Algeria 

Connecting Algeria to the world

MSC, Mediterranean Shipping Company, is a global shipping and logistics company that operates in Algeria. MSC provides a range of shipping and logistics services in Algeria. 
As one of the world's largest shipping companies, MSC has a strong presence in Algeria, with a number of offices throughout the country. 
As the world's tenth-largest country and the largest in Africa, Algeria offers a vital gateway to the continent. The country borders Tunisia, Libya, Morocco, Western Sahara, Mauritania, Mali, Niger, and the Mediterranean Sea.

The company provides regular sailings from Algeria and from all ports worldwide, including Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and the Americas. 
MSC has been supporting customers shipping goods in and out of Algeria since 2000. From six offices in the country, our 160 employees deliver reliable and efficient services designed to serve a wide range of industries.
Headquartered in Algiers, MSC Algeria offers a wide range of shipping and logistic services through its six offices: Algiers, Oran, Bejaia, Setif, Annaba and Skikda. 

The main industries we serve: Agriculture, Automotive, Chemicals, Pharmaceuticals, Food & Beverage, Mining & Minerals, Paper & Paper-related Cargoes, Plastics & Rubber Products, Retail, Wood.

Overall, MSC is an important player in the Algerian shipping and logistics industry. The company's global reach, combined with its local expertise and experience, make it a valuable partner for businesses that rely on efficient and reliable shipping and logistics services.
 

Contact our  team to request a quote, book or find out more about our local services

LOCAL OFFICES INFORMATION

Detention and Demurrage

Demurrage

  • Only 90 days of demurrage can be invoiced and collected in Algeria.
  • Only import demurrage can be invoiced by the line.
  • Export demurrage invoicing is not allowed by Algerian law.

Storage

Storage is settled directly by receivers to terminals. The rates are not under MSC control but are paid directly by the customer to the port terminal.

Liner terms

Algeria ports are free in/free out.

 

SOLAS VGM information Algeria

Government approval status

  • The Algerian regulation is contained in the Regulation n°2/16 of 14st June of the General Directorate for the Merchant Marine and ports, as the competent body in Algeria.
  • IMO advice of a practical and pragmatic approach when verifying compliance with the requirements of SOLAS regulations for a period of three months after 1st July 2016 has been hosted by Algerian Authorities. 
  • The mass variance allowed by Algerian Authorities is 5 %.
  • Port/Terminal´s VGM will prevail in case of discrepancy.
  • Scale station authorized: Port / Dry port/ Customs warehouse or private owners certified customs OEA.
  • Method 1 exclusively imposed by Algerian government and scale stations subject to certification (by ONML state office only). 
  • Gate-in without VGM may be accepted but subject to extra costs. 
  • No VGM, no load.

What to include in your VGM instructions?

The following items are mandatory in Algeria and must be reflected on your submitting document:

  • Shipper’s name and address. If the verification is performed by a third party on shipper´s behalf, both names and addresses shall be specified. 
  • A third party can only be the scale station.
  • VGM+ data shall be expressed in kg/lb.
  • Method used to obtain the VGM. Only method 1 accepted.
  • Identification of the measure equipment used and statement confirming it meets ONML quality requirements.
  • Name and signature (electronic signature or capital letters) of the shipper or his representative, and the scale station responsible.
  • Date and place of issue.

How to submit your VGM instructions?

In case VGM weighing service is available at the Terminal and you are interested in this service, your local MSC office should be aware of this, before containers gate in.
The VGM will be submitted by the shipper by means of any of these channels:
       - myMSC.com
       - EDI (VERMAS)
       - Port community systems web platforms.
       - Via an E-mail attachment using the Microsoft Excel template provided by MSC Algeria and under a given Subject format.

Deadlines for sending your VGM instructions

  • VGM cut-off matches the Vessel berth or closing time announced by your agency commercial team.
  • Late VGM submission (after the closing time) will mean No-Load.

Admin fees and costs

  • MSC reserves the right to apply charges related to VGM transmission
  • If the VGM is not received on time the container will be put on hold and all related costs (including but not limited to demurrages, storages, moves, plugging) will be for the account of the shipper.

Recommendations:

  • We strongly recommend to submit your VGM before Terminal´s Gate-In in order to avoid extra costs.
  • According to the regulation n°2/16, if the containers is weigh with truck (trucks gross weight + gasoline quantity must be subtracted)
  • VGM can never exceed the maximum container payload listed on the Safety Approval Plate. 
  • In case VGM is provided in a separate document, please include Booking and/or Container number.
  • Keep VGM records for 5 years.

