Supplying Medicines and Supplements to Algeria
A practical guide for Algerian importers, operators and hospital buyers who source from abroad, and for manufacturers and exporters worldwide selling into Algeria.
Algeria protects its local industry more than almost any other market: since 2009 it has banned importing generics that are produced locally. Imports complement local production rather than compete with it.
Rules adopted in October 2025 require an annual import programme approved by the ministry, and DataMatrix coding follows from 2027. The opportunity is in products Algeria doesn't make: specialised, hospital and oncology medicines.
Algeria at a glance
| Who imports | Approved pharmaceutical establishments only |
|---|---|
| Who holds the registration | A foreign marketing authorisation holder must appoint a local operator, with joint liability |
| The big restriction | No imports of generics produced locally (since 2009); imports only to complement local production |
| Import programme | An annual import programme approved by the ministry, under rules adopted in October 2025 |
| Public buyer | PCH, the central hospital pharmacy, runs national and international open tenders for hospital medicines |
How to supply medicines to Algeria
- Check the product can be imported. If the generic is made locally, it can't be imported. Focus on products Algeria doesn't make.
- Appoint a local operator. A foreign marketing authorisation holder appoints a local operator, who shares liability.
- Register and plan imports. Register the product with a CTD dossier, CoPP and GMP evidence, and get it into the approved annual import programme.
- Supply. Approved importers for the private market, or PCH tenders for public hospitals. Plan for DataMatrix coding from 2027.
Temporary authorisations of up to a year cover serious diseases with no local equivalent, for products approved by a recognised authority such as the FDA. A 2024 list names 467 unregistered products that only PCH may import for public facilities. See named-patient and special import and government tender supply.
Supplements
Supplements follow food rules unless they contain medicinal ingredients or make medicinal claims. Confirm the classification with your importer before you print labels. We help brands get supplements made under their own label by GMP-certified contract manufacturers: see nutraceutical private label.
What people in Algeria search for
Semrush data from October 2026 shows strong supplement demand in French and Arabic: magnesium (about 12,100 searches a month), vitamin D (about 9,900 in French and 8,100 in Arabic), omega-3, B12, creatine, ashwagandha and collagen.
Supplements we can help you make
Because locally made generics can't be imported, imports are mainly specialised and hospital products. Some examples we list:
Documents to ask your supplier for
- A Certificate of a Pharmaceutical Product (CoPP) in WHO format.
- The plant's GMP evidence, such as a WHO-GMP, EU-GMP or PIC/S certificate, plus any inspection by your regulator.
- The registration dossier (CTD or ACTD), with bioequivalence data for generics where required.
- Stability data for hot climates.
- A Certificate of Analysis for every batch.
Not sure a supplier is genuine? Read how to verify a pharmaceutical supplier. For the neighbouring markets, see our Middle East and North Africa import guide.
Sourcing for Algeria?
Send the product, strength, quantity and the documents your regulator needs. We will match you with GMP-certified manufacturers and suppliers who can serve your market, wherever they are based.
Send your requirement Talk to our team