Strengthening border control of imported products, preventing fraudulent activities, and ensuring compliance of merchandise with quality and safety standards prior to commercialization constitute the primary objectives of the two analytical laboratories inaugurated Saturday by Prime Minister Sifi Ghrieb, respectively at the Port of Algiers and Algiers International Airport.
The Prime Minister initiated his inspection tour with the inauguration of the facility located at the Port of Algiers, before proceeding to Algiers International Airport to execute the opening of the second unit. He examined the various operational phases, testing protocols, and analyses performed, alongside the equipment and tools deployed to oversee items destined for public consumption.
Constructed by the Ministry of National Defence, these two facilities form part of the implementation of directives issued by President of the Republic Abdelmadjid Tebboune during the Council of Ministers meeting on June 7, which mandated establishing control laboratories across all ports and airports nationwide.
On this occasion, Ghrieb received briefings from officials of both laboratories regarding their assigned responsibilities. In this regard, he stressed the absolute imperative to intensify inspection operations and demonstrate the highest degree of vigilance and strictness, subjecting imported goods to required testing to verify adherence to safety and quality benchmarks to protect consumer health, according to a press release from the Prime Minister’s Office.
The commissioning of these two testing facilities represents a new mechanism enhancing border inspection capabilities and anti-fraud enforcement. Imported merchandise across all categories must henceforth undergo requisite testing and verification procedures before market distribution.
This initiative aligns with a comprehensive policy aiming to structure the entire supply chain and curb fraudulent practices. Utilizing laboratory testing will specifically enable the detection of fraud cases, identification of their nature, and execution of necessary legal measures, while ensuring product safety and protecting public health.
Throughout this visit, the Prime Minister was accompanied by several cabinet members, a representative of the Ministry of National Defence, the Minister-Wali of Algiers province, as well as executive leadership from the Port of Algiers and Algiers International Airport.