President Tebboune orders more import laboratories and tougher penalties

Algeria is to add more laboratories to check imports at its ports and airports, and set tougher penalties for importers of dangerous products.

TSA reported that two control laboratories were installed on Saturday at the port and airport of Algiers. The order came at a Council of Ministers meeting on Sunday, where President Abdelmadjid Tebboune gave the instruction.

President Tebboune said there should not be only two laboratories, as is the case now, to protect public health.

He asked for priority to go to the most active ports, including Oran, Mostaganem, Ghazaouet, Jijel and Annaba.

Prime Minister Sifi Ghrieb said on Saturday that the laboratories would check the health safety of imported products.

He said the laboratories were protection soldiers of the national economy.

Importers of products that are dangerous to the health of Algerians could face prison.

President Tebboune ordered the justice minister to strengthen the law with maximum penalties as soon as the control laboratories are in place.

The penalties would apply to anyone who deliberately imports substances or products that threaten public health through airports, ports and land borders.

President Tebboune also asked the government to mobilise its services around the clock, each in its own area.

The services are to protect people's safety and health against the risks of imported products that pose a public danger.

Since the forecast import programme (PPI) started in July 2025, the conditions for importing finished products, raw materials and services have been tightened.