WORLD TRADE
ORGANIZATIONG/STR/N/7/TUN
G/STR/N/8/TUN
25 July 2003
(03-3984)
Working Party on State Trading Enterprises Original:  French
STATE TRADING
New and Full and Updating Notification 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 29 April 2003, has been received from the Permanent
Mission of Tunisia.
_______________
The Permanent Mission of Tunisia in Geneva pres ents its compliments to the Secretariat of the
World Trade Organization and has the honour to att ach herewith Tunisia's notifications for 2000 and
2001 concerning state trading enterprises, pursuant to the provisions of Article XVII:4(a) of the
GATT 1994 and paragraph 1 of the Understanding on the Interpretation of Article XVII.
A. TUNISIAN TRADE BOARD
1. State trading enterprise
A. Tunisian Trade Board (OCT)
B. Products covered:
White sugar 17019990971 Green tea 09022000008
Black tea 09024000000 Green coffee 09011100000
2. 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 widely consumed food products e ssentially quoted on the relevant exchanges.  The
products are chiefly tea, coffee and sugar.
3. 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 of primary consumer goods.G/STR/N/7/TUN
G/STR/N/8/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 the 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 control 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
stock shortages and stabilize prices of commodities whose international prices are subject to wide
fluctuations.
The Decree-Law under which it was created and is maintained provides for State control
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, theconditions 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 government 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.
4. Statistical tables
See below.
5. Additional information
The OCT also engages in the following activities:
• Promoting commercial and industrial partnerships;
• preparing various studies to improve distribution channels.G/STR/N/7/TUN
G/STR/N/8/TUN
Page 3
(a) Imports
2000 2001 HS No. Year
Item 24 5 7 24 5 7
17019990971 White sugar 137,354t 224.78 D526/t 1,883t 183,000t 247.24 D526/t 0
09011100000 Green
coffee10,441t 1,307.82 D4,266/t - 12,696t 1,167.86 D4,266/t -
190240000000
19022000008Black and
green tea10,452t 1,740.57 D6,668/t from
D4,395/kg to
D6,143/kg
depending on
the quality- 12,814t 1,623.54 D6,668/t from
D4,395/kg to
D6,143/kg
depending on the
quality-
(b) Exports:  not applicable.
(c) Domestic activities:  not applicable.
B. TUNISIAN PETROLEUM ENTERPRISE (ETAP )
1. State trading enterprise
A. Tunisian Petroleum Enterprise (ETAP)
B. Products covered:
Crude oil 2709009 LPG 2711191
Diesel fuel 2710007 Jet fuel 2710003
Heating oil 2710006 Bitumen 2713209
Kerosene 2710003 Base stock 2710005
Natural gas 2710002
2. 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.
3. Description of the functioning of the enterprise
A. ETAP imports petroleum products for the needs of the local market.  It imports petroleum
products (LPG, diesel fuel, jet fuel, heating oil, bitumen, base stock, kerosene, petrol, …), crude oil,
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 of the import of petroleum products, crude oil and natural gas to
supply the domestic market and an export monopoly of 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.G/STR/N/7/TUN
G/STR/N/8/TUN
Page 4
The law under which it was created and is maintained provides for State control exercised
through the Ministry of Industry.
C. The Tunisian Refining Industries Corporation (STIR) exchanges certain products (fuel with
low sulphur content for fuel with high sulphur content, naphtha for petrol, 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 imports 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
government procurement regulations in force.
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 (forproducts 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, bitumen 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.  Import, export, refining, storage, distribution
and pricing are subject to Law No. 91-45 on petroleum of 1 July 1991.G/STR/N/7/TUN
G/STR/N/8/TUN
Page 5
4. Statistical data
(a) Imports
STATISTICAL DATA:  IMPORTS 2000
Item Total volume imported
(thousands of metric
tonnes)Volume imported by
ETAP
(thousands of metric
tonnes)Average import price Selling price Domestic production
Crude oil 1,183 1,183 28.9 23.1 -
Bitumen 148 148 155.1 324.1 -
Base stock 39 39 361.1 519.1 -
Natural gas 464 464 116.2 90.8 1,949
N.B.
