Import & Export in Tunisia

Tunisia has always shown a strong interest in simplifying trade and investment legislation. It has made it an essential element of its economic policy, through the implementation of an Export Development Program.
The aforementioned program has seen the strengthening of technical control and risk management procedures, the simplification and modernization of customs procedures, the simplification of the administrative procedure, as well as the development of facilities in the transport and logistics sector. This program was implemented by the Tunisian government in collaboration with the World Bank and makes Tunisia an extremely fertile ground for investments. Today, Tunisia is linked by trade agreements with over 50 countries in the African free trade region, both bilaterally, regionally and multilaterally. Thus, once a good has been imported into the Tunisian country, it will be possible to re-import it into numerous African states without the need to pay duties. Furthermore, in 1995 Tunisia entered into an agreement with the European Union, followed by a series of subsequent agreements, which led to the creation of a vast free trade area with the old continent as well. A prerequisite is the certificate that certifies the origin of the product in one of the EU countries.
On 1 January 2008, Tunisia fully entered the free trade area for industrial products, while negotiations for the liberalization of the agricultural sector and services are currently underway. This agreement certainly had a positive impact on the country's economy and stimulated an increase in the competitiveness of businesses and an acceleration in trade. However, there is a list of products that are not exempt from customs tariffs: yogurt, pasta, biscuits, mineral water, carpets, hand-woven fabrics. Finally, it is necessary to acquire an import license for all those products which are directly and successfully produced in Tunisia.