WORLD TRADE
ORGANIZATIONG/STR/N/3/TUN
G/STR/N/4/TUNG/STR/N/5/TUN
G/STR/N/6/TUN
18 February 2002
(02-0808)
Working Party on
State Trading EnterprisesOriginal:  French
STATE TRADING
New and Full and Updating Notifications Pursuant to Article XVII:4(a)
of the GATT 1994 and Paragraph 1 of the Understanding
on the Interpretation of Article XVII
TUNISIA
The following communication, dated 27 December 2001, has been received from the
Permanent Mission of Tunisia.
_______________
A. TUNISIAN TRADE BOARD
I. STATE TRADING ENTERPRISE
A. Tunisian Trade Board (OCT)
B. Products covered:
White sugar 17019990971 Green tea 09022000008
Black tea 09024000000 Green coffee 09011100000
II. REASON FOR MAINTAINING A STATE TRADING ENTERPRISE
Under the Decree-Law of 3 April 1962, the OCT is responsible more particularly for supplying
the country with food products essentially quoted on the stock exchange.  The products are chiefly tea,
coffee and sugar.
III. DESCRIPTION OF THE FUNCTIONING OF THE ENTERPRISE
A. The OCT is responsible to the public authorities for the import of basic food products, notably
sugar, tea, coffee and occasionally other products in the case of shortages of local production.
Locally, it engages in wholesale distribution.  Retailing of these products is by private traders.
B. Since its formation in 1962 by Decree-Law No. 62-6 of 3 April 1962, the OCT has been
responsible for ensuring the country's regular supply in primary consumer goods.G/STR/N/3/TUN, G/STR/N/4/TUN,
G/STR/N/5/TUN, G/STR/N/6/TUN
Page 2
However, its role has evolved in the course of time.  Under the decree of 30 April 1989 which
established the lists of import products with fluctuating prices assigned to OCT, it gave up to the
private sector several products in which it had previously traded, such as black pepper, rice, cocoa,
green beans, etc.
This disengagement policy has accelerated with the liberalization of the national economy
and as private traders take over and master import operations.
The OCT is a State enterprise constituted as a non-administrative public establishment whose
organization and functioning were laid down by Decree-Law No. 62-6 of 3 April 1962.
It was created and is maintained to ensure a regular supply of primary consumer goods, avoid
stockouts and stabilize prices of commodities whose international prices are subject to large
fluctuations.
The Decree-Law under which it was created and is maintained provides for State control
primarily exercised through the Ministry of Trade.
C. Private traders are free to import sugar, coffee and tea, as well as the other occasional
products under current legislation.  However, owing to the financial scale of such imports, the
conditions for access to international markets, fluc tuating exchange rates and little-developed local
traditions in this area, private traders do not seem particularly attracted to the activity.
D. OCT's imports are through calls for tenders.  The tendering and procurement procedures are
subject to the competition rules set by the public procurement regulations in force.
The quantities imported are determined on the basis of estimates of annual domestic
consumption and maintaining a strategic stockpile.
E. None.F. The selling price of these products is determined by the State pursuant to Law No. 91-64 of
29 July 1991 on competition and pricing.
G. The OCT has not concluded any long-term contracts for the import of these products.
IV. STATISTICAL TABLES
See below.
V. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
The OCT also engages in the following activities:
• Promoting the commercial and industrial partnership;
• preparing various studies to improve distribution channels.G/STR/N/3/TUN, G/STR/N/4/TUN,
G/STR/N/5/TUN, G/STR/N/6/TUN
Page 3(a) Imports
1996 1997 1998 1999 HS No. Item
23452 3 4 52 3 4 5 2 3 4 5
17019990971 White sugar 200,872t 135,872t 374.29D/t 0.57D/kg 244,000t 166,000t 393.9D/t 0.57D/Kg 288,000t 187,000t 366.4D/t 0.57D/Kg - 134,843 t 309D/t 0.57D/Kg
8,618t 8,618t 2,190D/t 5D Pure 9,878t 9,878t 2,119D/t 5D Pure 8,845t 8,845t 2,306D/t 5D Pure 9,810t 9,810t 1
814D/t5D Pure
09011100000 Green
coffee8D Blended 8D Blended 8D Blended 8D Blended
09024000000 Black tea 8,746t 8,746t 1,558D/t From  3.6D
to
7.2 D/kg
dependingon the
quality*9,120t 9,120t 1,797D/t From 3.6D
to
7.2D/kg
dependingon the
quality*9,470t 9,470t - From 3.6D
to
7.2 D/kg
depending on
the quality*8,365t 8,365t - From 3.6D
to
7.2D/kg
depending o
n
the quality*
09022000008 Green tea 2,100t 2,100t 1,568D/t 3D/kg 2,500t 2,500t 1,575D/t 3D/kg 2,000t 2,000t - 3D/kg 1,801t 1,801t 3D/kg
*There are three different varieties of coffee priced according to quality.
2 = Total imports 3 = Quantity imported by the State trading enterprise 4 = Average import price
5 = Average representative domestic sales price 6 = Mark-up 7 = National production
(b) Exports:  Not applicable.
(c) Domestic activities
1996 1997 1998 1999 HS No. Item
234523452345234 5
17019990971 White sugar - 26,412t - - - 25,714t - - - 14,045t - - - 8,084t - -
2 = Domestic purchases by the State trading enterprise 3 = Nationa l production 4 = Domestic sales by the State trading enterprise
5 = National consumption
( - ):  = No domestic production / N/A.G/STR/N/3/TUN, G/STR/N/4/TUN,
G/STR/N/5/TUN, G/STR/N/6/TUN
Page 4
B. TUNISIAN PETROLEUM ENTERPRISE (ETAP )
I. STATE TRADING ENTERPRISE
A. Tunisian Petroleum Enterprise (ETAP)
B. Products covered:
Crude oil 2709009 LPG 2711191
Gas oil 2710007 Jet fuel 2710003
Fuel oil 2710006 Bitumen 2713209
Kerosene 2710003 Base stock 2710005
Natural gas 2710002
II. REASON FOR MAINTAINING A STATE TRADING ENTERPRISE
The ETAP, established under Law No. 72-22 of 10 March 1972, is responsible inter alia  for
supplying the country with petroleum products.