(1) The average import price is expressed in $/metric tonne for bitumen and base stock,
in $/metric tonne for natural gas and for $/barrel for crude oil.
(2) The average selling price on the domestic market is expressed in D/metric tonne for
bitumen and base stock, in D/TOE for natural gas and D/barrel for crude oil.
STATISTICAL DATA:  IMPORTS 2001
Item Total volume imported
(thousands of metric
tonnes)Volume imported by ETAP
(thousands of metric tonnes)Average import price Selling price Domestic
production
Crude oil 1,120 1,120 24.8 23.6 -
Bitumen 152 152 129.6 282.5 -
Base stock 38 38 357.4 544.3 -
Natural gas 468 468 125.8 90.8 2,.370
N.B.
(1) the average import price is expressed in $/metric tonne for bitumen and base stock, in $/
metric tonne for natural gas and in $/barrel for crude oil.
(2) The average selling price on the domestic market is expressed in D/metric tonne for bitumen
and base stock, in D/TOE for natural gas and D/barrel for crude oil.
* The volume of natural gas is expressed in TOE.
(b) Exports
STATISTICAL DATA:  EXPORTS 2000
Item Total volume exported
(thousands of metric
tonnes)Volume exported by
ETAP
(thousands of metric
tonnes)Average
purchase
priceSelling price Average export
price*Domestic
production
Crude oil 1,743.2 1,743.2 - - 28.5 3,662
Condensate 0.6 0.6 - - 217.5 -
N.B.  The average export price is expressed in $/barrel for oil and in $/metric tonne for condensate.G/STR/N/7/TUN
G/STR/N/8/TUN
Page 6
STATISTICAL DATA:  EXPORTS 2001
Item Total volume exported
(thousands of metric
tonnes)Volume exported by
ETAP
(thousands of metric
tonnes)Average
purchase priceSelling price Average
export price*Domestic
production
Crude oil 1539.4 1,539.4 - - 24.4 3,756
Condensate 32.6 32.6 - - 208.0 -
N.B.  The average export price is expressed in $/barrel for condensate.
(c) Domestic activities
STATISTICAL DATA:  2000
Item Purchases Sales
Crude oil 1,557 1,953
Condensate - 21
Bitumen - 147
Base stock - 38
Natural gas - 464
STATISTICAL DATA:  2001
Item Purchases Sales
Crude oil 1,381 1,767
Bitumen - 151
Base stock - 38
Natural gas - 468
C. TUNISIAN REFINING INDUSTRIES CORPORATION (STIR)
1. State trading enterprise
A. Tunisian Refining Industries Corporation (STIR)
B. Products covered:
Heating oil 27100078991 Diesel fuel 27100068997
Petrol 27100029916
2. 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.G/STR/N/7/TUN
G/STR/N/8/TUN
Page 7
3. 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 diesel fuel;  heating oil with low
sulphur content for heating oil with high sulphur content) 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 secure supplies of petroleum products to the
country.
The Decree under which it was created and is maintained provides for State control 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 diesel fuel) and exchanges
heating oil with low sulphur content for heating 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 government
procurement regulations in force.