Contact information

Prohibited cargo

Imports

All goods may be imported except: 

  • Precious metals, such as gold and silver
  • Military cargo without the required authorization
  • Any import dealing with pornography or drugs
  • Pharmaceutical products produced locally
  • Used clothing

Old/unused cars: 

New cars can only be imported if:

  • They have never been subject to a registration procedure in another country;
  • The difference between the date of manufacture and the date of entry on the national territory does not exceed 12 months;
  • The distance does not exceed 100 kilometers (km) for cars/vans or 1,500km for trucks/buses/coaches.
  • Exceptions apply for diplomatic cargo (belonging to a foreign citizen, not a person bearing Algerian nationality), in which case a used car can be imported subject to prior authorization by the Algerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and an engagement to re-export the car at the end of the diplomatic mission.
  • Prior to accepting any booking for a new vehicle to enter Algeria, shippers must ensure the vehicle complies with the 2015 specifications for the import and marketing of new vehicles related to global safety standards.

Exports

All goods may be exported except: 

  • Books, films, and other articles offending morality
  • Waste from ferrous and non-ferrous metals (suspended for export)
  • Raw hides (suspended for export)
  • Coral in the raw or semi-finished state
  • Palm plants
  • Breeding sheep and cattle
  • Objects representing a national interest in terms of history, art or archaeology, including old vehicles
  • Animals and plants of protected species
  • Ozone-depleting substances (ODS)
  • Counterfeit goods
  • Gold and military cargo without authorization
  • Any other goods subject to prohibition under a statutory or regulatory provision

List of terminals 

Ports and terminals

Algeria has several major ports and terminals that handle a significant volume of cargo each year. MSC serves several ports in Algeria, Here are some details on the main ports served by MSC in Algeria:

  • Algiers: The port of Algiers is the largest port in Algeria and serves as an important gateway for trade to and from the country. MSC operates regular sailings to and from Algiers, serving both import and export traffic.

  • Oran: The port of Oran is located In the Mediterranean coast of Algeria and is an important gateway for trade with Europe. MSC offers regular sailings to and from Oran, with connections to other ports in Europe and the Mediterranean.

  • Annaba: The port of Annaba is located in northeastern Algeria and serves as an important gateway for trade with Tunisia and other neighboring countries. MSC operates regular sailings to and from Annaba, providing connectivity to other ports in the region.
  •  Skikda: The port of Skikda is located in the northeastern coast of Algeria and is an important hub for the country's oil and gas industry. MSC offers regular sailings to and from Skikda, supporting the transportation of energy products to other parts of the world.

Overall, the country's ports and terminals play a key role in facilitating trade and economic development in Algeria and the broader Mediterranean region.

MSC provides a range of services to these ports, including container shipping, intermodal transportation, and logistics solutions, to support the needs of its customers in Algeria and around the world.
Below some details of the main ports and terminals served by MSC:

Terminal Algeria

Port Weight Limit :

The weight limit for cargo in Algerian ports depends on the specific port and terminal where the cargo is being handled. Generally, the maximum weight limit for cargo on a single container in Algerian ports is 30 tons, although this can vary depending on the specific terminal and the type of cargo being handled.

 

How to export

  • Communicate professional information: The client must provide the required professional information, including the trade register, tax card, phone number, email, PIC, etc.
  • Register the client in database: If the client is not already registered, they must be registered in the database.
  • Sign up for myMSC platform : The client must sign up for the platform www.mymsc.com.
  • Training on the use of myMSC: We inform and train clients on the use of myMSC
  • Customer support: Our customer service is contacting clients to assist them with platform registration, account validation, booking creation, etc.
  • Communicate rates and negotiate: We communicate rates to clients and negotiate if necessary.
  • Booking confirmation: The client submits the booking which is later confirmed by the Agent.
  • Contract number assignment: After booking confirmation, a contract number is communicated to the client.
  • Verify and confirm the booking: Our customer service verifies and confirms the booking.
  • Validate the booking: The client must validate the booking by stamping and signing it.
  • Communicate the export ship program: We communicate the available export ship program and update it, if necessary, in case of changes.
  • Preparation of MAD (Empty Dispatch for Export): We prepare the container MAD and communicate it to the client, as well as information about the empty yard.
  • Delivery of MAQ (Docking Document): We deliver the MAQ to be filled by the client.
  • Insert BL instructions on the platform: The Client inserts BL instructions on our platform.
  • Communicate the draft BL: We communicate the draft BL for verification and modification if necessary.
  • Receive MAQ after container stuffing: We receive the MAQ after container stuffing.
  • Validate BL instructions: We validate the BL instructions and stamp and sign the MAQ.
  • Prepare the export forecast and seals: We prepare the export forecast and seals to the client.
  • Bringing containers closer to the port: The client brings the containers to the port according to the communicated ship's schedule.
  • Delivery of MAQ No. 1 and 5 and VGM: The client must deliver MAQ No. 1 and 5 as well as the VGM to us.
  • Export invoice: We issue the export invoice after the ship's departure.
  • Delivery of OBL: We deliver the OBL to the client after payment of the export invoices.

