Types of Shipments
Not all types of shipments are created equal. Shipping a television will
require different paperwork, duties, and taxes than shipping an accounting
statement, for example.
Here is a list of the most common types of shipments:
You can also skip ahead to the table containing the list of
Commonly Required Documents.
Documents Only
Algeria accepts shipments of documents providing they weigh less than
5 kg. The following items are considered document shipments:
- Advertising literature
- Airline tickets
- Annual reports
- Bids and proposals
- Blueprints
- Books and manuscripts
- Brochures
- Business cards
- Cash letters
- Catalogues and price lists
- Diplomas and examination papers
- Drawings, including sepia drawings
- Driver's licence
- Intercompany mail
- Maps
- Seismic data
- Slides
- Visa applications
The following may be sent to Algeria as a document shipment if they
abide by the restriction shown.
Document Type | Restriction |
Credit cards | Maximum of 2 to an individual only; not for bank-to-bank
transfers |
Forms | Providing they are blank |
Manuals | Only if they are of a technical nature |
Publications | Must respect Algerian morals and moralities |
Sources:
https://www.ups.com/ga/CountryRegs?loc=en_US
Shipping Gifts
A gift shipment to Algeria from Canada will be duty and tax free
providing:
- Its value is 50,000 DA (about $470 CAD) or less
- It is for personal use, or the use of a family
Shipments from Individual-to-Individual
A gift shipment from an individual in Canada to an individual in
Algeria is allowed entry duty and tax free providing:
- Its value is 50,000 DA (about $470 CAD) or less.
- The gift is for the personal use of the individual receiving it
Shipments from Business-to-Business
There is no information at this time regarding shipping a gift from a
business in Canada to a business in Algeria.
Shipments from Business-to-Individual
There is no information at this time regarding a business in Canada
shipping a gift to an individual in Algeria.
Gift Checklist
- A commercial invoice must be included with your shipment
- The words 'Gift Shipment' or 'Unsolicited Gift' are included on the
commercial invoice, even if the shipment is sent at Christmas time (see sample)
- List the items in the parcel and write the value of each
- Sending more than one gift in the parcel? Wrap and tag each one
individually.
Sample Commercial Invoice for Gifts
Ship To | Invoice |
Mohammed Racim Rue du Docteur Laveran Algiers 16015 Algeria
Phone: +213 551 40 20 70 | Carrier tracking number: 736534736 General Description: Personal Shipment / Gift Shipment
Invoice number: 123456MGEP4916926 Customs Broker: UPS Date: 28 May 2023 |
QTY | Description of Goods | C/O | SubTotal |
1 Each | Gift Shipment: LEGO Star Wars Rebel UWing Fighter, 659 piece set
| CA | $79.99 |
Terms of Sale: None Total number of packages: 1 Reason for export: Gifts Contact Name: James Smith
| Total Invoice Amount: $79.99 Total Weight: 10.0 lbs
|
Declaration Statement: I hereby certify that information provided
is true and complete to the best of my knowledge |
Multiple Gifts in One Shipment
If your shipment has more than one gift in it for multiple recipients,
tag and wrap each one separately.
Sample Commercial Invoice for Gifts
Ship To | Invoice |
Mohammed Racim Rue du Docteur Laveran Algiers 16015 Algeria
Phone: +213 551 40 20 70 | Carrier tracking number: 736534736 General Description: Unsolicited Gift: Consolidated Gift Package
Invoice number: 123456MGEP4916926 Customs Broker: UPS Date: 28 May 2023 |
QTY | Description of Goods | C/O | SubTotal |
1 Each | Gift - Roger: LEGO Star Wars Rebel UWing Fighter, 659 piece set
| CA | $39.99 |
1 Each | Gift - Erica: Handwoven French Canadian Catalogne Blanket
| CA | $49.99 |
Terms of Sale: None Total number of packages: 1 Reason for export: Gifts Contact Name: James Smith
| Total Invoice Amount: $89.98 Total Weight: 10.0 lbs
|
Declaration Statement: I hereby certify that information provided
is true and complete to the best of my knowledge |
Sources:
https://www.douane.gov.dz/spip.php?article90&lang=fr
Shipping Personal Effects
If you are a foreigner moving to Algeria, you will be able to ship
your personal effects exempt from duty and taxes.
