April 2009: The Bank of Algeria recently sent a note to Algerian importers (ref. 16/DCG/2009) stating that all imported goods must now undergo pre-shipment inspection in their country of origin by third party surveyors. The inspection results are stated in a certificate of conformity ("Quality Control Certificate"), which is necessary for both Customs clearance and negotiation of the shipping documents.
The letter also referred to a 2005 resolution and a recent statement issued by the Ministry of Commerce confirming that the Quality Control Certificate would be compulsory as of 15 March 2009.
Cotecna, a leading multinational inspection company, assists international exporters to respond to the new requirements of the Algerian government.
Our speed in conducting inspections and in issuing the Certificates helps exporters to meet the standards and present the required documents to the bank in a timely fashion.
Inspection Request:
» You, the exporter, request an inspection for Verification from Cotecna USA
» The request will need to include the following information
- A full list of goods to be exported
- Full address of Importer
- Full address of Exporter
- Copies of exporting documentation available (Letter of Credit; Pro Forma Invoice)
- Certification of safety/hygiene standards if applicable
- Certificate of Analysis/Report if applicable
- Quality/Safety system certification if applicable
- Port of Discharge (if known) at time of request
- Location of goods and estimated date of availability for physical inspection to be carried out
Physical Inspection prior to Shipment:
» Goods will be inspected to ensure:
- Compliance with regulatory requirements
- Verification of description in the import documentation
- Goods are identified and confirm to the documents in review
- Testing will be carried out if required
Document Review:
» Cotecna Inspection Inc. will examine export documentation provided for verification against Algerian conformity requirements.
» When testing is required, Cotecna Inspection Inc. has two wholly owned laboratories in the US which operate under normal trade standards. (AOCS, AFOA, ISO, FOSFA, GAFTA, etc.).
Issuance of Certificate of Conformity / Quality Control:
» Upon completion of physical inspection and document review, Cotecna Inspection Inc. will issue the Certificate of Conformity / Quality Control to you, the exporter.
» The original Certificate of Conformity / Quality Control are presented to the bank for payment on the letter of credit or cash against documents (per your contract).
» The importer is presented with a copy of the Certificate of Conformity / Quality Control for the clearance of goods.
For further assistance, contact the Cotecna office closest to you by consulting our list of offices.