MyMSC guide: Link to download the guide.

MyMSC is a web portal and mobile application provided by the global shipping company Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) to its customers. The platform allows customers to manage their shipments, access real-time information about the status of their shipments, and track their cargo as it moves through the supply chain.

Link here to MyMSC 

Re-exportation

If any shipment is discharged in Algeria, it cannot be subject to a change of destination. The only process that allows to load back a container that is already discharged in Algeria is the re-exportation procedure. If re-export is requested by either shipper or consignee, then CUSTOMS RELEASE (MAIN LEVEE) and CUSTOMS GREEN LIGHT FOR REEXPORT are mandatory steps to proceed with re-export.

IMO cargo

All details of the IMO cargo, address, phone, and fax of the receiver in Algeria have to be communicated to POL and POD Agents.
It is only when the "Letter of Engagement" (Lettre d’Engagement) is duly signed by all parties involved that is: the receiver, the port authority, MSC agency, that the port of loading gets the authorization to load.

Once the Letter of Engagement is signed by all parties involved, the port of loading receives an approval to proceed with the booking/shipment. MSC agencies (POL, T/S and POD) will then coordinate during all the phases of shipment, including the loading, transportation, and unloading of the cargo at the port of discharge. MSC works closely with all parties involved to ensure that shipments are handled safely and efficiently.

Amending Information in Customs System:

In Algeria, it is possible to amend information in the customs system for a shipment that has already been declared.

The customs authorities apply fines for any amendments made to the manifest after it has been validated. The manifest is a document that contains information about the cargo being transported and is used by customs officials to verify the contents of the shipment.

To avoid fines and other penalties, it is important to ensure that all information on the manifest is accurate and complete before submitting it to the customs authorities. If any changes need to be made, they should be made as early as possible in the process to minimize the risk of penalties.
 
The main information which can be amended are:
 
  • Cargo description
  • Number of packages
  • Weight
  • Consignee
  • Container number
  • Split BL
  • BL number
  • Missing Algerian receiver on B/L
  • N.I.F (Tax ID) Number

It is important to note that the process of amending information in the customs system in Algeria can be time-consuming and may result in delays in the customs clearance process. To avoid these issues, it is important to ensure that all information on the declaration is accurate and complete before submitting it to the customs authorities.

Regarding “Consignee name amendment”, it is considered as the most complicated and time-consuming processes at Customs.

 
Cargo becomes under customs control:

In accordance with the regulations in force in Algeria and with reference to the text “Article 185 de la loi n° 18-08 du 25 juillet 2018 relative aux douanes en Algérie”
In Algeria, all import cargo is subject to customs control as per the Algerian law. This means that all goods and materials that enter Algeria must be declared to the customs authorities and undergo inspection and assessment before they can be released into the country.

If cargo remains pending for 15 days after vessel arrival in Algeria, it will be transferred (OT) to an Off-Dock Terminal, or customs bounded area. The Off-Dock terminal is a bonded storage facility where goods and materials can be stored until they are released by the customs authorities.

When a cargo remains in a customs bounded area in Algeria for two months, it will be placed under the control of the customs authorities and may be subject to auction sale or destruction.

To avoid the risk of auction or destruction of their cargo, it is important for businesses to ensure that their shipments are properly documented and that they comply with all relevant regulations and standards. Working with experienced logistics and transportation providers can also help ensure that shipments are properly handled and that any issues with customs clearance are quickly addressed.

Cargo Loading

MSC's cargo handling facilities are strategically located to ensure the efficient and timely loading of goods for export and import. We also provide cargo consolidation, loading and re-loading, packing, unpacking and cross-loading services from containers to trucks.
Contact us 

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Last update: 2024-04-16T20:39:00