Equipment and machinery brought into Algeria temporarily for a specific project or exhibition are exempt from payment of customs duties and taxes.  This exemption and approval, however, is limited to the specified event or purpose.  Foreign companies are strongly advised to secure written permission from Algerian customs authorities before moving equipment or parts to a new location inside Algeria.  To obtain waivers, importers must fill out a customs form and present it to the authorities when the goods are reexported.  In January 1998, Algeria ratified the Istanbul Convention on temporary entry through presidential decree No 98-03.