III. DESCRIPTION OF THE FUNCTIONING OF THE ENTERPRISE
A. ETAP imports petroleum products for the needs of the local market.  It imports petroleum
products (LPG, gas oil, jet fuel, fuel oil, bitumen, base stock, kerosene, petrols, and so forth), crudeoil, natural gas, etc.  It centralizes all imports of petroleum products to satisfy local demand not
covered by local production.
It also exports the State's share of crude oil, after meeting the STIR's refinery needs, surplus
propane and the production of condensate for the Tunisian Electricity and Gas Corporation (STEG)
and trading of the crude petroleum share of some private operators.
B. ETAP has a monopoly over the import of petroleum products, crude oil and natural gas to
supply the domestic market and an export monopoly over the State's share of crude oil.
It was created and is maintained to rebuild national oil reserves, ensure a regular supply of
energy to the country under the best possible price and security conditions and to carry out research,
provide training and intervene where necessary in any oil-related operations.
The law under which it was created and is maintained provides for State control primarily
exercised through the Ministry of Industry.
C. The Tunisian Refining Industries Corporation (STIR) exchanges certain products (fuel oil
with low sulphur content for fuel oil with high  sulphur content, naphtha for petrols, etc.).
Private operators also export their net shares of crude oil and the Tunisian Lubricants
Corporation (SOTULUB) exports grease.
D. Import levels depend on the difference between the needs of the local market for petroleum
products and local supply (output of the STIR, SOTULUB and the STEG).
ETAP is currently centralizing all importing of petroleum products so as to satisfy the needs
of the local market not covered by local production.  It groups the needs of distribution companies and
concludes contracts relying on international compet ition by calls for tenders in accordance with the
public procurement regulations in force.G/STR/N/3/TUN, G/STR/N/4/TUN,
G/STR/N/5/TUN, G/STR/N/6/TUN
Page 5
It similarly exports crude oil surplus to the needs of the STIR for the State/ETAP.  This
procedure permits continuity and security of supply, management of the country's resources, optimal
utilization of existing infrastructure, especially ports and storage, and stabilization of prices (for
products with highly volatile prices).
E.-F. Import and export prices depend on international market prices.
Prices of supply to local operators are fixed by the State, except for aviation fuel, bitumens
and base stock, which are supplied at cost plus ETAP's trading margin.
G. Import contracts are generally annual, supplemented by spot purchases, except for natural gas.
Export contracts are generally spot.
Natural gas is purchased under medium to long-term contracts (three to 23 years).
H. The Tunisian petroleum market is regulated.  Imports, exports, refining, storage, distribution
and pricing are subject to Law No. 91-45 on petroleum of 1 July 1991.G/STR/N/3/TUN, G/STR/N/4/TUN,
G/STR/N/5/TUN, G/STR/N/6/TUN
Page 6IV. STATISTICAL TABLES
(a) Imports
1996 1997 1998 1999 HS No. Item
2-3 4 5 2-3 4 5 2-3 4 5 2-3 4 5
2709009 Crude oil 921.6 21.1 21.5 913.6 19 21.4 953.1 12 21 1,071.5 19 21
2711191 LPG 195 262.6 119.9 226.6 264 124 222.17 186 119 119.4 170 147
2710007 Gas oil 750 198.5 255.1 915.7 175 253 820.38 121 253 348.9 116 252
2710003 Fuel 244.5 216.4 238.7 292 190 184 297.2 135 177 124.2 133 178
2710006 Fuel-oil 323.5 114.8 72.4 200 98 71 353.7 70 77 155.8 71 73
2713209 Bitumen 79.6 120 183.1 96.5 112 189 109.6 86 153 159 106 191
2710003 Kerosene 37.1 222.5 135.6 88.85 198 137 40.9 139 135 19.43 114 135
2710005 Base stock 31.7 362.7 363.7 36.95 318 361 34.8 317 387 35 238 307
2710002 Natural gas 1,037.2 83.5 90.8 450.32 96 90 432.13 73 90 728.74 63 90
2 = Total imports 3 = Quantity imported by the State trading enterprise 4 = Average import price
5 = Average representative domestic sales price 6 = Mark-up 7 = National production
( - ):  = N/A.
