Twinning project to assist the Algerian Directorate General of Customs with the creation of a Central Risk Management Unit

Improving the efficiency of customs controls to facilitate international trade and fight against fraud

The objective of this European institutional twinning project is to assist with the modernisation of the Directorate General of Customs (DGD) of the Ministry of Finance by creating a Central Risk Management Unit and improving the quality of services to users of customs services. The project includes assisting the DGD with the adoption of internationally recognised practices, which change the role of customs departments. They are no longer entry and exit controllers, but controllers of targeted transactions selected for their high level of risk.

The twinning project is being implemented in a more general context of facilitating global trade, by harmonising customs and tax controls with international best practices and in particular the SAFE Standards of the World Customs Organization. The creation of a Central Risk Management Unit and the development of a risk management culture are fully in line with the ambitious reforms undertaken by the Algerian Government to modernise the customs administration.

Activities to strengthen the Directorate General of Customs

Diagnostics and mapping will initially be conducted to assess the current system and specify the needs and missions.

A targeting of controls will subsequently be facilitated by the creation of a Central Risk Management Unit and processes for the circulation of information that are inherent to this type of structure. They will be developed using a standardised format to select customs control or clearance operations and feed the database of the customs information and automated management system (SIGAD).

The customs clearance process will be simplified through the implementation of control channels adapted to the risk identified. This involves:

• Revising the status of authorised economic operator;

• Coordinating border management;

• Revising express freight management;

• Upgrading the principle of advance rulings.

At the same time, partnerships will be developed with private companies and operators.

This change in the role of the Directorate General of Customs (DGD) involves institutional and organisational reforms, which will be accompanied by the provision of methodological and pedagogical tools taking into account the interests of all the stakeholders affected by this change (staff, private stakeholders, etc.).    

An appropriate training policy will also be implemented to meet the training needs brought about by these risk management reforms.

This European institutional twinning project is part of the Support Programme for the Implementation of the Association Agreement (P3A), financed by the European Union and implemented by the Algerian Trade Ministry. Expertise France is responsible for the administrative management of the twinning project on behalf of the Directorate General of Customs and Indirect Taxation (DGDDI) of the French Ministry of the Economy, Finance and the Recovery.