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.
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. Buyers searching for an Ex-proof cell phone supplier for Algeria can take the datasheet and the certification schedule for the IS-04Z1 now; supply follows certification.
Pre-launch · certification in progress · Launching Q4 2026
Short answer. An Ex-proof 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.
Where things stand: the IS-04Z1 has not launched, and none of its four certification routes has produced a certificate yet. Operator approval runs on its own timeline. Certification status. Place facts reviewed October 2026.
| Check | What to look for | IS-04Z1 today |
|---|---|---|
| Ex marking | Group, category, protection concept, gas group, temperature class | II 2 G Ex ib IIC T4 (target) |
| Gas group | IIA, IIB or IIC matched to the area drawing | IIC (target) |
| Temperature class | T-class below the ignition temperature of the gas | T4, 135 °C (target) |
| Where it applies | Algeria: Arzew and Bethioua, Oran, Skikda, Hassi Messaoud, Ouargla | Classified by the site operator |

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.
The main operators, industrial areas and sites that the SAMS Algeria market guide covers.
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.
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.
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's official languages are Arabic and Amazigh, so site signage, permits and training material may need translation or bilingual versions for local crews.
“Ex-proof” is shorthand for equipment carrying an explosion-protection marking (the Ex mark) that matches the area it enters. The marking states the protection concept, gas or dust group and temperature class, and it must be backed by a certificate issued by a recognised body, so a phone described as Ex-proof should come with a certificate number you can check.
The IS-04Z1 is designed to carry the marking II 2 G Ex ib IIC T4. That is a target: certification is in progress, no certificate has been issued, and SAMS will publish the certificate numbers when they exist.
In Algeria. A marking check at an Algerian plant would read the full string on the certificate. Hydrocarbon service here is mostly Group IIA, with IIB on some process units, so the target of II 2 G Ex ib IIC T4 would sit above those groups. The checker would compare gas group, temperature class and the ambient range stated, using the operator's area drawings.
Supply of the IS-04Z1 to Algeria starts only after certification, through authorised distributors. Until then a buyer can request the datasheet and the written certification schedule, and arrange a safe-area evaluation unit, which puts the site on the list for the right local channel at launch.
The technical specification, marking target and conditions of use, sent by email.
Which certificates are in progress, in what order, and what is still to be confirmed.
Evaluation units can be used for connectivity, MDM enrolment and workflow testing outside classified areas.
Tell us the site, zone, gas group and quantity so the right authorised distributor can contact you.
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.
SAMS has not published a price. Any figure you are offered for an uncertified Ex phone should be treated with caution; written indicative pricing is available for a defined quantity and site.
The marking target is II 2 G Ex ib IIC T4. It becomes a marking only when the certificate is issued; until then it is a design target.
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.
Through authorised distributors once certificates exist. Until then SAMS can send the datasheet and certification schedule and arrange safe-area evaluation units.
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.
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.
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.
More on Algeria, and on other places in Algeria.
Send the site, zone and gas group and roughly how many handsets. We reply by email with the datasheet and the certification schedule.
Send the zone and gas group of your site and we will reply with the datasheet and schedule.