Algeria: Ordinance No. 03-03 on competition including merger control regulation entered into force

On 20 July 2003, Ordinance No. 03-03 on competition entered into force. Articles 15-22 and 61-62 establish rules for economic concentrations, requiring prior approval from the Competition Council if a merger leads to a market share exceeding 40% or creates a dominant position. The Council may impose conditions to mitigate anti-competitive effects, and failure to notify a merger can result in fines up to 7% of annual turnover.