How to Import a Chinese EV to Algeria (2026)

No Zeekr dealership in Algeria is listed in our directory yet. Importing may be the only way to buy some models.

Importing new cars is the business of approved dealers (concessionnaires agréés). A private buyer goes through the regime for cars under three years old, open only to residents of Algeria.

• Under the dealer rules, a car counts as new if it has never been registered, entered Algeria within 12 months of manufacture and has at most 100 km.

A resident of Algeria can import one petrol, electric or hybrid car under three years old every three years. Diesel cars are excluded, and since November 2025 companies and group imports are too.

• The regime comes from article 110 of the 2020 Finance Law, amended by article 208 of the 2025 Finance Law.
• Algerians abroad who move back for good have their own regime (change-of-residence certificate).

Under three years old. The car must also be in good running order, without major defects; one that fails the conformity check is re-exported at the buyer's expense.

Duties and taxes are calculated on a value set from the Argus price guide, then reduced by the engine type: an electric car gets the largest cut, 80%.

• The worked example for a petrol car uses a 15% customs duty; the rate for an electric car depends on its tariff line.
• The reductions do not add up with other tax advantages, such as the change-of-residence certificate, and can change with each Finance Law.

An expert approved by the Ministry of Energy and Mines checks that the car is in good running order and meets safety, environmental and manufacturer standards. A car that fails is re-exported at the buyer's expense.

Algeria drives on the right.

Direct lines link Shanghai, Ningbo and Guangzhou to Algiers, Oran and Annaba; Béjaïa also receives cars from China.

• Algiers
• Oran
• Annaba
• Béjaïa

• ID card (residence card for a foreign resident)
• Residence certificate
• Foreign registration certificate or equivalent
• Purchase invoice or sales contract
• Condition certificate under 3 months old, from the country of registration
• Conformity expert report
• Bill of lading, with the buyer's details exactly as on the ID

Sea freight from the main Chinese ports, by roll-on/roll-off or in a container. A transshipment adds 7 to 10 days, and errors on the shipping documents are a frequent cause of delays at Algerian ports.

• Indicative transit time25–35 days
• Indicative freight cost2,000–3,500

1. 1

   Check that your car can be imported

   New cars: Allowed with restrictions. Used cars: Allowed with restrictions. Under three years old. The car must also be in good running order, without major defects; one that fails the conformity check is re-exported at the buyer's expense.

2. 2

   Choose the model and the right steering side

   Right-hand traffic (left-hand drive cars). Make sure the car you buy matches it.

3. 3

   Estimate the landed cost

   Add the purchase price, export fees, sea freight, insurance, import duty, taxes and registration costs before you commit.

4. 4

   Ship the car

   Main ports of entry: Algiers, Oran, Annaba, Béjaïa. Expect about 25–35 days at sea from China.

5. 5

   Clear customs

   Prepare the documents listed above and pay the duties and taxes at clearance.

6. 6

   Homologate and register

   An expert approved by the Ministry of Energy and Mines checks that the car is in good running order and meets safety, environmental and manufacturer standards. A car that fails is re-exported at the buyer's expense.