(b) Exportations
1996 1997 1998 1999 HS No. Item
2-3 4 5 6 2-3 4 5 6 2-3 4 5 6 2-3 4 5 6
2709009 Crude oil 2,109.5 - - 20.72 1,697.48 - - 18.6 1,727 - - 12 1,906.5 - - 17
Propane/
condensate37.4 - - 176.67 41 - - 177 36.58 - - 111 5.23 - - 98
2 = Total exports 3 = Quantity exported by the State trading enterprise – 4 = Average procurement price
5 = Average representative domestic sales price 6 = Average export price 7 =National production
( - ):  = N/A.G/STR/N/3/TUN, G/STR/N/4/TUN,
G/STR/N/5/TUN, G/STR/N/6/TUN
Page 7(c) Domestic activities
1996 1997 1998 1999 HS No. Item
2345234523452345
2709009 Crude oil 1,332.1 - 1,733.5 - 1,216.8 - 1,753.5 - 1,093.4 - 1,776.6 - 1,242.5 - 1,599.4 -
2711191 LPG - - 350.5 - - - 302.8 - - - 312.8 - - - 146.3 -
2710007 Gas oil - - 741.1 - - - 928 - - - 801.7 - - - 386.6 -
2710003 Fuel - - 245 - - - 280 - - - 291.1 - - - 137.6 -
2710006 Fuel oil - - 308.6 - - - 206.3 - - - 354.6 - - - 173.7 -
2713209 Bitumen - - 79.5 - - - 96.4 - - - 109.2 - - - 149.2 -
2710003 Kerosene - - 39.2 - - - 88.3 - - - 40.9 - - - 19.4 -
2710005 Base stock - - 31.7 - - - 36.8 - - - 34.8 - - - 39.9 -
2710002 Natural gas - - 1,041.4 - - - 454.1 - - - 454.9 - - - 787.8 -
2 = Domestic purchases by the State trading enterprise 3 = National production
4 = Average representative domestic sales price 5 =National consumption
( - ):  = N/A.G/STR/N/3/TUN, G/STR/N/4/TUN,
G/STR/N/5/TUN, G/STR/N/6/TUN
Page 8
C. TUNISIAN REFINING INDUSTRIES CORPORATION (STIR)
I. STATE TRADING ENTERPRISE
A. Tunisian Refining Industries Corporation (STIR)
B. Products covered:
Fuel oil 27100078991 Gas oil   27100068997
Petrol 27100029916
II. REASON FOR MAINTAINING A STATE TRADING ENTERPRISE
The STIR, established under Law No. 60-11 of 26 July 1960, is responsible for refining crude
oil to meet domestic demand for petroleum products.
III. DESCRIPTION OF THE FUNCTIONING OF THE ENTERPRISE
A. The STIR engages in the following activities:
Refining of crude oil and all industrial operations to produce liquid combustible fuels, liquid
gas and lubricants, primarily to satisfy the needs of the Tunisian domestic market;
The sale ex-refinery of finished products and by-products to distribution companies
authorized to procure from the STIR, the list of which is fixed by decree.
It exchanges petroleum products (virgin naphtha for petrol or gas oil;  fuel oil with low
sulphur content for fuel oil with high sulphur conten t) when the international market situation allows.
B. The STIR, with ETAP, is the sole supplier of petroleum products on the domestic market.
It is a State enterprise constituted as a non-administrative public establishment whose
organization and functioning were laid down by Decree No. 77-467 of 11 May 1977.
It was created and is maintained to ensure a security of supply of petroleum products to the
country.
The decree under which it was created and is maintained provides for State control primarily
exercised through the Ministry of Industry.
C. There are currently no private traders dealing in petroleum products.
D. The corporation has to satisfy local demand for petroleum products up to the limit of its
production.  Any additional supplies to cover the country's needs are imported by ETAP.
It exchanges surplus virgin naphtha for other products (petrol or gas oil) and exchanges fuel
oil with low sulphur content for fuel oil with high  sulphur content when international market prices
allow.
E. Export prices are set on the basis of calls for tenders in accordance with the public
procurement regulations in force.G/STR/N/3/TUN, G/STR/N/4/TUN,
G/STR/N/5/TUN, G/STR/N/6/TUN
Page 9
F. Prices for the supply of crude oil to the STIR and selling prices of petroleum products are
fixed by the State pursuant to Law No. 91-45 on petroleum of 1 July 1991.
G. The STIR does not negotiate long-term contracts.
H. The Tunisian petroleum market is regulated.  Imports, exports, refining, storage, distribution
and pricing are subject to Law No. 91-45 of 1 July 1991 on petroleum.G/STR/N/3/TUN, G/STR/N/4/TUN,
G/STR/N/5/TUN, G/STR/N/6/TUN
Page 10IV. STATISTICAL TABLES
(a) Imports
1996 1997 1998 1999 HS No. Item
3457345734573457
27100074193 Fuel oil 498,741t - 106D/t 643,340t 514,041t - 115D/t 649,400t 509,023t - 125.9D/t - 282,463t - 131D/t 623,066t
27100068191 Gas oil 71,778t - 310D/m3571,000t 22,874t - 320D/m3594,200t 68,108t - 357D/m3- 78 827t - 375D/m3510,800t
27100059203 Virgin
naphta50,367t - 550D/m3325,000t 201,165t - 585D/m3338,970t 79,809t - 641D/m3- 98 951t - 670D/m3363,390t
2 = Total imports 3 = Quantity imported by the State trading enterprise 4 = Average import price
5 = Average representative domestic sales price 6 = Mark-up 7 = National production
( - ):  = N/A.
(b) Exports
1996 1997 1998 1999 HS No. Item
2-3 4 5 6 2-3 4 5 6 2-3 4 5 6 2-3 4 5 6
27100074193 Fuel oil 622,923t - 106D/t - 583,683t - 124D/t - 621,391t - 125.9D/t - 527,670t - 131D/t -
27100068191 Gas oil - - - - - - - - 33,531t - 357D/t - - - - -
27100059203 Virgin
naphta51,198t - 184D/t - 223,569t - No semi-
processed
product
price- 78,591t - No semi-
processed
product
price-1 2 2 , 9 1 8 t-N o  s e m i -
processed
product
price-
2 = Total exports 3 = Quantity exported by the State trading enterprise 4 = Average procurement price
5 = Average representative domestic sales price 6 = Average export price 7 = National production
(c) Domestic activities:  N/A .G/STR/N/3/TUN, G/STR/N/4/TUN,
G/STR/N/5/TUN, G/STR/N/6/TUN
Page 11
D. NATIONAL EDIBLE OILS BOARD (ONH)
I. STATE TRADING ENTERPRISE
A. National Edible Oils Board (ONH)
B. Products covered:  Refined seed oil:
Soya 1507100 Colza   1514101
Olive oil 1509100
II. REASON FOR MAINTAINING A STATE TRADING ENTERPRISE
Under the Decree-Law of 16 October 1970, the National Edible Oils Board (ONH):
• Looks after the country's interest in maintaining exports of olive oil;
• ensures the country's supplies by imports of seed oil for consumption.