The conditions of the exemption include:
- You will be a resident of Algeria for a minimum of 3 years
- Your household goods and furniture are for your use only
- You provide documentation authorising your settlement in Algeria
Moving Temporarily
Students
There is no information at this time regarding students moving
temporarily to Algeria to study.
Non-Students
Canadian citizens moving to Algeria temporarily may claim a duty and
tax exemption on their shipped personal effects providing:
The conditions of the exemption include:
- They will be a resident of Algeria for a minimum of 3 years
- The household goods and furniture are for the use of the person and
his or her family
- They have documents allowing them to reside in Algeria
Moving Permanently
Algerian citizens returning to Algeria to live permanently may ship
their personal effects exempt from duty and taxes providing:
- They have been overseas for a minimum of 3 continuous years
- The total value of the shipment - including a vehicle - is a maximum
of 4 million DA ($37,600 CAD)
- There has not been a previous claim
Personal effects include items such as:
- Clothing for family members
- Furniture and appliances
- Kitchenware, linens
- Goods made from gold or platinum (maximum of 100 g)
- Foodstuffs (does not include alcoholic beverages)
NOTE: Tobacco and alcoholic beverages
will incur duty and taxes.
Personal Effects Checklist
- A commercial invoice must be included with your shipment
- Commercial invoice must clearly indicate 'Personal Effects' (see sample)
- A detailed description of each item is provided
- For foreigners, provide documentation authorising settlement in
Algeria
Sources:
https://www.douane.gov.dz/spip.php?article46&lang=fr
https://www.douane.gov.dz/spip.php?article305
Sample Commercial Invoice for Personal Effects
Ship To | Invoice |
Mohammed Racim Rue du Docteur Laveran Algiers 16015 Algeria
Phone: +213 551 40 20 70 | Carrier tracking number: 736534736 General Description: Personal effects being delivered to my new address.
Invoice number: 123456MGEP4916926 Customs Broker: UPS Date: 28 May 2023 |
QTY | Description of Goods | C/O | SubTotal |
5 Pairs | Personal Effects: 5 pairs of various types of shoes
| IN | $40.00 |
1 Each | Personal Effects: Arc'terix Winter Jacket
| CA | $478.00 |
Terms of Sale: None Total number of packages: 1 Reason for export: Personal Effects Contact Name: James Smith
| Total Invoice Amount: $678.00 Total Weight: 10.0 lbs
|
Declaration Statement: I hereby certify that information provided
is true and complete to the best of my knowledge |
Food, Chocolate, Candies
There is limited information available concerning acceptable
foodstuffs allowed entry to Algeria.
You May Ship
- No information is available at this time regarding what you may ship
to Algeria.
Do Not Ship
- Pork and pork products
- Cocoa
- Table salt
Food, Chocolate, Candies Checklist
- Clearly indicate 'Food' on the commercial invoice in the General Description
or Remarks section (see sample)
- Ensure that your food, chocolate, or candies may be imported into the
country
- You are not shipping commercial quantities (for any duty & tax exemption)
- Check with your carrier that they will accept food shipments
Sources:
https://origin-www.canadapost.ca/cpc/en/support/personal/international-destination-details.page?countrycode==DZ
Sample Commercial Invoice for Food, Chocolate, Candies
Ship To | Invoice |
Mohammed Racim Rue du Docteur Laveran Algiers 16015 Algeria
Phone: +213 551 40 20 70 | Carrier tracking number: 736534736 General Description: Food Shipment - Assorted chocolate bars in their original manufacturer's packaging
Invoice number: 123456MGEP4916926 Customs Broker: UPS Date: 28 May 2023 |
QTY | Description of Goods | C/O | SubTotal |
1 Box | Nestle Chocolate Bars in original packaging expiring May 2021 (shelf life of 6 months or longer)
| CA | $20.00 |
Terms of Sale: None Total number of packages: 1 Reason for export: Permanent / Sold Contact Name: James Smith
| Total Invoice Amount: $20.00 Total Weight: 10.0 lbs
|
Declaration Statement: I hereby certify that information provided
is true and complete to the best of my knowledge |
Samples
Commercial samples are shipped overseas to present goods for sale and
solicit orders. Commercial samples may enter Algeria from Canada duty
and tax free if their value is 50,000 DA or less (about $470 CAD).
