Algeria Tightens Financial Controls on Precious Metals and Traveler Currency Declarations

Algeria’s Ministry of Finance issued a decree (published in the Official Journal No. 51 on 3 June 2026) that overhauls the licensing regime for businesses dealing in gold, silver, platinum and precious stones. The new rules require operators—manufacturers, artisans, wholesalers, retailers and exporters—to obtain a tax‑authority authorization after submitting a detailed dossier, including commercial registration, tax compliance, property lease, and proof of professional experience. Inspectors must verify identity, moral standing and cross‑check applicants against UN sanctions and national terrorist‑entity lists, with continuous monitoring and automatic revocation for violations such as counterfeit items.

The same decree expands traveler‑currency controls at Algeria’s borders. Travelers must now submit a written declaration to customs for cash, bearer payment instruments, negotiable securities and precious metals when entering or leaving the country. The measure aims to improve traceability of cross‑border financial flows and to strengthen Algeria’s anti‑money‑laundering and counter‑terrorism financing framework.