Algeria: rules and approvals
Telecom equipment approvals are handled by two bodies: ARPCE as telecoms regulator for equipment such as mobile phones and Wi-Fi devices, and ANF for radio spectrum and some short-range devices.
Algeria · ATEX and IECEx
ATEX and IECEx Cell Phone Supplier in Algeria
A Zone 1 / Zone 21 smartphone for crews in the Hassi Messaoud and Hassi R'Mel fields, the Saharan gas plants and the LNG, refining and petrochemical complexes at Arzew and Skikda. This page sets out how an ATEX and IECEx cell phone supply route to Algeria will work for the IS-04Z1, and what is and is not available before launch.
Pre-launch · certification in progress · Launching Q4 2026
Marking targetEx ib IIC T4Intrinsic safety, Zone 1 / 21 design target · certification in progress
AvailabilityQ4 2026via authorised distributors
Search topicATEX and IECEx
DeviceCell Phone
RouteSupply
WhereAlgeria
Short answer. An ATEX and IECEx cell phone for Algeria cannot be bought yet: the SAMS IS-04Z1 is pre-launch (certification in progress, no certificate issued), and the datasheet, certification schedule and safe-area evaluation units are available now.
For the record, no certificate exists for the IS-04Z1 today. The programme is under way ahead of a Q4 2026 launch. An operator's own vendor approval is a separate step. Certification status. Place facts reviewed October 2026.
At a glance · ATEX and IECEx
Checklist: ATEX and IECEx cell phone for Algeria
| Check | What to look for | IS-04Z1 today |
|---|---|---|
| Marking | II 2 G Ex ib IIC T4 on the rating plate | Design target; not yet marked |
| EU-type examination certificate | Notified body number and certificate ID | In progress with TÜV; not issued |
| IECEx certificate of conformity | Number listed on the IECEx online register | In progress; not issued |
| Where it applies | Algeria: Arzew and Bethioua, Oran, Skikda, Hassi Messaoud, Ouargla | Classified by the site operator |
Product · Algeria
The product behind this search: the SAMS IS-04Z1.
SAMS IS-04Z1
An intrinsically safe Android smartphone designed for Zone 1 and Zone 21 hazardous areas in Algeria. It is pre-launch: IECEx, ATEX and NEC 500 certification is in progress ahead of the Q4 2026 launch.
- IP68 sealed
- 4,000 mAh battery
- 50 MP camera
- Android 16
- Zone 1 / Zone 21 design target
The market · Algeria
Where this applies in Algeria
The classified areas, operators and sites below are the ones covered in the SAMS Algeria market guide.
Operators, EPCs and contractors
- Sonatrach
- National oil and gas company: upstream, LNG, refining and pipelines
- Eni
- Partner in Berkine basin oil and southern gas developments
- TotalEnergies
- Partner in Saharan oil and gas developments with Sonatrach
- Equinor
- Partner in the In Amenas and In Salah gas joint ventures
- Occidental
- Partner in Berkine basin oil production
- Naftal
- Fuel storage depots, distribution and LPG filling
Industrial areas and sites
- Hassi Messaoud, Ouargla
- Algeria's largest oil field and its operations base
- Hassi R'Mel, Laghouat
- The main gas field and gas processing hub
- In Amenas, Illizi
- Gas processing in the eastern Sahara
- In Salah, Tamanrasset
- Southern gas fields and processing
- Arzew and Bethioua, Oran
- LNG trains, refinery, petrochemicals and fertiliser
- Skikda
- LNG, the country's largest refinery and polyethylene
Field notes · Algeria
More about Algeria that matters for portable equipment
Algeria: rules and approvals
Algerian approval is described as relying largely on international test reports such as EU CE reports, and a local representative is still needed for the application.
Algeria: climate and equipment wear
Hassi Messaoud has a hot desert climate with average highs above 40 degrees Celsius from June to September and over 45 degrees in July, so heat dominates equipment and battery planning.
Algeria: people and language
Algeria's official languages are Arabic and Amazigh, so site signage, permits and training material may need translation or bilingual versions for local crews.
The term · ATEX and IECEx
What “ATEX and IECEx” means for a smartphone
ATEX is the European legal framework for equipment used in explosive atmospheres (Directive 2014/34/EU). IECEx is the international certification scheme built on the IEC 60079 standards. Buyers outside Europe often ask for both: an IECEx certificate is the technical evidence most national regimes build on, while ATEX is the legal route into the European market.