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.  Import, export, refining, storage, distribution
and pricing are subject to Law No. 91-45 on petroleum of 1 July 1991.G/STR/N/7/TUN
G/STR/N/8/TUN
Page 8
4. Statistical tables
(a) Imports
Total imports
(metric tonnes)Imports by STIR
(metric tonnes)Average import
price
(D/metric tonnes)Selling price
(D/metric tonnes)Domestic production
(metric tonnes) Item
2000 2001 2000 2001 2000 2001 2000 2001 2000 2001
LPG 273,748 285,295 273,748 285,295 455,961 368,767 132,924 145,390 110,878 108,788
Diesel fuel 1,021,128 1,021,097 1,021,128 1,267,097 428,196 319,331 281,220 295,531 537,489 467,545
Petrol 119,757 192,195 119,757 192,195 400,891 386,557 388,467 408,367 267,106 239,826
Kerosene 47,067 47,067 365,086 151,360 167,691 202,633
A1 jet fuel 274,969 281,623 274,969 281,623 419,929 360,753 434,904 375,369
Heating oil 654,885 713,082 654,885 713,082 199,585 178,581 87,247 93,170 652,511 595,944
Total 2,391,554 2,739,292 2,391,554 2,739,292 1,735,675 1,614,736
(b) Exports
ItemTotal volume exported
(metric tonnes)Exports by STIR
(metric tonnes)Domestic market
selling price
(D/metric tonnes)Export selling price
(D/metric tonnes)Domestic production
(metric tonnes)
2000 2001 2000 2001 2000 2001 2000 2001 2000 2001
Heating oil 510,090 511,959 510,090 511,959 87,247 93,170 203,462 198,672 652,511 595,944
Virgin naphta 91,849 81,947 91,849 81,947 326,210 339,210 80,374 80,284
Total 601,939 593,906 601,939 593,906 732,885 676,228
(c) Domestic activities
Local purchases by STIR
(metric tonnes)Domestic production
(metric tonnes)Local sales by STIR
(metric tonnes)Domestic consumption
(metric tonnes) Item
2000 2001 2000 2001 2000 2001 2000 2001
LPG 110,878 108,788 384,362 391,784 384,362 391,784
Petrol 267,106 239,826 395,875 421,875 395,875 421,052
Petroleum 167,691 202,633 215,717 199,265 215,717 199,265
Diesel fuel 537,489 467,547 1,641,155 1,730,758 1,641,155 1,730,758
A1 jet fuel 272,844 259,661 272,844 259,661
White spirit 6,670 7,479 6,666 7,475 6,666 7,475
Heating oil 652,511 595,944 782,571 780,167 782,571 780,167
Total 0 0 1,742,345 1,622,215 3,699,190 3,790,162 3,699,190 3,790,162
D. NATIONAL EDIBLE OILS BOARD (ONH)
1. State trading enterprise
A. National Edible Oils Board (ONH)
B. Products covered:  Refined seed oil:
Soya 1507100 Colza   1514101
Olive oil 1509100
2. Reason for maintaining a state trading enterprise
Under the Decree-Law of 16 October 1970, the National Edible Oils Board (ONH):G/STR/N/7/TUN
G/STR/N/8/TUN
Page 9
• Looks after the country's interest in maintaining exports of olive oil;
• ensures the country's supplies by imports of seed oil for consumption.
3. 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 on the domestic market the quantities of olive oil collected through
intervention.
B. Since the enactment 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 forthe export of a tariff quota of 46,000 tonnes of olive oil to the European Union market, which it was
granted 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 down 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 (a product of prime necessity subject to a consumer subsidy) and to guarantee a minimum
income 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.
Olive oil 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.
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 unde r the government 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.G/STR/N/7/TUN
G/STR/N/8/TUN
Page 10
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 production and distribution prices are regulated.
Import and export are free.
4. Statistical tables
(a) Imports
Product(s) and
HS no(s)Total volume
imported
(tonnes)Volume imported
by the state
trading enterprise
(D/metric tonnes)Average import
price
(D/metric tonnes)Indicative average
selling price on
the domestic
marketPrice increase3Domestic
production
1 2 34567
Soya/colza seedoil
1507100
1514101
1999/2000 164,834 527 528
2000/2001 168,598 481 540
(b) Exports
Product(s) and
HS no(s)Total volume
exported
(tonnes)Volume exported
by the state
trading enterprise
(D/metric tonnes)Average purchase
priceIndicative average
selling price on
the domestic
market
(D/metric tonnes)Average export
price
(tonnes)Domestic
production
1 2 34567
Olive/soya/colza
oil
1509100
1999/2000 46,253 2,185 2,030 225,000
2000/2001 40,254 2,007 2,091 115,000G/STR/N/7/TUN
G/STR/N/8/TUN
Page 11
(c) Domestic activities
Product(s) and HS no(s) Purchases by the state
trading enterprise on the
domestic market
(tonnes)Domestic production Sales by the state trading
enterprise on the domestic
market
(tonnes)Domestic consumption
12345
Olive oil
1509100
1999/2000 99,648
2000/2001*2,160
Soya and colza oil
1507100
1514101
1999/2000 117,100 156,520
2000/2001 61,480 159,757
E. NATIONAL ALCHOLOL AGENCY
1. 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
2. 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.
