Summary of Executive Decree No. 26-97: Homologation of Electronic Communications Equipment (Algeria)
Executive Decree No. 26-97, dated January 31, 2026, establishes the conditions and procedures for the type approval (homologation) of electronic communications equipment in Algeria. This regulation mandates that all terminal equipment, radio stations, and radioelectric installations—whether manufactured locally or imported for sale, distribution, or advertising—must undergo a technical conformity assessment to ensure compliance with national and international standards.
Scope and Regulatory Authorities
The regulation divides oversight between two primary bodies:
The National Frequency Agency (ANF): Responsible for the approval of radioelectric stations, installations, and equipment not intended for connection to a public network.
The Regulatory Authority for Post and Electronic Communications (ARPCE): Responsible for approving terminal equipment and installations intended to be connected to a public electronic communications network.
If an equipment is intended for connection to a public network, the ARPCE performs the homologation for all integrated technologies and functionalities, including those otherwise under the jurisdiction of the ANF.
Technical Specifications and Standards
Equipment must comply with recognized standards published by the ANF or ARPCE on their respective websites. These standards cover:
Efficient use and exploitation of radio frequencies.
Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC).
Protection of electronic communications networks against damage.
Health and environmental protection requirements.
Safety of users and operating personnel.
Interoperability of terminal equipment with public networks.
Specifications are based on resolutions and recommendations from the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), the African Telecommunications Union, and the Arab Spectrum Management Group of the Arab League.
Exemptions and Restrictions
Equipment admitted under the temporary admission customs regime for re-export in the same state is exempt from homologation, provided it is used for:
Professional purposes.
Commercial trials or demonstrations.
Production operations.
Scientific or pedagogical activities.
Sporting events.
Tourism promotion or humanitarian aid.
Testing Procedures and Conformity Assessment
The homologation process is managed through a dedicated electronic platform. Key requirements include:
Technical Dossier: Must include technical data sheets, a Declaration of Conformity (DoC) from the manufacturer, and electronic test reports from an accredited laboratory.
Cellular Equipment: A Type Allocation Code (TAC) certificate provided by the GSMA is mandatory for all equipment with mobile cellular access.
Sample Submission: Applicants must provide a working sample within five (5) working days of the application (except for equipment already under import). Samples are returned after testing.
On-site Testing: For equipment that cannot be moved, testing and measurements are conducted on-site within ten (10) working days of the application.
Processing Time: The total processing time for an approval request cannot exceed two (2) months from the date the application is introduced or the sample is deposited.
Validity: Certificates of conformity are valid for five (5) years and are renewable.
Labeling Requirements
Before being placed on the national market, all approved equipment must be labeled. The label must follow the model specified in the regulation and include:
The Certificate of Conformity number.
The date of approval.
The name of the approving authority (ANF or ARPCE).
If the label cannot be affixed directly to the equipment, it must be placed on the user manual or the packaging.
Regulatory Modifications
This decree explicitly repeals the following regulation:
Executive Decree No. 12-367 of October 16, 2012, which established the procedures applicable to Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) system equipment.
Certificates issued under previous regulations remain valid until their original expiration date. Pending applications at the time of this decree's publication remain subject to the procedures in force at the time of their submission.
