In a recent meeting held at the Tlemcen court of justice, Algerian authorities highlighted the significance of activating customs reconciliation procedures to resolve disputes and crimes. The meeting, which brought together judicial and customs officials, aimed to discuss and examine issues related to customs reconciliation. According to the Public Prosecutor, Mahcene Chakhab, customs reconciliation is a legal administrative procedure that seeks to settle customs disputes and crimes amicably, as an alternative to judicial proceedings.
Chakhab emphasized that customs reconciliation can accelerate the settlement of recorded and due infractions amicably, without resorting to the courts. This approach is in line with the provisions of Article 265 of the Customs Code and Executive Decree 136-19. To be eligible for customs reconciliation, the offender's file must be studied by a national or local committee, which considers the nature of the crime, the amount of duties, and the deposit of a specified percentage of the financial fine. The Public Prosecutor noted that customs reconciliation does not apply to crimes related to banned goods, subsidized materials, arms, and narcotics.
The meeting was organized to address issues related to customs matters, particularly in the Tlemcen province, which is a border region with a high incidence of smuggling and customs infractions. Chakhab stressed that the activation of customs reconciliation procedures would have positive effects, including the suspension of public and tax lawsuits, the amicable resolution of disputes, and the preservation of public treasury rights. He also highlighted the importance of coordination between judicial and customs authorities to develop mechanisms for combating economic crimes.
Fadile Amar, Director of the Tlemcen Customs Inspection Office, described the meeting as consultative, aiming to unify legal interpretations of customs regulations. He noted that the meeting provided an opportunity for coordination and accompaniment of the judicial authority in managing customs, preserving public treasury funds, and simplifying litigation procedures. Amar also emphasized the benefits of customs reconciliation, including the possibility of resolving disputes amicably and benefiting from legal incentives.
During the meeting, participants discussed and examined several issues related to customs reconciliation, including the application of Article 300 of the Customs Code, the disposal of seized vehicles, and the procedures for customs reconciliation. They also addressed the crime of currency exchange, particularly the material element and forms of currency exchange crime. Additionally, they discussed issues related to the disposal of seized goods by the judicial authority.
The meeting's outcomes are expected to contribute to the resolution of some difficulties and problems, and to find possible solutions within the framework of institutional coordination and relevant laws and regulations. Authorities emphasized the importance of organizing such meetings to strengthen institutional coordination between the judicial and customs sectors, with a view to developing mechanisms for combating economic crimes and optimizing the management of customs seizures.
The Algerian authorities' emphasis on customs reconciliation reflects their efforts to improve the management of customs disputes and crimes, and to promote a more efficient and effective approach to resolving these issues. By activating customs reconciliation procedures, Algerian authorities aim to reduce the burden of fines on offenders, while preserving public treasury rights and promoting a more favorable business environment.
Key points
- Algerian authorities stress the importance of customs reconciliation to resolve disputes and crimes amicably.
- The activation of customs reconciliation procedures is expected to have positive effects, including the suspension of public and tax lawsuits.
- The meeting's outcomes are expected to contribute to the resolution of difficulties and problems related to customs reconciliation.
