. Step 2: Company incorporation (LLC, single-member LLC or sole proprietorship)

   Once you hold the licence, sign the articles at the notary, declare the share capital, then request the company name + Trade Register at CNRC. For a heavy licence, a SARL/EURL is usually required over the auto-entrepreneur regime.

   7 to 10 days

3. Step 3: Tax and social registrations

   With your trade register in hand, obtain the NIF (tax ID), NIS (social security ID for the manager), CNAS affiliation for employees, and the tax card. Your activity "Pharmacy (regulated activity)" can then start lawfully.

   3 to 7 days

Legal references

• Articles 179 and 249 of Act No. 18-11 of 2 July 2018 on health, as amended and supplemented.

Frequently asked questions