Exporting from Turkey to Tunisia
The agreement that applies, the expected duty, and what each side asks for — for factories in Turkey 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%)
Turkey–Tunisia Free Trade Agreement
- Duty-free industrial goods
Most originating industrial goods trade duty-free, apart from the Turkish products covered by Tunisia's 2024 temporary duties.
Source ↗ - Duty-free quotas for Tunisian farm goods
Under the 2023 revision Turkey grants annual duty-free quotas for some Tunisian agricultural exports.
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Exceptions
- Tunisia's temporary duties from 2024
Since 1 January 2024 Tunisia charges 27% to 37.5% (about 75% of its normal MFN rates) on Turkish industrial goods that have local equivalents, for a limited period with gradual phase-out. Check the current rate for your product.
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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 ↗ - Additional duties change often
The additional customs duty decision was amended several times in 2025 alone. Check the current İGV rate for your HS code and origin on the Ministry of Trade site before signing a contract.
Source ↗ - Partners re-imposed duties on Turkish goods
Turkish exporters should note that Morocco (2020) and Tunisia (2023) amended their FTAs to charge duties again on many Turkish industrial goods, especially textiles and clothing. Check the buyer country's current rate before quoting.
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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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