3. 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 in
Article 3 may be granted by the Ministers for Finance and for Trade by decree or individual
authorization as applicable.G/STR/N/7/TUN
G/STR/N/8/TUN
Page 12
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.
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 users are fixed by the State.
G. The Agency does not negotiate long-term contracts.G/STR/N/7/TUN
G/STR/N/8/TUN
Page 13
4. Statistical tables
(a) Imports
Year Item HS Number Volume
imported
by the
RNA (in
hectolitres)Total
imports
(in
Dinars)Average
import
price
(in Dinars)Import
price
including
shipping
costs
(in Dinars)Average
representati
ve domestic
sales price
(in Dinars)Mark-up
(in
Dinars)National
production
(in
hectolitres)
2000 - Extra fine
rectifiedalcohol22072000191 - - - - 133,000 - 2,252
- Absolute
alcohol- 2,625 - 84,741 104,726 145,000 40,274 -
- Non-
rectified
alcohol22072000113 11,383 - 39,745 49,204 69,000 19,796 380
- Phlegma (1) 12,296 - 52,651 54,017 - - -
26,304 - - - - - 2,632
2001 - Extra fine
rectified
alcohol22072000191 9,603 - 74,026 91,560 133,000 40,440 2,126
- Absolute
alcohol- 5,325 - 91,391 112,760 145,000 32,240 -
- Non-
rectified
alcohol22072000113 12,238 - 67,274 68,847 69,000 153 382
- Phlegma (1) 36,825 - 58,425 59,805 - - -
63,991 - - - - - 2,508
(b) Exports
Year Item HS Number Quantity
exported by the
RNA
(tonnes)Total exports
(tonnes)Average
procurement
price
(in Dinars)Average
representative
domestic sales
prices
(in Dinars)Average
export price
(in D/tonne)National
production
(tonnes)
2000 Lees 23070090003 64 - - - 1,035 64
2001 Lees 23070090003 72 - - - 1,256 72
(c) Domestic activities
Year Item HS Number Domestic
purchases by the
RNA (hectolitres)National
production
(hectolitres)Sales by the RNA
(hectolitres)National
consumption
(hectolitres)
2000 - Extra-fine rectified
alcohol22072000191 - 2,252 25,221 25,221
- Absolute alcohol - - - 3,551 3,551
- Non-rectified alcohol 22072000113 - 380 9,526 9,526
- 2,632 38,298 38,298
2001 - Extra-fine rectified
alcohol22072000191 - 2,126 25,699 25,699
- Absolute alcohol - - - 3,886 3,886
- Non-rectified alcohol 22072000113 - 382 10,034 10,034
- 2,508 39,619 39,619G/STR/N/7/TUN
G/STR/N/8/TUN
Page 14
F. PASTEUR INSTITUTE OF TUNIS (IPT)
1. State trading enterprise
A. Pasteur Institute of Tunis (IPT)
2. 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.
3. Description of the functioning of the enterprise
A. The IPT has a monopoly of 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.G/STR/N/7/TUN
G/STR/N/8/TUN
Page 15
D. The volume of imports is determined as follows:
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 ofAgriculture, Ministry of National Defence).
For the private sector:  The IPT takes as a basis statistics of prior sales to private distributors
(pharmacists) 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) forserums, vaccines and allergens.
Selling prices to the public (hospitals) and wholesale distributing pharmacists, pharmacists
and end-consumers are determined in accordance with the specific legal margins for each category to
which the product is supplied.
