Algeria: New import approval mechnisms for FTA partners
Description
The Algerian Ministry of Commerce issued on 10 March 2010 a new Decree ((Décret executif n° 10-89) that introduces new approval mechanisms for the exemption from import duties foreseen in free-trade agreements. The new procedures oblige exporters to Algeria to submit documents, including invoice as well as legal and fiscal documents, to the Direction régionale du commerce, which is supposed to issue import authorizations within 30 days from the date of request.
The new provision introduces to a new system of non-automatic licenses ("statistical licenses" as defined in the Decree), which introduces heavy administrative burdens and thereby discriminates against foreign commercial interests.
Any Evidence-Based Deliberation:
| Question | Result |
|---|---|
| Is there anything in the public record to suggest that evidence of the effectiveness of the proposed measure was considered during official deliberations? | |
| Is there any evidence that alternatives to the proposed measure were considered? | |
| Is there anything in the public record that suggests that empirical evidence informed the comparison across the alternatives available to government? | |
| Was such evidence identified? | |
| Is such evidence publicly available? | |
| Did the official decision-maker in question provide an explanation as to why a chosen measure was favoured over alternatives? | |
| Is there any evidence to suggest that potentially affected trading partners were consulted before the measures were taken? | |
| Is there any evidence that safeguards have been put in place to ensure that implementation of the initiative is transparent and non-discriminatory? | |
| Did the government state its intention to review the measure within one year of implementation? |
Date Discovered:
Implemented: Yes
Date of inception: 10 Mar 2010
GTA Evaluation: Red
Source:
Décret exécutif no 10-89, 10 Mars 2010 (http://www.mincommerce.gov.dz/fichiers10/dec1089fr.pdf)
Government Response:
- 1069 reads