Goods declared as commercial samples are clearly:
- Without commercial value, i.e. they cannot be exchanged for money
- In a quantity such that they cannot be sold
Commercial Sample Checklist
- A Commercial Invoice must be included with your shipment
- Clearly indicate 'Commercial Samples' on the commercial invoice in the
General Description & Detailed Description of Goods (see sample)
- The item shipped has tearing, perforation, slashing, defacing, or has
permanent marking clearing indicating the item as commercial sample
Sources:
https://www.douane.gov.dz/spip.php?article89&lang=fr
https://www.douane.gov.dz/spip.php?article90&lang=fr
Sample Commercial Invoice for Commercial Sample
Ship To | Invoice |
Mohammed Racim Rue du Docteur Laveran Algiers 16015 Algeria
Phone: +213 551 40 20 70 | Carrier tracking number: 736534736 General Description: Commercial Sample - Not for Resale
Invoice number: 123456MGEP4916926 Customs Broker: UPS Date: 28 May 2023 |
QTY | Description of Goods | C/O | SubTotal |
1 Box | Commercial Sample - Advanced reading copy of Dan Brown's novel.
| CA | $20.00 |
Terms of Sale: None Total number of packages: 1 Reason for export: Commercial Sample Contact Name: James Smith
| Total Invoice Amount: $20.00 Total Weight: 10.0 lbs
|
Declaration Statement: I hereby certify that information provided
is true and complete to the best of my knowledge |
Advertising Material
Advertising materials may be shipped to Algeria from Canada as a
temporary import and are exempt from duty and taxes providing the
items stay a maximum of 6 months in Algeria.
Advertising is typically used and displayed at various events such as:
- Exhibitions
- Trade fairs
- Meetings
- Symposia
Printed advertising materials are also allowed entry exempt from
charges if they:
- Are supplied free of charge
- Are shipped in a reasonable quantity for the venue and the number of
expected visitors
Examples of printed advertising materials include:
- Price lists
- Posters
- Catalogues
- Calendars
- Unframed photographs
Advertising Material Checklist
- Commercial invoice must clearly indicate 'Promotional Material - Not for
Resale' (see sample)
- A detailed description of each item is provided
Sources:
http://www.wcoomd.org/en/about-us/legal-instruments/~/media/2D53E23AA1A64EF68B9AC708C6281DC8.ashx
Sample Commercial Invoice for Promotional Material
Ship To | Invoice |
Mohammed Racim Rue du Docteur Laveran Algiers 16015 Algeria
Phone: +213 551 40 20 70 | Carrier tracking number: 736534736 General Description: Promotional Material - Not for Resale
Invoice number: 123456MGEP4916926 Customs Broker: UPS Date: 28 May 2023 |
QTY | Description of Goods | C/O | SubTotal |
1 Each | Promotional Material: Not for Resale. Product pamphlets to hand out at trade show.
| CA | $163.00 |
Terms of Sale: None Total number of packages: 1 Reason for export: Promotional Material Contact Name: James Smith
| Total Invoice Amount: $163.00 Total Weight: 10.0 lbs
|
Declaration Statement: I hereby certify that information provided
is true and complete to the best of my knowledge |
Repairs
Equipment requiring repair may be shipped to Algeria exempt from duty
and taxes providing the equipment is returned to Canada after the
repairs are done.
Items Under Warranty
Equipment and items under warranty that are repaired in Algeria will
be exempt from GST when they return to Canada.
Items No Longer Under Warranty
An item no longer under warranty that is shipped to Algeria for repair
will incur GST upon its return to Canada calculated on the value of
the repair and on any parts required for the repair.
Sending Product for Repair to Algeria
Sending equipment for repair to Algeria will be exempt from duty and
taxes providing the equipment is returned to Canada once the repairs
are completed.
Returning Repaired Product to Algeria
Equipment that has been repaired in Canada can be returned to Algeria
exempt from duty and taxes.
