Algiers – The Ministry of Internal Trade and Regulation has announced the deployment of eight mobile laboratories to enhance the inspection of imported goods across the nation. The Minister of Internal Trade, Amel Abdelatif, inaugurated the initiative during a press event held at the Palais des Expositions in Algiers.
Minister Abdelatif emphasized the importance of this initiative, stating that it represents a significant step in protecting consumers and ensuring the compliance of imported products with national and international standards. She highlighted the government’s commitment to implementing comprehensive measures throughout the supply chain to safeguard public health and bolster confidence in the national market.
The deployment of these mobile laboratories, strategically positioned at key maritime border crossings, is in direct response to presidential directives aimed at strengthening analytical control over imported products. The initiative seeks to expedite the analysis process through the use of modern equipment and advanced technologies, particularly for perishable goods, and to accelerate the processing of files for economic operators.
According to the Minister, these laboratories will also play a crucial role in reducing the dwell time of containers in ports, thereby lowering import costs and enabling rapid intervention at any point within the country. The mobile units, procured from the Algerian Vehicle Manufacturing Company (SAFAB-MB), a subsidiary of the Ministry of National Defense, are equipped with cutting-edge analytical capabilities.
These capabilities include the detection of pesticide residues, chemicals, and contaminants; analysis of grains and plant materials; detection of mycotoxins; and measurement of moisture content in food products, among other precise analyses. The laboratories will be stationed at the busiest maritime border crossings, including the ports of Algiers, Annaba, Skikda, Jijel, Bejaia, Oran, Mostaganem, and Ghazaouet.
Minister Abdelatif also revealed that the ministry is expanding its network of laboratories, which currently comprises 42 active facilities with an analytical capacity of up to 20,000 samples per year, a figure that is expected to increase with further investment.
