The role of customs digitalization in improving the export process in Algeria

Abstract

Advancements in technology have transformed modern societies, impacting various fileds, among them the international trade which is an important factor in measuring the developement of a country’s economy. Algeria is no exception and is currently seeking to modernize different sectors, including customs authorities to improve their efficiency and effectiveness. Despite undergoing several updates over the past 28 years, the current customs information system, which was developed in 1995, still faces challenges that affect its performance. To overcome these challenges, Algerian customs authorities today are prioritizing the digitization of the sector, including its information system, to enhance export activities, which is a vital contributor to the country's economy. This study aims to explore the role of customs digitalization in the export process in Algeria. To achieve this, we used both qualitative and quantitative approches. The reasearch methods are based on describtive and analytical methods. We opted for an online questionnaire to collect data from several exporting companies in order to identify current constraints faced during the export process. Additionally, we conducted a face to face interview with the deputy director of the customs center to gain insight into the different contents of the new system and how it addresses the issues identified in the survey. We analysed the collected data using the software SPSS. The results obtained indicated that the new customs system includes several units designed to improve security, organization, and structures, which will help address the challenges faced by exporters and enhance the export process.