III. DESCRIPTION OF THE FUNCTIONING OF THE ENTERPRISE
A. The ONH is responsible to the State for importing seed oil for consumption at low prices
subsidized by the State.
It exports locally manufactured olive oil.It acts as a regulating body to guarantee a minimum income in the form of an advance to olive
oil producers.
It sells for export and in the domestic market the quantities of olive oil collected through
intervention.
B. Since the passing of the Law of 24 February 1994, the ONH no longer has the monopoly of
sales of edible oils which it had been granted under the Decree-Law of 16 October 1970, except for
the export of a tariff quota of 46,000 tonnes of olive oil to the European Union market, which it wasgranted exclusively under Decree No. 94-1166 of 23 May 1994.
 The ONH is a State enterprise constituted as a non-administrative public establishment whose
organization and functioning were laid dow n by Decree-Law No. 70-13 of 16 October 1970.
It was created and is maintained to execute the State policy for the supply to the country of
seed oil (products of prime necessity subject to a consumer subsidy) and to guarantee a minimumincome to olive oil producers, a sector of great social and economic importance to Tunisia.
 The Decree-Law under which it was created and is maintained provides for State control
exercised through the Ministry of Agriculture.
C. Under Decree-Law No. 94-37 of 24 February 1994, private traders may engage in the sale of
edible oils.
Edible oils may be freely traded both for export and on the domestic market, except for the
export quota to the European Union allocated to the ONH.G/STR/N/3/TUN, G/STR/N/4/TUN,
G/STR/N/5/TUN, G/STR/N/6/TUN
Page 12
The import of edible oils is also free.
D. For seed oils, import volumes are not fixed a priori.  The ONH resorts to imports which allow
it to achieve its objective of ensuring a regular supply.
Purchases are effected through international calls for tenders.  The tendering and procurement
procedures comply with the competition rules u nder the public procurement regulations in force.
E. Export prices for olive oil are fixed in relation to the international market.F. The price of olive oil is fixed by the State for each olive oil season based on the cost of
production and market conditions.  An intervention (minimum) price is guaranteed to oil producers.
The price is paid by the ONH in the form of an advance to producers.
Refined seed oil, as a product eligible for consumer subsidy, is sold to consumers at reduced
prices.
These prices are fixed by the State pursuant to Law No. 91-64 of 29 July 1991 on competition
and pricing.
G. The contracts negotiated are short-term commercial contracts.H. The oil market is a market where both pro duction and distribution prices are regulated.
Imports and exports are free.G/STR/N/3/TUN, G/STR/N/4/TUN,
G/STR/N/5/TUN, G/STR/N/6/TUN
Page 13IV. STATISTICAL TABLES
(a) Imports
1995/96 1996/97 1997/98 1998/99 HS No. Item
2345 23 4 5 2 345234 5
1507100
1514101Crude seed oil
(soya,/
colza)- 172,450t 572.3D/t 432D/t - 143,275t 590.5D/t 472.8D/t - 161,547t 721.6D/t 515.9D/t - 164,651t 627D/t 530D/t
2 = Total imports 3 = Quantity imported by the State trading enterprise 4 = Average import price
5 = Average representative domestic sales price 6 = Mark-up 7 = National production
( - ):  = N/A
(b) Exportations
1995/96 1996/97 1997/98 1998/99 HS No. Item
3456 34 5 6 3 456345 6
1509100 Olive oil 26,850t 2,528D/t 3,013D/t 4,130D/t 57,929t 1,667D/t 1,998D/t 2,368D/t 92,005t 1,519D/t 1,858D/t 1,709D/t 76 971t 1,857D/t 1,8 10D/t 2,362D/t
2 = Total exports 3 = Quantity exported by the State trading enterprise 4 = Average procurement price
5 = Average representative domestic sales price 6 = Average export price 7 = National production
(c) Domestic activities
1995/96 1996/97 1997/98 1998/99 HS No. Item
2345 23 4 5 2 345234 5
1514101 Crude seed oil 809t 809t 2 770t - 664t 664t 2,529t - 377t 337t 2,338t - 396t 396t 839t -
1509100 Refined seed oil - - 163,442t - - - 144,284t - - - 151,820t - - - 152,061t -
1509100 Olive oil 25,768t 70,000t 198t - 177,126t 310,000t 1,094t - 42,460t 95,000t 1,691t - 10,986t 180,000t 186t -
2 = Domestic purchases by the State trading enterprise 3 = National production 4 = Average representative domestic sales price
5 = National consumption
( - ):  = N/AG/STR/N/3/TUN, G/STR/N/4/TUN,
G/STR/N/5/TUN, G/STR/N/6/TUN
Page 14
E. NATIONAL ALCOHOL AGENCY
I. STATE TRADING ENTERPRISE
A. National Alcohol Agency (RNA)
B. Products covered:
Extra-fine rectified alcohol 22072000191
Absolute alcohol 22072000191
Non-rectified alcohol 22072000113
Phlegma
Lees 23070090003
II. REASON FOR MAINTAINING A STATE TRADING ENTERPRISE
Under the Decree of 20 November 1927, the National Alcohol Agency is a State corporation
responsible for operating the alcohol sector in Tunisia.
III. DESCRIPTION OF THE FUNCTIONING OF THE ENTERPRISE
A. The Alcohol Agency imports alcohol, purchases  local production and sells alcohol for all
purposes.