Income from sales 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 government procurement.G/STR/N/7/TUN
G/STR/N/8/TUN
Page 16
4. Statistical tables
(a) Imports
Item 2000
(in thousands of
Dinars)2001
(in thousands of
Dinars)
Serums, vaccines, tuberculins and blood byproducts forhuman use6,897 8,639
Vaccines and tuberculins for veterinary use 3,330 4,530
Allergens 742 953
(b) Exports:  Not applicable.
(c) Domestic activities
VOLUME OF PURCHASES OF DOMESTIC PRODUCTION
BY THE PASTEUR INSTITUTE
OF TUNIS IN 2000 AND 2001
(in thousands of Dinars)
Item 2000
(in thousands of
Dinars)2001
(in thousands of
Dinars)
Serums, vaccines, tuberculins and blood byproducts forhuman use809 0
PRODUCTION BY THE PASTEUR INSTITUTE OF TUNIS
VOLUME OF SALES IN 2000 AND 2001
(in thousands of Tunisian Dinars)
Item 2000
(in thousands of
Dinars)2001
(in thousands of
Dinars)
Serums and vaccines for human use 103 39
Vaccines for veterinary use 34 0
G. TUNISIAN CENTRAL PHARMACY
1. State trading enterprise
A. Tunisian Central Pharmacy (PCT).
2. 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 medicines and pharmaceuticals to the Tunisian market;G/STR/N/7/TUN
G/STR/N/8/TUN
Page 17
• covering the population's normal consumption of such products by grouping
purchases, better competition and competitive prices.
3. Description of the functioning of the enterprise
A. The PCT deals chiefly with imports of the medicines 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 of the import of medicine s was assigned to the PCT by Law No. 90-105
of 26 November 1990.
The PCT also distributes medicines and pharmaceuticals to wholesale distributors and
dispensing pharmacists and delivers the medicines 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
shortages of stocks of medicines, 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 medicines and pharmaceuticals covered by the PCT's
monopoly.
D. Procurement methods
The PCT purchases through:
• International calls for tenders;
• negotiated purchase for special pharmaceutical dispensary products;
• two-year or three-year agreements.
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, delays
in delivery, etc.
E. Export prices are fixed by agreement between the parties concerned.F. The price of medicines is fixed by the State.  Price increases are set by decision of the
ministries concerned.G/STR/N/7/TUN
G/STR/N/8/TUN
Page 18
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, medicines 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 medicines for the chronically sick.
H. The Tunisian medicines and pharmaceuticals market is regulated to take account of the
related social aspects and the modest level of local production.
4. Statistical table
(a)-(b) Imports/Exports
(Value:  Millions of Dinars)
Imports Exports Item
2000 2001 2000 2001
Officinal
preparations(a)138.6 150
Hospital preparations 58.3 62.8
Total 196.9 212.8 1.3 1.9
(a) Officinal preparations including exports.
(c) Domestic activities:  Not available.
H. GRAIN BOARD
1. State trading enterprise
A. Grain Board
B. Products covered:
Durum wheat 1001000093
Common wheat 10019099016
Barley 10030090008
2. 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.
3. 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 implements 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.G/STR/N/7/TUN
G/STR/N/8/TUN
Page 19
It acts 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. The 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.
4. Statistical tables
(a) Imports
STATISTICAL DATA: 2000
Item Total imports
(Tonnes)Quantity imported by
the state trading
enterpriseAverage import
price
(D/Tonnes)Average representative
domestic sales price
(D/Tonnes)Mark-up National Production
(Tonnes)
Durum Wheat 429,000 429,000 191.8 195.1 - 706,000
Common Wheat 854,000 854,000 160.4 185.7 - 136,000
Barley 423,000 423,000 163.2 200.5 - 245,000G/STR/N/7/TUN
G/STR/N/8/TUN
Page 20
STATISTICAL DATA: 2001
Item Total imports
(Tonnes)Quantity imported by
the state trading
enterpriseAverage import
price
(D/Tonnes)Average representative
domestic sales price
(D/Tonnes)Mark-up National Production
(Tonnes)
Durum Wheat 430,000 430,000 236.2 200 - 930,000
Common Wheat 900,000 900,000 178.2 180 - 180,000
Barley 540,000 540,000 164.6 199.5 - 230,000
(b) Exports:  Not applicable.
