Algeria has not adopted national legislation based on or influenced by the United Nations Commission on International Trade Law (UNCITRAL) Model Law on Electronic Commerce.

Algeria has not adopted national legislation based on or influenced by the United Nations Commission on International Trade Law (UNCITRAL) Model Law on Electronic Signatures.

It is reported that Algeria imposes a maximum limit of DZD 100,000 (approx. USD 745) per transaction on citizens when using international credit cards to purchase goods from abroad.

According to Arts. 7 and 8 of Law No. 18-05, any e-commerce activity, which is defined as electronic commerce of goods and services, is subject to registration in the commercial register or in the register of arts and crafts, and to the publication of a website hosted in Algeria with extension ".com.dz". In addition, pursuant to Art. 9, the exercise of the e-commerce activity be subject to the registration of the domain name with the services of the National Center of the Commercial Register. This requirement applies to both domestic and foreign e-providers, as stated in Art. 2 of the law, stipulating that the legislation applies to e-commerce transactions when one of the parties to the e-commerce contract (i) is of Algerian nationality, (ii) is legally resident in Algeria, (iii) is a legal person under Algerian law, (iv) or if the contract is concluded or performed in Algeria.

Art. 27 of Law No. 18-05 stipulates that electronic payments must be conducted through dedicated payment platforms. These platforms are to be exclusively established and managed by banks that have received approval from the Bank of Algeria, as well as by Algérie Poste. The platforms must be connected to any type of electronic payment terminal via the network of the public telecommunications operator. In addition, Art. 29 mandates that the electronic payment platforms undergo oversight by the Bank of Algeria. This supervision is to ensure compliance with standards for interoperability, confidentiality, integrity, authentication, and the security of data exchanges.

It is reported that Algerian foreign exchange regulations prohibit the use of online payment processors for transferring funds between accounts.

It is reported that the de minimis threshold, that is the minimum value of goods below which customs do not charge duties, is DZD 50,000 (approx. USD 383), above the 200 USD threshold recommended by the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC).

Art. 6 of Decree No. 20-332 establishes that the online information activity is subject to the publication through an electronic site, whose hosting is exclusively domiciled, physically and logically in Algeria, with a domain name extension ".dz".

Art. 8 of the Law No. 18-05 requires any e-commerce activity, which is defined as electronic commerce in goods and services, to have a website hosted in Algeria with a “.com.dz” extension. This requirement applies to both domestic and foreign e-suppliers as clarified in Art. 2, which states the legislation applies to e-commerce transactions where one of the parties to the e-commerce contract is of Algerian nationality, or legally resides in Algeria, or a legal person governed by Algerian law, or if the contract is concluded or performed in Algeria. Effectively, this means that the requirement to have domain names hosted in Algeria also applies to foreign companies.

Pursuant to Art. 4.2 of Law No. 18-07, in the event that the controller is not established in the national territory, a representative located in Algeria must be appointed. This requirement applies to foreign service providers in Algeria, as defined in Art. 3 as any public or private entity that offers users of its services the possibility to communicate by means of a computer system and/or a telecommunications system.

Arts. 11-14 of Law No. 23-20 on the Audiovisual Activity require prior authorisation from the Minister of Communication for the establishment of audiovisual services, including Web TV and Web Radio.

It is reported that some complain of difficulties in clearing imported goods through Algerian customs. These challenges often manifest as significant delays, which can extend for weeks or even months, often without any clear explanation provided. Apart from a certificate of origin, Algeria mandates that all importers furnish certificates of conformity and quality from an independent third party. Additionally, many imports necessitate authorisations from multiple ministries, a process that frequently results in further delays, particularly when the regulations fail to distinctly specify the relevant ministry's jurisdiction.

Art. 68 of Law No. 23-20 on the Audiovisual Activity stipulates that online audiovisual communication services (Web TV and Web Radio) must comply with programme quota requirements, whereby a minimum of 60% of the broadcast content shall consist of national programmes, while imported foreign programmes dubbed into national languages shall not exceed 20%.

According to Art.143 of Law No. 18-04, the homologation of terminal equipment and radio stations may be done through a certificate of conformity issued by the regulatory authority or by a test and measurement laboratory duly approved by such authority. In addition, the provision stipulates that a Regulation may establish a regime of self-certification and/or recognition of certification obtained in another country. However, no such regulation has yet been established. It is reported that foreign documentation is accepted, but local testing is required.

Pursuant to Art. 30 of Law No. 18-07, individuals and organisations that want to acquire and use encryption services must be granted authorisation by the country's Regulatory Authority of Post and Electronic Communications.