B. Under Article 44 of Finance Law No. 74-101 of 31 December 1974, the Alcohol Agency is
responsible for operating the alcohol monopoly (non-rectified ethyl alcohol of 80 per cent by volume
or more) under the Decree of 20 November 1927 as amended, for the benefit of the State.
The monopoly covers the purchase of local production, import and return for all uses
(Articles 1 to 3 of the Decree).
However, Article 4 of the above-mentioned decree, as amended by Law No. 59-113 of
28 September 1959, provides that general or specific derogations to the prohibitions laid down inArticle 3 may be granted by the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Trade by decree or individual
authorization as applicable.
The Alcohol Agency enjoys a fiscal advantage in paying a minimum customs duty of 20 per
cent.
It is a State enterprise constituted as a non-administrative public establishment whose
organization and functioning were laid down by Law No. 74-101 of 31 December 1974 and Decree
No. 88-68 of 18 January 1988.
It was created and is maintained to exploit a strategic monopoly product which can have an
impact on public health, security, taxation, etc.
Maintaining the State enterprise allows the Administration to control distribution chains,
adjust prices and duties according to the intended use of the product, eradicate fraud and misuse by
strict application of the various rectification processes.
The legislation under which it was created and is maintained provides for State control
exercised through the Ministry of Finance.G/STR/N/3/TUN, G/STR/N/4/TUN,
G/STR/N/5/TUN, G/STR/N/6/TUN
Page 15
C. Private traders may import alcohol under the general or special derogations provided for in
Article 94 of the Decree of 20 Novemb er 1927, as amended by Law No. 59-113 of
28 September 1959.
D. The quantity imported is determined in relation to local production and the needs of the
market.
E. Not applicable.F. The Alcohol Agency's selling prices for all uses are fixed by the State.G. The Agency does not negotiate long-term contracts.G/STR/N/3/TUN, G/STR/N/4/TUN,
G/STR/N/5/TUN, G/STR/N/6/TUN
Page 16IV. STATISTICAL TABLES
(a) Imports
1996 1997 1998 1999 HS No. Item
2-3 4 5 6 2-3 4 5 6 2-3 4 5 6 2-3 4 5 6
22072000191 Extra fine
rectified
alcohol9,870hl 53.8 133 66.4 - - 133 - 10,182hl 57.7 133 61.6 10,500hl 43.8 133 78.3
22072000191 Absolute
alcohol1,982hl 64.2 145 64.6 1,982hl 69.7 145 57.6 3,983hl 69.1 145 58.4 5,323hl 63.9 145 64.8
22072000113 Non-rectified
alcohol- - 69 - 24,432hl 43.6 69 15.1 - - 69 - 12,280hl 36.8 69 30.6
Preegma 11,019hl 46.4 - - 10,393hl 45.2 - - 12,103hl 43.5 - - 24,051hl 36.4 - -
2 = Total imports 3 = Quantity imported by the State trading enterprise 4 = Average import price
5 = Average representative domestic sales price 6 = Mark-up 7 = National production
( - ):  = N/A
(b) Exports
1996 1997 1998 1999 HS No. Item
2-3 4 5 6 2-3 4 5 6 2-3 4 5 6 2-3 4 5 6
23070090003 Lees 50.7t - - 1,051.7 33.9t - - 1,068.5 49.7t - - 1,172.8 63.1t - - 1,105.4
2 = Total exports 3 = Quantity exported by the State trading enterprise 4 = Average procurement price
5 = Average representative domestic sales price 6 = Average export price 7 = National production
(c) Domestic activities
1996 1997 1998 1999 HS No. Item
2 3 4-5 2 3 4-5 2 3 4-5 2 3 4-5
22072000191 Extra-fine rectified
alcohol- 4,923hl 20,752hl - 1,530hl 22,833hl - 1,942hl 23,144hl - 1,742hl 25,144hl
22072000191 Absolute alcohol - 639hl 2,286hl - 258hl 2,832hl - - 3,781hl - - 3,902hl
22072000113 Non-rectified alcohol - - 9,607hl - 9,699hl - 390hl 9,812hl - 372hl 10,665hl
2 = Domestic purchases by the State trading enterprise 3 = National production 4 = Average representative domestic sales price
5 = National consumption
( - ):  = N/AG/STR/N/3/TUN, G/STR/N/4/TUN,
G/STR/N/5/TUN, G/STR/N/6/TUN
Page 17
F. PASTEUR INSTITUTE OF TUNIS (IPT)
I. STATE TRADING ENTERPRISE
A. Pasteur Institute of Tunis (IPT)
II. REASON FOR MAINTAINING A STATE TRADING ENTERPRISE
State corporation for medical research and production and control of serums and vaccines.
The Pasteur Institute's monopoly is exercised under Law No. 58-35 of 15 March 1958.The Institute ensures that the country is regula rly supplied with vaccines, serums and allergens.
III. DESCRIPTION OF THE FUNCTIONING OF THE ENTERPRISE
A. The IPT has a monopoly over the import of serums, allergens and vaccines for human use and
vaccines for veterinary use, of which 80 per cent of consumption is reserved for the public sector(Ministry of Public Health, Ministry of Agricultur e, Ministry of National Defence, Ministry of the
Interior) responsible for carrying out national vaccination programmes.
Consumption of vaccines in the private sector remains marginal (30 per cent) compared with
consumption by State bodies (70 per cent).
The IPT is also responsible for controlling the sale, use and import of vaccines into the
country to avoid a heterogeneous range of vaccines available on the market which might upset the
balance of health in the country.  This particularly applies to vaccines for veterinary use.
The IPT's initial task is based on vaccine research and production.
B. The IPT was granted the monopoly of import of vaccines, serums and allergens because of its
technical expertise by Law No. 87-20 of 18 May 1987, supplementing Law No. 58-35 of
15 March 1958 regulating the Pasteur Institute of Tunis.
The monopoly granted to the IPT is an integral part of the country's overall preventive health
care policy.
