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Algeria has modernized its electronic communication equipment homologation framework through Executive Decree No. 26-97, extending certificate validity from three to five years and introducing electronic filing procedures. The changes include standardized two-month processing times, streamlined documentation requirements, and new mandatory GSMA Type Allocation Code requirements for cellular equipment.
Algeria's telecommunications regulatory environment has undergone significant digitalization as part of the country's broader digital economy development strategy. The previous homologation framework required physical document submission and limited certificate validity to three years, creating administrative burdens for manufacturers and importers operating in the Algerian market. The regulatory oversight is managed by the Agence nationale des fréquences (ANF) and the Autorité de régulation de la poste et des communications électroniques (ARPCE).
Executive Decree No. 26-97 was signed on January 31, 2026, and published in Official Gazette No. 13 on February 15, 2026. The decree establishes updated conditions and procedures for the type approval of electronic communication equipment, representing the largest reform to Algeria's type approval framework in recent years.
The most significant change extends certificate validity from three years to five years, reducing the frequency of recertification cycles for manufacturers. This extension reduces administrative workload for both regulatory authorities and manufacturers while allowing approved products to maintain market access for longer periods before renewal is required.
Executive Decree No. 26-97 establishes comprehensive updates to Algeria's homologation requirements under the oversight of ANF and ARPCE. The decree applies to all electronic communication equipment subject to type approval in Algeria and introduces several procedural enhancements designed to modernize the regulatory framework.
The new framework formalizes digital submission through an electronic services platform, removing hard-copy document requirements and enabling digital file acceptance. Applications must now be submitted via the digital platform, which is intended to streamline submission processes, improve application handling efficiency, and facilitate communication between applicants and regulatory authorities.
Standard processing time is capped at two months from the date of application or sample submission. Product samples must arrive within five working days after application submission, and applications may be rejected if samples are not delivered within this timeframe.
The regulatory changes affect manufacturers and importers of telecommunications and electronic communication equipment entering the Algerian market. The five-year validity extension particularly benefits manufacturers with approved products by providing fewer renewal cycles, longer planning horizons, and reduced administrative overhead.
For cellular equipment manufacturers, the new requirement for GSMA Type Allocation Code (TAC) certificates represents an additional compliance obligation. This requirement specifically impacts manufacturers of mobile handsets and cellular IoT devices, who must now obtain TAC certification from the GSMA as part of their Algeria homologation process.
The electronic application system affects all applicants by requiring digital submission capabilities and eliminating the need for physical document handling. This change aligns with Algeria's broader digitalization strategy within the telecommunications sector.
Under the updated framework, applicants must provide comprehensive technical files, declarations of conformity, and detailed test reports from accredited laboratories, along with the laboratory's accreditation certificate. The sample submitted for testing must feature labeling that complies with current regulations.
For equipment featuring cellular mobile access, a Type Allocation Code certificate from the GSMA is mandatory. This represents a new requirement that manufacturers must factor into their submission timelines.
Documentation requirements have been streamlined in some areas: the Certificate of Origin is now replaced with a manufacturer's declaration of origin, and cellular products no longer require proof that the importer has a Data Tracking License to obtain approval.
The Authority now allows a certificate issued under one importer to be used by other importers without requiring separate certification, providing additional flexibility for market access strategies.
The decree came into force on February 15, 2026, following its publication in the Official Gazette. New applications submitted after February 15, 2026, are processed under the updated regulations, while applications submitted before this date continue under the previous framework.
Certificates issued under the previous regulatory framework remain valid until their original expiration date, ensuring a smooth transition without disrupting existing approvals. This grandfathering provision means no immediate renewal is required for currently valid certificates.
To enhance transparency, all approved equipment will be listed on official regulatory portals, including the National Frequencies Agency (ANF) website, providing public access to approved device information.
Manufacturers planning Algeria submissions should factor the new GSMA TAC requirement into their timelines, particularly for cellular equipment. The five-working-day sample submission deadline requires careful logistics coordination to ensure compliance.
For companies with existing certificates, review expiration dates to understand when renewal under the new five-year framework will be required. The extended validity period allows for longer-term market planning and reduced administrative overhead.
Ensure digital submission capabilities are in place, as the electronic platform is now mandatory for all new applications. Prepare comprehensive technical documentation, including accredited laboratory test reports and certificates.
For cellular equipment, obtain GSMA TAC certification before initiating the Algeria homologation process. Replace Certificate of Origin documentation with manufacturer's declaration of origin in accordance with the streamlined requirements.
Monitor the official ANF and ARPCE websites for approved equipment listings and any additional implementation guidance as the new framework becomes operational.