Repair Checklist
- Commercial invoice must clearly indicate 'REPAIR & RETURN' under the General
Description or Remarks, and include the estimated time of return(see sample)
- Include repair contract with shipment
- Serial or product number and the cost of repairs should be indicated under
the Detailed Description of Goods section
- Include the original shipping documents or tracking number from when the
item was first exported to Algeria or exported to Canada (depending on
which case applies)
- A commercial invoice must be included with your shipment
Sources:
https://douane.gov.dz/spip.php?article74&lang=fr
https://douane.gov.dz/spip.php?article80&lang=fr
Sample Commercial Invoice for Warranty Repair
Ship To | Invoice |
Mohammed Racim Rue du Docteur Laveran Algiers 16015 Algeria
Phone: +213 551 40 20 70 | Carrier tracking number: 736534736 General Description: Repair and Return - Watch being sent for repair
Invoice number: 123456MGEP4916926 Customs Broker: UPS Date: 28 May 2023 |
QTY | Description of Goods | C/O | SubTotal |
1 Each | Fossil Watch being sent for repair - Model E5, serial # 789456FG7E2 - Repair Cost $76.00
| US | $163.00 |
Terms of Sale: None Total number of packages: 1 Reason for export: Warranty Repair Contact Name: James Smith
| Total Invoice Amount: $163.00 Total Weight: 10.0 lbs
|
Declaration Statement: I hereby certify that information provided
is true and complete to the best of my knowledge |
Temporary Imports
Goods of a temporary nature may be shipped to Algeria from Canada
exempt from taxes and duty providing they are exported within the
prescribed time period.
Items typically shipped as a temporary import include:
- Educational material
- Scientific equipment
- Tourist advertising
- Goods required for sporting events
- Equipment for a manufacturing process
Qualifying for Duty & Tax Free Temporary Import
In order to import your goods duty and tax free into Algeria, you can
pick from Option 1 or 2 of the Temporary Import Methods listed below.
Each option has its pros and cons. Regardless, each of the following
methods requires you to complete a commercial invoice (CI). More
details below.
Option # | Temporary Import Method | Risk of paying |
1 | Commercial Invoice Only (no other documentation is provided) | High - if broker cannot clear goods temporarily |
2 | Commercial Invoice + ATA Carnet | Very Low |
| 1. Complete a Commercial Invoice (CI) only
This is the simplest and quickest option.
See example. NOTE: You should be aware that shipping using this
method doesn't guarantee that your items will be imported duty/tax
free. Not all brokers will clear goods as temporary imports (i.e. UPS,
Fedex, DHL) nor is it a guarantee that customs won't charge any duties
and taxes. 2. Commercial Invoice (CI) + an ATA Carnet
Completing an ATA Carnet is great option for items that frequently travel
in and out of the country. It's also great because once you have an ATA
Carnet, it is accepted by 176 countries worldwide making the application
process a one-time thing. In addition to declaring your commercial invoice as a temporary
import, you can get an ATA Carnet for the items that are of temporary
nature. ATA Carnets are beyond the scope of the article however, you can find
more information here: http://www.chamber.ca/carnet/ NOTE: It is highly recommended to get an ATA Carnet
for items that frequently travel in and out of the country and
especially so when it is valued over $2,500 USD |
In addition to the 2 options above, the following conditions must also be met in order to qualify for a duty and VAT free exemption:
- The goods arrive and leave in the same condition, i.e. they undergo
no repairs nor are they used in manufacturing
- Stay no longer than 12 months in Algeria
NOTE:
- If the above conditions are not followed, duties and taxes will be
charged as though the goods have been imported permanently.
- Your Customs broker can clear goods of a temporary nature (FedEx,
UPS, DHL, etc. typically CANNOT clear goods
of temporary nature).
Temporary Imports Checklist
- Commercial Invoice clearly stating 'Temporary Import'. This must be written
in the General Description section and the Detailed Description of Goods. (see sample)
- The goods arrive and leave in the same condition, i.e. they undergo no
repairs nor are they used in manufacturing
- Stay no longer than the period listed above
- Include your ATA Carnet with your shipment (if applicable)
- Include the expected return date or the date that it was originally received
within the country (whichever applies)
- Any above listed items not listed in this checklist
Sources:
https://douane.gov.dz/spip.php?article74&lang=fr
https://www.douane.gov.dz/spip.php?definition22&lang=fr
https://www.caci.dz/en-us/Formalit%C3%A9s/Visas%20des%20documents%20commerciaux/Pages/Obtenir-un-Visa-ATA.aspx
Sample Commercial Invoice for Temporary Imports
Ship To | Invoice |
Mohammed Racim Rue du Docteur Laveran Algiers 16015 Algeria
Phone: +213 551 40 20 70 | Carrier tracking number: 736534736 General Description: Temporary Imports - Trade show booth and display equipment returning Jan 2020
Invoice number: 123456MGEP4916926 Customs Broker: UPS Date: 28 May 2023 |
QTY | Description of Goods | C/O | SubTotal |
1 box | Temporary Imports - Trade show booth and display equipment
| CA | $1032.00 |
Terms of Sale: None Total number of packages: 1 Reason for export: Temporary Imports Contact Name: James Smith
| Total Invoice Amount: $1032.00 Total Weight: 10.0 lbs
|
Declaration Statement: I hereby certify that information provided
is true and complete to the best of my knowledge |
Permanent/Sold Goods
All items shipped to Algeria as sold goods will incur duty and VAT
regardless of their value. There are no thresholds or de minimis
values on sold goods.