The IPT is a State institution for medical research and production and control of serums and
vaccines.  Its commercial activity is confined to exercising the monopoly of import of serums and
vaccines.
Its activities and functions are established in accordance with the organizational structure
adopted in 1995 by its Board of Directors.
The Law under which it was created and is maintained provides for State control exercised
primarily through the Ministry of Health.
C. No other public or private body  imports biological products.
D. The volume of imports is determined as follows:G/STR/N/3/TUN, G/STR/N/4/TUN,
G/STR/N/5/TUN, G/STR/N/6/TUN
Page 18
For the public sector:  The IPT takes as a basis the needs indicated by public bodies
responsible for carrying out national vaccination programmes (Ministry of Public Health, Ministry of
Agriculture, Ministry of National Defence).
For the private sector:  The IPT takes as a basis statistics of prior sales to private distributors
(chemists) representative of national vaccine sales in the private sector.
The technical specifications of the imported items are defined by specialist technical
committees whose role is to identify and determine national needs in terms of quality and quantity.
E. Export prices are fixed by the parties concerned.
F. Prices of imported products are calculated on a base of 100, the import price expressed in
Tunisian dinars multiplied by a coefficient of 1.56 (covering duties, taxes and the IPT's margin) for
serums, vaccines and allergens.
Selling prices to the public (hospitals) and wholesale distributing chemists, chemists and end-
consumers are determined in accordance with the specific legal margins for each category to which
the product is supplied.
Sales receipts cover foreign purchases of the same products.  The net margin is included in
the IPT's operating budget to carry out its other tasks fixed by Law No. 58-35 of 15 March 1958,i.e. public health, research and training.
G. The procurement methods are based on an international consultation procedure with vaccine
manufacturers, mainly in Europe and North America.
Procurement contracts concluded in the context of such international consultations are fixed
for a short term and subject to Tunisian regulations on public procurement.
IV. STATISTICAL TABLES
(a) Imports
(Value:  Dinars)
HS No. Item 1997 1998 1999
Serums and vaccines for human
use5,930,541 4,937,440 6,754,836
Vaccines for veterinary use 2,136,346 2,460,513 3,369,139
Allergens 667,726 669,417 773,366
(b) Exports :  Not applicable.
(c) Domestic activities
(Value:  Millions of Dinars)
HS No. Item 1997 1998 1999
Serums and vaccines, for human use 309,401 442,868 152,565
Vaccines for veterinary use 69,651 110,157 115,565G/STR/N/3/TUN, G/STR/N/4/TUN,
G/STR/N/5/TUN, G/STR/N/6/TUN
Page 19
G. TUNISIAN CENTRAL PHARMACY
I. STATE TRADING ENTERPRISE
A. Tunisian Central Pharmacy (PCT).
II. REASON FOR MAINTAINING A STATE TRADING ENTERPRISE
The PCT, established and organized under th e Decree-Law of 16 January 1961, as amended by
the Law of 26 November 1990 and the Decree of 20 April 1991, is responsible for:
• Regular supply of the Tunisian market with medicaments and pharmaceuticals;
• covering the population's normal consumption of such products;
• better competition and competitive prices by means of group purchasing.
III. DESCRIPTION OF THE FUNCTIONING OF THE ENTERPRISE
A. The PCT deals chiefly with imports of the medicaments and pharmaceuticals listed in
Chapter 30.
It engages in importing specifically for re-export (ex-wharf delivery) on behalf of
international trading companies.
B. The State monopoly for the import of medicaments was assigned to the PCT by Law
No. 90-105 of 26 November 1990.
The PCT also distributes medicaments and pharmaceuticals to wholesale distributors and
dispensing chemists and delivers the medicaments to their sales outlets at the same price.
It is the exclusive supplier of the hospital sector.
The Tunisian Central Pharmacy is a State enterprise constituted as a non-administrative
public establishment whose organization and functioning were laid down by Law No. 90-105 of
26 November 1990 and Decree No. 91-555 of 20 April 1991.
It was created and is maintained to ensure a regular supply of the Tunisian market, to avoid
stockouts of medicaments and to form a strategic stockpile to cover three months' normal usage, and
to offer Tunisian consumers the same prices throughout the country.
The law under which it was created and is maintained provides for State control primarily
exercised through the Ministry of Public Health.
C. There are no private imports of medicaments and pharmaceuticals covered by the PCT's
monopoly.
D. Procurement methods
The PCT purchases by:
• International calls for tenders;G/STR/N/3/TUN, G/STR/N/4/TUN,
G/STR/N/5/TUN, G/STR/N/6/TUN
Page 20
• negotiated purchase for special pharmaceutical dispensary products;
• two-year or three-year agreements (framework contracts).
The volume of imports is determined by normal domestic consumption to satisfy demand, to
form three-months' strategic stocks and to replenish stocks in the case of excess consumption, delaysin delivery, etc.
E. Export prices are fixed by agreement between the parties concerned.F. The price of medicaments is fixed by the State.  Price increases are set by decision of the
ministries concerned.
The margins for each item for sale are also fixed by decision of the ministries concerned.In this way, domestic retail prices are homogeneous and identical throughout the country.For the hospital sector, medicaments are supplied at cost plus the PCT's margin.
G. The PCT has to negotiate long-term contracts for the same price over a fixed period or for the
same price, plus a percentage increase negotiated and agreed under negotiated purchase or calls for
tenders when the price is advantageous and can be held for more than a year.  This procedure is
intended to stabilize prices and procurement, especially of medicaments for the chronically sick.
H. The Tunisian medicaments and pharmaceuticals market is regulated to take account of the
related social aspects and the modest level of local production.
