E-commerce in Algeria 2026: Your Comprehensive Guide to Laws, Taxes, and the Commercial Register

With the rapid evolution of the digital economy in Algeria, e-commerce has shifted from a secondary option to an absolute necessity for business growth. As we move into 2026, the legislative environment has matured significantly, mandating that merchants and entrepreneurs have a precise understanding of the laws to ensure business continuity and avoid penalties.

In this comprehensive guide, we will decode the legal texts, clearly explain your tax status, and demonstrate how Ecommaps can be your ideal technical and legal partner in this journey.

1. The Legal Framework: Law 18-05 and Beyond

Law No. 18-05, dated May 10, 2018, is the cornerstone of e-commerce in Algeria. While years have passed since its enactment, its enforcement has become strictly rigorous today.

Key Obligations You Must Respect:

Website Localization in Algeria: The law mandates that commercial websites with a .dz domain or those selling to Algerian residents must be hosted on local servers. Here, Ecommaps provides locally hosted infrastructure fully compliant with this legal requirement, sparing you technical hosting complexities.
Electronic Invoicing: Customers must receive a detailed electronic invoice. The Ecommaps platform automatically generates these invoices according to required standards.
Consumer Protection: Strict adherence to exchange, return policies, and transparent pricing.

2. The Electronic Commercial Register (CNRC)

For legitimate operations, registration with the National Center for the Commercial Register (CNRC) is mandatory.

Activity Code 607.074: Dedicated to "Retail sale via e-commerce." This specific code allows you to sell physical products online exclusively.
Existing companies can add this code to their current registry to legally enable online sales.

Warning: Engaging in e-commerce without a commercial register exposes you to financial fines and confiscation of goods.

3. The New Revolution: The Auto-Entrepreneur Card

Perhaps the most significant shift in 2024-2026 is the activation of the "Auto-Entrepreneur" system via the anae.dz platform. This system is a lifeline for many freelancers and digital service providers.

Who is this card for?

The card primarily targets digital services (programming, design, marketing, consulting) and certain crafts. Note carefully: Selling physical goods (buying and reselling) typically requires a classic Commercial Register (Commerçant), whereas digital services and products fall perfectly under the Auto-Entrepreneur status.

Massive Tax Advantages:

Unified Tax (IFU) of only 0.5%: Yes, half a percent of your annual turnover, a staggering decrease compared to the classic system (5% or 12%).
Exemption from Commercial Register: Registration in the National Register of the Auto-Entrepreneur replaces the traditional commercial register.
Social Coverage (CASNOS): With one of the lowest contribution thresholds, ensuring retirement and health insurance coverage.

4. Taxes and Declarations (G50 Series)

Whether you hold a classic commercial register or an Auto-Entrepreneur card, the "G50" tax declaration is your periodic appointment with the tax authorities.

For Commercial Register Holders: Declaration is usually monthly or quarterly depending on the regime (Flat-rate IFU or Real Regime).
For Auto-Entrepreneurs: Features a simplified declaration and streamlined electronic payment, significantly reducing bureaucracy.

How "Ecommaps" Protects You and Facilitates Your Work

Legal compliance isn't just about obtaining documents; it involves owning a technical platform that respects standards. This is where Ecommaps steps in:

Legal Hosting: Our stores are hosted in an environment compliant with Algerian law.
E-Payment (CIB/Dahabiah): We easily integrate your store with certified payment gateways (Satim), a prerequisite for official transactions and income verification.
Clear Electronic Contracts: We provide templates for privacy policies and terms of sale protected by law.

Conclusion: 2026 is the year of legal consolidation for e-commerce in Algeria. Whether you choose the traditional Commercial Register for goods trading or the Auto-Entrepreneur card for your digital services, working in the light opens doors to funding, trust, and sustainable growth.

Start now with Ecommaps, and build your business on solid foundations.