For the IS-04Z1 both routes are in progress with TÜV in Germany and neither certificate has been issued. The marking target is II 2 G Ex ib IIC T4: equipment Group II (surface industry), Category 2 (Zone 1 gas), protection concept ib (intrinsic safety), gas group IIC and temperature class T4.
In Algeria. Sonatrach and its international partners specify Ex equipment to IEC standards, so a procurement reviewer in Algeria would expect an IECEx Certificate of Conformity first, with an ATEX certificate beside it where a specification names the European directive. Carrying both helps joint-venture partners and contractors who bring their own equipment rules into the Saharan fields. Both certifications for the IS-04Z1 are in progress.
The route · supply
Sourcing the IS-04Z1 for Algeria
There is no stock to order for Algeria yet. The IS-04Z1 is pre-launch, certification is in progress, and supply will run through authorised distributors after the certificates are issued. Procurement teams can prepare now with the datasheet, the certification schedule and a safe-area evaluation.
- 01
Request the datasheet
The technical specification, marking target and conditions of use, sent by email.
- 02
Ask for the certification schedule
Which certificates are in progress, in what order, and what is still to be confirmed.
- 03
Evaluate in a safe area
Evaluation units can be used for connectivity, MDM enrolment and workflow testing outside classified areas.
- 04
Register for launch
Tell us the site, zone, gas group and quantity so the right authorised distributor can contact you.
Questions · Algeria
Frequently asked questions
Can we buy an ATEX and IECEx cell phone in Algeria today?
No. Nothing can be bought or taken into a classified area today: certification is in progress and launch is planned for Q4 2026. What is available now is the datasheet, the written certification schedule and evaluation units for safe-area use.
What does an ATEX and IECEx cell phone in Algeria cost?
There is no list price yet. SAMS gives indicative pre-launch pricing in writing, against a stated quantity and site, and does not commit to a lead time before certification completes.
Is the IS-04Z1 ATEX and IECEx certified?
Not yet. Both routes are in progress with TÜV in Germany and no certificate has been issued. Any listing that says otherwise is wrong.
Which sites in Algeria does this cover?
The market guide for Algeria covers Hassi Messaoud, Ouargla, Hassi R'Mel, Laghouat, In Amenas, Illizi, In Salah, Tamanrasset, among others. Site-level pages are linked below.
How will SAMS supply Algeria?
Through authorised distributors once certificates exist. Until then SAMS can send the datasheet and certification schedule and arrange safe-area evaluation units.
What heat should devices be rated for in the Algerian Sahara?
Hassi Messaoud averages above 40 degrees Celsius for four months and above 45 degrees in July, so check the operating, charging and storage ranges on the datasheet and keep devices out of direct sun and closed vehicles. Confirm any site limits with the operator or contractor.
Should documents for Algerian field sites be in French or Arabic?
Arabic and Amazigh are the official languages, and French is also commonly used in business, so manuals and safety notices are often supplied in more than one language. Ask the operator or contractor which languages are required for permits, induction and equipment documentation.
Does the phone need Algerian radio approval as well as an Ex certificate?
Radio equipment needs homologation by ARPCE, the communications regulator, before import and use, separately from the Ex certificate. Both are in progress for the IS-04Z1 and neither is finished. Confirm the current requirement with Sonatrach or the partner handling procurement, who will also tell you whether French documentation is expected.
Related guides
Keep exploring
Related guides for Algeria and for Algeria.
Hazardous Area Mobile Phone Supplier in AlgeriaSame place, different guide
Intrinsically Safe Mobile Phone in AlgeriaSame place, different guide
Rugged Mobile Phone in AlgeriaSame place, different guide
IECEx Mobile Phone Supplier in AlgeriaSame place, different guide
Ex-Proof Mobile Phone Distributor in AlgeriaSame place, different guide
Industrial Mobile Phone Supplier in AlgeriaSame place, different guide
Algeria market guideCertification route and regulators
All guides for AlgeriaEvery route we cover
Certification statusWhat is in progress
Enquiry · Algeria
Ask about the IS-04Z1 for Algeria
Share the site details and quantity. You will get the datasheet and the certification schedule back by email; pricing is indicative only until launch.
Enquiry · Algeria
Launching Q4 2026
Planning for Algeria?
Send the zone and gas group of your site and we will reply with the datasheet and schedule.