IV. STATISTICAL TABLE
(a)-(b) Imports/Exports
(Value:  Millions of Dinars)
1996 1997 1998 1999 HS No. Item
Imports Exports Imports Exports Imports Exports Imports Exports
Officinal
preparations96.8 - 121.7 - 115 - 120.5 -
Hospital
preparations45.7 - 44.1 - 49.4 - 56.1 -
Total 142.5 2.8 165.8 10.8 164.4 8.7 176.6 0.7
(-) = N/A.
(c) Domestic activities:  N/AG/STR/N/3/TUN, G/STR/N/4/TUN,
G/STR/N/5/TUN, G/STR/N/6/TUN
Page 21
H. GRAIN BOARD
I. STATE TRADING ENTERPRISE
A. Grain Board
B. Products covered:
Durum wheat 1001000093
Common wheat 10019099016
Barley 10030090008
II. REASONS FOR MAINTAINING A STATE TRADING ENTERPRISE
Under the Decree-Law of 3 April 1962, the Grain Board ensures that the country is properly
supplied with grains.
III. DESCRIPTION OF THE FUNCTIONING OF THE ENTERPRISE
A. The Grain Board has a monopoly over the impor t of durum wheat, common wheat and barley.
It also executes State policy for the development of cereal production.  In this connection, it
purchases durum wheat and common wheat on the local market at prices fixed by the Government.  Itacts as a regulating body for barley.  Its sales of both local and imported products, are at reduced
prices fixed by the Government to ensure low prices to the consumer.
B. The monopoly to import cereals was assigned to the Grain Board by the Decree-Law of
3 April 1962.
It has the sole right to purchase durum wheat and common wheat on the local market at the
intervention price fixed by the Government.
The Grain Board is a State enterprise constituted as a non-administrative public establishment
whose organization and functioning were laid down by the Decree-Law of 3 April 1962.
It was created and is maintained to ensure a regular supply to the country at the best price, to
ensure a security stockpile and to implement the State policy of guaranteeing a minimum income for
cereal growers.
The Decree-Law under which it was created and is maintained provides for State control
exercised through the Ministry of Agriculture.
C. Private traders may import cereals on behalf of the Grain Board.D. The volume of imports is not fixed.  The Grain Board resorts to imports to achieve its
objective of ensuring regular supply at the best price.
E. Not applicable.F. Import prices are the result of commercial negotiation between traders.  The resale prices of
imported products are the same as for local products.  The prices are fixed taking into account the
reduced prices of finished products to the consumer under a State consumer subsidy.G/STR/N/3/TUN, G/STR/N/4/TUN,
G/STR/N/5/TUN, G/STR/N/6/TUN
Page 22
G. Contracts negotiated are short-term commercial contracts.
H. The Tunisian cereals market is a regulated market, especially with regard to consumer prices,
which are subsidized by the State in view of the social aspects of cereal production and consumption.G/STR/N/3/TUN, G/STR/N/4/TUN,
G/STR/N/5/TUN, G/STR/N/6/TUN
Page 23IV. STATISTICAL TABLES
(a) Imports
1996 1997 1998 1999 HS No. Item
2 - 34 52 - 34 52 - 34 52 - 34 5
10011000093 Durum wheat 206t 265.5 150.4 239t 227.52 170 393t 229.4 190 238.6t 155.8 195
10019099016 Common wheat 633t 203.4 127.6 803t 161.8 157 783t 129 177 719t 113 185
10030090008 Barley 29.t 159.7 190 273t 140.6 190 139t 81.9 190 209t 90.2 190
2 = Total imports 3 = Quantity imported by the State trading enterprise 4 = Average import price
5 = Average representative domestic sales price 6 = Mark-up 7 = National production
(b) Exports:  Not applicable.
(c) Domestic activities
1996 1997 1998 1999 HS No. Item
2345234523452345
10011000093 Durum
wheat497 1,706 578 916 255 723 666 959 374 1,090 733 962 450 706 604 923
10019099016 Common
wheat67 312 779 894 40 162 811 896 65 263 821 912 97 136 800 943
10030090008 Barley 140 835 194 196 6 160 274 319 34 3,028 269 278 30 241 198 228
2 = Domestic purchases by the State trading enterprise 3 = National production
4 = Average representative domestic sales price 5 = National consumptionG/STR/N/3/TUN, G/STR/N/4/TUN,
G/STR/N/5/TUN, G/STR/N/6/TUN
Page 24
I. NATIONAL TOBACCO AND MATCHES AGENCY (RNTA )
I. STATE TRADING ENTERPRISE
A. National Tobacco and Matches Agency (RNTA)
B. Products covered:
Cigarettes 240220
Cigars 240210
Pipe tobacco and tumbak 240399
Gunpowder 360100
Playing cards 950440Matches 360500
Snuff 240399
Leaf tobacco 240110
II. REASON FOR MAINTAINING A STATE TRADING ENTERPRISE
The National Tobacco and Matches Agency has the monopoly on marketing tobacco under
Law No. 64-57 of 28 December 1964.
III. DESCRIPTION OF THE FUNCTIONING OF THE ENTERPRISE
A. The RNTA grows tobacco, imports leaf tobacco, cigarettes, cigars and pipe tobacco,
manufactures cigarettes, cigars, snuff and pipe tobacco, buys and sells matches, playing cards and
gunpowder and exports leaf tobacco (snuff and smoking tobacco), cigarettes and snuff.
It distributes its products on the domestic market.
B. Under Law No. 64-57 of 28 December 1964, the RNTA is responsible for operating the fiscal
monopoly over tobacco, matches, playing cards and any other product assigned by the State for the
benefit of the State.
Since 1981, the RNTA has exercised the activity in conjunction with the Kairouan Tobacco
Factory (MTK).
