Which activities require an authorisation from the Ministry of Trade?

Importing goods subject to quotas, selling medical devices, sensitive food activities, fuels, pharmaceutical products, pyrotechnic products and other regulated sectors. The list changes with each finance act.

How do you obtain an operating authorisation?

File an application with the trade directorate of your wilaya: form, trade register, NIF, professional qualifications where required, proof of compliant premises, and a hygiene certificate for food activities.

What is an import licence in Algeria?

The authorisation required to import certain categories of products (motor vehicles, finished consumer goods). It is issued by the Ministry of Trade under an annual quota system.

What is the role of the Ministry of Trade?

Regulating domestic and foreign trade, protecting consumers, monitoring prices and quality, fighting fraud, and issuing sector licences and authorisations.

How do you declare an activity subject to a licence?

Register first with the CNRC as 'pending approval', file the application with the ministry, then amend the trade register once the authorisation is granted.

Do importers have to join the FCE?

No, the FCE is a private employers' association. The official importer card comes from the Ministry of Trade and the CACI.

What is the market regulation directorate (DRM)?

A ministry department responsible for monitoring prices, promotions and clearance sales, and for tackling anti-competitive practices.

Ministry of Trade and Export Promotion

The Ministry of Trade and Export Promotion is Algeria's central authority responsible for regulating domestic and foreign trade, protecting consumers and guaranteeing product quality. It designs the national strategy and oversees its application through the regional directorates in each wilaya.

Content verified on July 31, 2026Our methodology

ByÉquipe UpGrowth, Experts licences et autorisations commerciales

Published on January 15, 2026Updated on July 31, 2026

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Licences & autorisations commerce, UpGrowth Connect

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Licences & autorisations commerce, UpGrowth Connect

Core missions

Regulating commercial activities, in particular imports and exports.
Monitoring prices, margins and commercial practices.
Protecting the consumer: labelling, product safety, action against fraud.
Supervising local trade bodies and the associated legal frameworks.

Dissolution of ALGEX

The National Agency for the Promotion of Foreign Trade (ALGEX) was dissolved in April 2025 by presidential decision.
Two separate new bodies (one for imports, one for exports) are to be created by May 2025 under the ministry's supervision.
All references to ALGEX are to be removed from official documents.

Recent initiatives

Introduction of direct bank domiciliation procedures for importers of essential goods (for example coffee, infant milk, school supplies).
An overall reform of foreign trade focused on promoting local production and reducing non-essential imports.

Worth noting

The CACI works with the ministry to guide and support Algerian exporters.
More information: https://www.upgrowth.dz/caci

Useful links

Ministry of Trade: https://www.commerce.gov.dz
Wilaya directorate (for example Algiers): http://www.dcwalger.dz

À noter

Audit licences obligatoires

30+ secteurs requièrent une autorisation préalable du ministère. Commencer par le CNRC sans vérifier peut bloquer votre activité.