These errors are prohibited in importing cars less than 5 years old! – Al-Shorouk Online

Algerian consulates abroad have warned members of the national community of the consequences of not respecting the conditions for importing used cars less than five years old, within the framework of the change of residence certificate (CCR), stressing that any violation of these controls may lead to the vehicle being rejected and its owner being forced to re-export it at his own expense, with additional customs procedures that may result from that.
According to publications issued by Algerian embassies and consulates in several countries on Saturday, seen by Al-Shorouk, this procedure falls within the framework of implementing the provisions of Article 127 of the Finance Law of 2026, which regulates the conditions and methods for importing used vehicles upon final return to the homeland.

Re-export is mandatory if conditions are violated. Safety and environment are two basic standards

A circular from the Algerian embassy in Madrid confirmed that the vehicles subject to this procedure must be in good operating condition and not suffer from any serious or serious defect, with the need to fulfill all regulatory requirements related to safety and the environment, in addition to respecting the manufacturer’s standards whenever necessary. The same source added that these conditions are mandatory, as the vehicle is subject, after entering the national territory, to technical expertise by an expert accredited by the Ministry in charge of mines, to ensure the extent of its compliance.
The same circular explained that if it is proven that the car does not comply with these conditions, the importer will be forced to re-export it, while fully bearing all costs resulting from that, without excluding the application of other measures in accordance with applicable laws and regulations.
The circular also stressed an important regulatory point related to the age of the vehicle, as the “less than five years” condition is calculated at the date of the car’s entry into the national customs territory, as indicated in the transport documents, and not at the date of purchase or first registration, which requires those concerned to pay attention to it before shipping.
According to another publication of the Consulate General of Algeria in Naples, customs clearance for used vehicles less than five years old within the framework of the change of residence certificate remains conditional on meeting the same technical standards mentioned, emphasizing that the vehicle must be sound and free of serious defects, and respect safety and environmental conditions and factory standards.
The consulate added that the non-conformity of the car after being examined by the accredited expert does not only lead to its re-export at the expense of its owner, but it may also be taken care of in accordance with the applicable customs legislation and regulations, which constitutes an additional financial and procedural burden on the concerned person.
The Naples Consulate circular also clarified that those wishing to import their cars in this context are required, before issuing a change of residence certificate (CCR), to deposit a complete administrative file with the consular services, which includes a certificate of registration of the car abroad or any similar document, and documents proving the transfer of ownership such as a purchase invoice or sales contract, in addition to an administrative certificate proving that there is no mortgage on the vehicle.
In addition, it is mandatory to submit a recent document, the date of its issuance not exceeding three months, issued by an approved authority in the country of registration of the car, proving the good condition and technical safety of the vehicle, and it is an essential document in studying the file before granting approval.
The consulate’s circular also included a reference to the fact that the date of entry of the car into the national territory, as stated in the transportation documents, is the reliable reference in determining its eligibility in terms of age, which requires care to be careful to respect the deadlines accurately.
At the conclusion of their statements, the Algerian consulates called on all citizens to inquire in advance and ensure that their cars meet all conditions and documents before starting the shipping procedures and requesting a change of residence certificate, with the possibility of communicating with the competent consular services to obtain additional clarifications, in order to avoid any obstacles or losses upon arrival in Algeria.