It is a State enterprise constituted as a non-administrative public establishment whose
organization and functioning were laid down by Law No. 64-57 of 28 December 1964.
It was created and is maintained to collect taxes, reduce unemployment (source of income for
14,000 tobacco farmers, especially in deprived  areas of Tunisia) and guarantee gunpowder
transactions.
The legislation under which it was created and is maintained provides for State control
exercised through the Ministry of Finance.
C. Since 1981, together with the MTK, the RNTA has had a State monopoly over the import of
cigarettes, cigars and tobacco, and the distribution of products manufactured locally by private traders
(matches, local cigarettes, playing cards).
It has the monopoly of distribution of gunpowde r and production and distribution of snuff.G/STR/N/3/TUN, G/STR/N/4/TUN,
G/STR/N/5/TUN, G/STR/N/6/TUN
Page 25
D. RNTA imports through calls for tenders.  The tendering and procurement procedures comply
with the competition rules laid down in the public procurement regulations in force.
The quantities imported are determined by the level of demand in the local market and prices
on the international market.
E. Export prices are fixed by contract between the parties concerned.F. Selling prices of products marketed by the RNTA are fixed by the State.  The selling price to
the public is made up of the RNTA selling price, domestic taxes, a specific surcharge composed of a
fiscal duty and the distribution margin of tobacco outlets.  The specific surcharge and other taxes are
paid to the State.
G. The RNTA does not negotiate long-term contracts.G/STR/N/3/TUN, G/STR/N/4/TUN,
G/STR/N/5/TUN, G/STR/N/6/TUN
Page 26IV. STATISTICAL TABLES
(a) Imports
1996 1997 1998 1999 HS No. Item
23 45 23 45 2 3 4 5 2 3 4 5
240220 Cigarettes VM
manufactured- 112,938,500
packets0.233TD 1.300TD - 140,201,000
packets0.239TD 1,300TD - 181,703,351
packets0.247TD 1.400TD - 155,000 968
packets0.243TD 1.400T D
240210 Cigars - 126,000
cigars-2 1 0 , 0 0 0
cigars- 200,000
cigars-1 8 2 , 0 0 0
cigars
240220 Foreign
cigarettes*-9,158,490
packets0.587TD 2,350TD - 10,160,760
packets0.662TD 2,350TD - 8,626,000
packets0.691TD 2.500TD - 10,396,500
packets0.707TD 2.500T D
240339 Pipe tobacco
and tumbak-4 8 4 , 9 6 0
packets0.280TD 2,230TD - 99,960
packets0.280TD 2,230TD - 169,938
packets0.280TD 2.400TD - 16,000
packets0.280TD 2.400T D
360100 Gun powder - - 10t - 5t - 10t
950440 Playing cards - - - - - -
360500 Matches - - - - 15,000,000
boxes-
* The average prices in columns 4 and 5 concern only French and American cigarettes, which account for 90 per cent of foreign c igarette sales on the Tunisian market.
2 = Total imports 3 = Quantity imported by the State trading enterprise 4 = Average import price
5 = Average representative domestic sales price 6 = Mark-up 7 = National production
( - ):  = N/A
(b) Exports
1996 1997 1998 1999 HS No. Item
2-3 4 5 6 2-3 4 5 6 2-3 4 5 6 2-3 4 5 6
240110 Neffa
(sachets)1,344 000 - - 102.34FF
(10 sachets)1,248 000 - - 112.57FF
(10 sachets)1,440,000 - - 115.99FF
(10 sachets)1,248,000 - - 127.9FF
(10 sachets)
240110 Leaf tobacco
(tonnes)416 - - 2$EU/kg 509 - - 2$EU/kg 491 - - 2$EU/kg 992 - - 2$EU/kg
2 = Total exports 3 = Quantity exported by the State trading enterprise 4 = Average procurement price
5 = Average representative domestic sales price 6 = Average export price 7 = National production
( - ):  = N/AG/STR/N/3/TUN, G/STR/N/4/TUN,
G/STR/N/5/TUN, G/STR/N/6/TUN
Page 27(c) Domestic activities
1996 1997 1998 1999 HS No. Item
2 3 45 2 3 4 5 23 45 23 4 5
240220 Plain cigarettes - 19,038,500
packets23,472,879
packets- - 15,229,500
packets16,970,522
packets- - 13,316,000
packets14,653,080
packets- - 10,062,500
packets9,702,211
packets-
240210 Cigars - 163,275
cigars- - 440,345
cigars- - 167,020
cigars281,740
cigars- - 119,062
cigars318,317
cigars-
240220 Filter-tipped
cigarettes- 208,860,500
packets368,516,935
packets- - 219,420,000
packets387,373,868
packets- - 213,542,455
packets404,710,419
packets- - 236,418,240
packets410,132,341
packets-
240339 Pipe tobacco and
mu'essel-- 401,855
packets-- - 265,865
packets-- - 138,072
packets-- - 42,880
packets-
360100 Gun powder - - 11,404t - - - 11,353t - - - 10,236t - - - 16,629t -
950440 Playing cards - - 4,421,440
packs- - - 5,084,400
packs- - - 4,787,954
packs- - - 4,734,110
packs-
360500 Matches - - 120,345,041
boxes- - - 109,472,025
boxes- - - 93,869,114
boxes- - - 69,881,504
boxes-
240110 Snuff - 46,231,000
sachets44,946,369
sachets-- 36,694,800
sachets41,392,120
sachets-- 45,009,600
sachets40,830,210
sachets-- 39,464,400
sachets41,304,640
sachets-
2 = Domestic purchases by the State trading enterprise 3 = National production 4 = Average representative domestic sales price
5 = National consumption
( - ):  = N/A
__________