Occasional Shipper
All sold goods entering Algeria are liable to duty and VAT
irrespective of their value. So, even if you sell an item on eBay to
someone in Algeria, they will have to pay duty and taxes.
Regular shipper
If you regularly ship sold goods to Algeria, we recommend that you
consult a licenced Algerian customs broker.
Sources:
https://www.douane.gov.dz/spip.php?article90&lang=fr
Sample Commercial Invoice for Permanent/Sold Goods
Ship To | Invoice |
Mohammed Racim Rue du Docteur Laveran Algiers 16015 Algeria
Phone: +213 551 40 20 70 | Carrier tracking number: 736534736 General Description: Permanent/Sold: Parts and accessories for Canon B78n camera
Invoice number: 123456MGEP4916926 Customs Broker: UPS Date: 28 May 2023 |
QTY | Description of Goods | C/O | SubTotal |
15 Each | Camera Lenses: Canon EF 50mm, Canon EF 85mm & wide-angle lenses.
| CA | $132.00 |
Terms of Sale: None Total number of packages: 1 Reason for export: Permanent/Sold Contact Name: James Smith
| Total Invoice Amount: $1980.00 Total Weight: 10.0 lbs
|
Declaration Statement: I hereby certify that information provided
is true and complete to the best of my knowledge |
Duty &
Taxes
Duty and taxes are calculated by Algerian authorities using the CIF
method, i.e. the sum of the customs value plus insurance amount plus
freight costs.
By calculating the CIF value of your shipment, you will be able to
predict the duty and taxes owed by the recipient of the parcel.
Thresholds
Algeria does not have thresholds or de minimis values on imports.
Therefore, all shipments entering Algeria will incur duty and taxes
regardless of their value.
Currency | Algerian Dinar (DA or DZD) |
Duty Exemption (De minimis Value) | N/A |
Duty Calculation Method | CIF |
TAX (VAT) | 19% |
Tax Exemption
(De minimis Value) | N/A |
Tax Calculation Method | CIF |
| |
Duties on Imports
Excise Taxes
Certain imports incur the Interior Consumption Tax (T.I.C.). They
include:
- Tobacco products (details can be found here)
- Alcoholic beverages (details can be found here)
- Candy30%
- Chocolate30%
- Spirits and WinesVariable*
- TobaccoVariable*
- Books5%
- Documents0%
- Video Games & Consoles30%
- Computers & Laptops5%
- Tablets30%
- Mobiles30%
- Cameras30%
- Accessories for Electronics30%
- Coats30%
- Beauty Products & Cosmetics30%
- Jewellery30%
- Shirts & Pants30%
- Home Appliances30%
- Toys30%
- Sports Equipment30%
*Details for alcoholic beverages can be found here.
*Details for tobacco products can be found here.
Sources:
https://santandertrade.com/en/portal/international-shipments/algeria/customs-procedures
https://www.macmap.org/
https://taxsummaries.pwc.com/algeria/corporate/other-taxes
https://douane.gov.dz/IMG/pdf/annexes_tarif_d_usague_2020.pdf
https://www.mfdgi.gov.dz/images/pdf/codes_fiscaux/CII_Fr_LF2018.pdf
Questions
about Shipping to Algeria
Can I ship to Algeria?
Shipping to Algeria from Canada can take between 3-5 business days
through the fastest carriers available on the Secureship platform. More
economical services, such as Canada Post, can take up to 1-2
months to complete the delivery.
Find out
how fast the Secureship trusted carriers can get your shipment
delivered to Algeria by getting a quote now.
Does UPS ship to Algeria?
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How long does it take to ship from Canada to Algeria?
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How much is it to send a parcel to Algeria?
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What is the cheapest way to ship from Canada to Algeria?
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How do I send a package to Algeria?
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How can I ship my luggage?
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How do I get a FedEx shipping estimate / FedEx quote to Algeria?
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How do I ship gifts to Algeria?
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