The Minister of Hydrocarbons and Mines, Mohamed Arkab, addressed the difficulties encountered by owners of imported vehicles in verifying their compliance. In a written response to Ahmed Rabhi, a deputy of the People’s National Assembly (APN), on October 29, the minister explained the reasons for the delays and announced several measures to alleviate the pressure on control centers, particularly the one in Algiers.
In response to a written question from the parliamentarian regarding “the difficulties encountered by owners of imported vehicles in obtaining compliance reports issued by the mining services at certain control centers”, Mr. Arkab specified that “the observed situation, particularly at the Wilaya of Algiers Compliance Control Center, is due to a significant influx largely exceeding its capacity. The number of vehicles presented daily for inspection exceeds the available human resources to accomplish this task.”
“Regarding used vehicles (less than three years old) imported by individuals, and in accordance with the provisions of Executive Decree No. 23-74 of February 20, 2023, setting the conditions and procedures for the acquisition of used tourist and utility vehicles purchased abroad by individuals residing in Algeria, these vehicles are handed over to their owners at the ports upon their arrival, based on a customs pass (TPD) issued by the customs services for a non-renewable period of one (1) month”, stated the minister, adding: “During this short period, all necessary procedures must be completed, notably the technical inspection and compliance check by the territorially competent mining services, before their final registration.”
Concerning new vehicles imported by individuals, he continued, “their delivery to the owners can take place upon their arrival at the ports, followed by customs clearance formalities and the compliance check with the regionally competent mining services.”
Over 120 Approved Experts Mobilized to Compensate for the Significant Shortage of Mining Experts
To ensure better handling of compliance inspections, and in accordance with Executive Decree No. 18-05 of January 15, 2018, which sets the organization and control procedures for vehicle compliance, the minister indicated that “over 120 approved experts (in technical and administrative inspection) have been mobilized to compensate for the significant shortage of mining experts, who are usually responsible for verifying vehicle compliance before customs clearance for used vehicles, and upon request from customs services for new vehicles imported by individuals.”
Furthermore, he announced, “several measures have been taken to reduce the delays for compliance checks at the Algiers Center, which is the most requested in the country, notably by commissioning a digital platform for scheduling compliance checks online (markabati.dz), as well as by strengthening technical staff through the detachment of five (5) engineers from regional mining directorates to this center.”
“Moreover, a cooperation agreement has been concluded between our ministerial department and the Ministry of the Interior, Local Authorities, and Transport, in order to extend compliance control services to other wilayas (notably those in the South and those experiencing high demand), with the aim of alleviating the pressure recorded in the Wilaya of Algiers”, Mr. Arkab also stated, adding: “This extension will be accompanied by the generalization of the electronic appointment system to all wilayas, as well as the recruitment of additional engineers to fill the staff shortage in this field.”