(c) Domestic activities
Item Domestic purchases by
the state trading
enterprise
(Tonnes)National production
(Tonnes)Domestic sales by the
state trading enterprise
(Tonnes)National consumption
(Tonnes)
Durum Wheat 2,145,000 706,000 653,000 9,194,000
Common Wheat 26,400 136,000 871,000 973,000
Barley 12,100 245,000 375,000 392,000
STATISTICAL DATA: 2001
Item Domestic purchases by
the state trading
enterprise
(Tonnes)National production
(Tonnes)Domestic sales by the
state trading enterprise
(Tonnes)National Consumption
(Tonnes)
Durum Wheat 234,800 935,000 640,700 932,600
Common Wheat 22,800 183,000 907,000 976,200
Barley 4,500 236,000 540,300 545,400
I. NATIONAL TOBACCO AND MATCHES AGENCY (RNTA )
1. State trading enterprise
A. National Tobacco and Matches Agency (RNTA)
B. Products covered:
Cigarettes 240220
Cigars 240210
Pipe tobacco and tumbak 240399Gunpowder 360100
Playing cards 950440
Matches 360500
Snuff 240399
Leaf tobacco 240110
2. Reason for maintaining a state trading enterprise
The National Tobacco and Matches Agency has the monopoly of marketing tobacco under
Law No. 64-57 of 28 December 1964.G/STR/N/7/TUN
G/STR/N/8/TUN
Page 21
3. 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 of the import of
cigarettes, cigars and tobacco, and the distribution of products manufactured locally by privateoperators (matches, local cigarettes, playing cards).
It has the monopoly of distribution of gunpowde r and production and distribution of snuff.
D. The RNTA imports through calls for tenders.  The tendering and procurement procedures
comply with the competition rules laid down in the government 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/STR/N/7/TUN
G/STR/N/8/TUN
Page 22
4. Statistical tables
(a) Imports
STATISTICAL DATA, IMPORTS:  2000
Item
(HS number)Total
importsQuantity imported
by the state
trading enterpriseAverage selling
price in importAverage
representative
domestic sales
priceMark-up National production
12 345 6 7
20 March cigarettes
manufactured
(packets)
HS 24022031,610,000 31,610,000 D0.244/packet D0.301/packet - 182,000,000
Cigars (by unit) 398,000 171,000 D0.115/cigar D0.122/cigar - 369,000
Filter cigarettes
(packets)
HS:  24022014,394,000 9,291,000 D0.918/packet D0.589/packet - -
Pipe tobacco and
tumbak (50 gramme
packets)
HS:  360100914,000 534,590 D0.200/packet D0.369/packet - 15,032
Gunpowder (tonnes)
HS:  36010010 10 D22,680/ton 19,515 - -
Playing cards (for
games)
HS:  950440- - - - - 7,902,000
Matches (boxes)
HS:  360500- 7,730,000 D0.020/box D0.035/box - 119,040,000
STATISTICAL DATA, IMPORTS:  2001
Item
(HS number)Total
importsQuantity imported
by the state
trading enterpriseAverage selling
price in importAverage
representative
domestic sales
priceMark-up National production
12 34 5 67
20 March cigarettes
manufactured
(packets)
HS 24022060,000,000 60,000,000 D0.257/packet D0.305/packet - 190,400,000
Cigars (by unit) 333,000 162,000 D0.128/cigar D0.145/cigar - 384,372
Filter cigarettes
(packets)
HS:  24022019,901,110 12,032,110 D0.946/packet D0.606/packet - -
