Exporting from Syria to Tunisia
The agreement that applies, the expected duty, and what each side asks for — for factories in Syria selling to buyers in Tunisia.
Send a certificate of origin with the shipment to claim the preference.
VAT — Tunisia: 19% VAT (reduced 13% and 7%)
Greater Arab Free Trade Area (GAFTA / PAFTA)
- 0% customs duty
Arab-origin goods traded between members are fully exempt from customs duties and charges with equivalent effect, for both industrial and agricultural products.
Source ↗ - No non-tariff barriers, with set exceptions
Members may not apply non-tariff barriers to each other's goods, except for religious, health, security and environmental reasons. A few farm products can also be excluded temporarily during local harvest seasons (the agricultural calendar).
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Exceptions
- Syria: suspended 2011–2023
Syria's Arab League membership was suspended in 2011 and restored in May 2023, and trade with Syria was badly disrupted in between. Check Syria's current tariffs, payment channels and any sanctions before relying on GAFTA treatment.
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⚠ Before you trade
- Frequent import-financing changes
The Central Bank has tightened rules on financing non-essential imports several times (most recently March 2026). Check with the buyer's bank which list your product is on before agreeing payment terms.
Source ↗ - Sanctions mostly lifted – some limits remain
The UK (April 2025) and EU (May 2025) lifted most economic sanctions; the US ended its Syria sanctions programme from 1 July 2025, repealed the Caesar Act in December 2025 and removed the terrorism-sponsor listing on 24 August 2026. Sanctions on listed persons remain, and some US-origin items still need export licences.
Source ↗ - Banking and payments are still difficult
Syrian banks are cautious: expect delays, extra due-diligence questions and transfer limits, and correspondent banking is limited. Screen your buyer against sanctions lists, use secure payment terms, and consider euro or regional-currency channels.
Source ↗ - Rules change often
Customs law, tariff, import lists and the authorities themselves changed in 2025–2026 and are still being updated. Always confirm current requirements with a licensed Syrian clearing agent before shipping.
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Importing into Tunisia
- Free import and import authorisations
Most goods are imported freely; the importer needs a customs code. Goods excluded from the free regime need an import authorisation from the Ministry of Trade, valid 12 months, before the goods arrive.
Source ↗ - Technical control at import (Lists A, B, C)
Many products are under technical control run by the Ministry of Trade: List A is checked shipment by shipment (with possible sampling), List B needs a conformity certificate from the country of origin, List C must meet a specification (cahier des charges). Tunisian standards are set by INNORPI.
Source ↗ - Prior control on some consumer goods (2022)
Since 17 October 2022 a list of products can only be imported directly from the producing factory, which must be registered with documents such as its legal status, quality system proof and a certificate of free sale. Raw materials for industry and spare parts are exempt.
Source ↗ - Bank financing of non-priority imports
Under Central Bank circular 2026-04 (March 2026), banks may finance non-priority imports only if the importer first deposits 100% of the value from its own funds. Foreign currency is paid only after documents prove the goods were shipped to Tunisia.
Source ↗ - TTN single window
The Tunisie TradeNet (TTN) electronic single window ("liasse unique") handles import and export authorisations, domiciliation of the commercial invoice with the bank and the customs declaration, linking traders with all agencies involved.
Source ↗ - Documents, origin and Arabic labels
Typical documents: commercial invoice domiciled with an approved bank, certificate of origin, packing list, bill of lading and a technical notice. A valid preferential certificate of origin is needed to claim GAFTA or other FTA rates. Arabic is mandatory on food labels.
Source ↗ - Duties on Turkish goods
Under the December 2023 revision of the Tunisia–Turkey FTA, Turkish industrial goods that are also made in Tunisia pay customs duties of about 27%–37.5% for five years. Turkey granted Tunisia duty-free quotas in return.
Source ↗ - Banned and restricted goods
Narcotics and pornographic items are banned. Explosives and military or security equipment are only allowed under licence.
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