Pipe tobacco and
tumbak (50 gramme
packets)
HS:  360100921,000 673,000 D0.253/packet D0.313/50 gr
packet- 10,840
Gunpowder (tonnes)
HS:  3601005 5 D11,336/ton D20,874/ton - -
Playing cards (for
games)
HS:  950440- - - - - 8,695,020
Matches (boxes)
HS:  360500- 26,762,000 D0.021/box D0.035/box - 129,658,000G/STR/N/7/TUN
G/STR/N/8/TUN
Page 23
(b) Exports
STATISTICAL DATA, EXPORTS:  2000
Item
(HS number)Total
exportsQuantity exported
by the state
trading enterpriseAverage selling
price in exportRepresentative
domestic sales
price (excluding
tax)Average export
priceNational
production
12 34 5 6 7
Neffa (sachets)
HS:  2403991,080,000 1,080,000 D0.043/sachet D0.024/sachet D0.248/sachet 43,346,400
Leaf tobacco (tonnes)
HS:  240110129 129 D1,219/ton - D2,447/ton 3,430
STATISTICAL DATA, EXPORTS:  2001
Item
(HS number)Total
exportsQuantity exported
by the state
trading enterpriseAverage selling
price in exportRepresentative
domestic sales
price (excluding
tax)Average export
priceNational
production
12 34 5 6 7
Neffa (sachets)
HS:  240399 840,000 840,000 D0.046/sachet D0.027/sachet D0.250/sachet 37,027,200
Leaf tobacco (tonnes)
HS:  240110406 406 D1,369/ton - D2,395/ton 3,535
(c) Domestic activities
STATISTICAL DATA, DOMESTIC ACTIVITIES:  2000
Item
(HS number)Domestic
purchases by the
state trading
enterpriseVolume imported
by the state
trading enterpriseAverage import price Average representative
domestic sales price
(excluding taxes)
12 3 4 5
20 March cigarettes (packets)
HS:  240220110,000,000 182,000,000 216,500,000 216,500,000
Cristal (packets)
HS:  240220- 322,500,000 172,600,000 311,000,000
Boussetta Filter (packets)
HS:  240220- 21,900,000 21,800,000 21,800,000
Neffa (sachets)
HS:  240399- 43,346,400 40,000,000 40,000,000
Cigars (units)
HS:  240220- 369,680 442,600 660,400
Filter cigarettes (packets)
HS:  240220- - 10,300,000 16,500,000
Pipe tobacco and tumbak (50
gramme sachets)
HS:  240399- 15,032 264,637 511,000
Gunpowder (tonnes)
HS:  360100- - 10.6 10.6
Playing cards (for games)
HS:  9504405,100,000 7,902,000 4,700,000 6,973,000
Matches (boxes)
HS:  36050056,000,000 119,040,000 77,900,000 143,500,000G/STR/N/7/TUN
G/STR/N/8/TUN
Page 24
STATISTICAL DATA, DOMESTIC ACTIVITIES:  2001
Item
(HS number)Total imports Quantity imported
by the state
trading enterpriseAverage representative
domestic sales priceNational production
12 3 4 5
20 March cigarettes (packets)
HS:  240220121,000,000 190,400,000 252,400,000 252,400,000
Cristal (packets)
HS:  240220- 312,600,000 169,000,000 304,600,000
Boussetta Filter (packets)
HS:  240220- 19,200,000 17,800,000 17,800,000
Neffa (sachets)
HS:  240399- 37,027,200 38,500,000 38,500,000
Cigars (units)
HS:  240220- 348,372 477,365 627,800
Filter cigarettes (packets)
HS:  240220- - 12,400,000 19,600,000
Pipe tobacco and tumbak (50
gramme sachets)
HS:  240399- 10,840 864,325 1,545,000
Gunpowder (tonnes)
HS:  360100- - 13 13
Playing cards (for games)
HS:  9504406,275,020 8,695,020 4,800,000 7,191,000
Matches (boxes)
HS:  36050059,200,000 129,658,000 77,366,403 138,551,403
__________