G/STR/N/11/TUN, G/STR/N/12/TUN  
G/STR/N/13/TUN, G/STR/N/14/TUN  
1 April 2016  
(16-1856)  Page: 1/28  
Working Party on State Trading Enterprises  Original: French  
 
  STATE TRADING 
NEW AND FULL 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 February 2016, is being circulated at the request of the 
Permanent Mission of Tunisia. 
 
_______________ 
  
The Permanent Mission of Tunisia in Geneva presents its compliments to the Secretariat of the 
World Trade Organization and has the honour to attach herewith Tunisia's notifications for 2005-2010, concerning State trading enterprises, pursuant to Article XVII:4(a) of the GATT 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. Reasons for maintaining a State trading enterprise 
Under the Decree-Law of 3 April 1962, the OCT is  responsible most notably for supplying the 
country with widely consumed food products th at are quoted on the relevant exchanges. The 
products are chiefly tea, coffee and sugar.  3. Description of the func tioning of the enterprise 
A. The OCT is entrusted by the Government with the responsibility for importing basic food 
products, notably sugar, tea, coffee and occasionally  other products in the case of local production 
shortages. 
 
Locally, it engages in wholesale distribution. Retailing of these products is by private traders.  
B. Since its formation in 1962 under 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.  However, its role has evolved over the course of time. Under the Decree of 30 April 1989, which 
established lists of the imports 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 and white beans. G/STR/N/11/TUN • G/STR/N/12/TUN • G/STR/N/13/TUN • G/STR/N/14/TUN 
- 2 - 
   
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. Its 
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, to avoid 
stock shortages, and to stabilize prices of commodities the international prices of which are subject to wide fluctuations.  
C. Private traders are free to import sugar, coffee and tea, as well as other occasional products, 
under current legislation. However, owing to the financial scale of such imports, the conditions for access to international markets, fluctuating exchange rates and little-developed local traditions in 
this area, private traders do not seem particularly attracted to the activity. 
 D. The OCT's imports are carried out through calls for tenders. The tendering and procurement 
procedures comply with the competition rules under 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; and 
 preparing various studies to improve distribution channels. G/STR/N/11/TUN • G/STR/N/12/TUN • G/STR/N/13/TUN • G/STR/N/14/TUN 
- 3 - 
  TABLE I 
STATE TRADING: TUNISIAN TRADE BOARD 
STATISTICAL INFORMATION, IMPORTS 2005-2010  
HS No. Product Year Total quantity of 
product imported  Average 
import price Average representative 
domestic sales price 
17019990971 White 
sugar 2005 183,500 t 312 526 
2006 217,417 t 466 584 
2007 227,134 t 394 608 
2008 190,100 t 452 608 
2009 196,500 t 507 780 
2010 241,350 t 674 935 
17011110006 Brown 
sugar 2005 - - - 
2006 - - - 
2007 - - - 
2008 - - - 
2009 14,766 t 500 - 
2010 98,404 t 504 - 
09011100000 Green 
coffee 2005 9,254 t 1,140 3,953 
2006 10,483 t 1,537 3,953 
2007 13,331 t 1,967 4,289 
2008 15,611 t 2,464 4,289 
2009 14,434 t 1,825 4,289 
2010 14,728 t 1,852 4,289 
09024000000 Black 
tea 2005 7,242 t 1,571 from D3,027/t to D6,143/t 
depending on the variety 
2006 8,685 t 1,686 from D3,027 to D6,143 
depending on the variety 
2007 7,102 t 1,701 from D3,027 to D6,143 
depending on the variety 
2008 7,475 t 2,167 from D3,027 to D6,143 
depending on the variety 
2009 8,006 t 2,082 from D3,027 to D6,143 
depending on the variety 
2010 7,692 t 1,956 from D3,027 to D6,843 
depending on the variety 
09022000008 Green 
tea 2005 2,152 t 1,019 from D2,472 to D3,967 
2006 2,176 t 972 from D2,472 to D3,967 
2007 2,195 t 945 from D2,472 to D3,967 
2008 2,560 t 944 from D2,472 to D3,967 
2009 1,942 t 895 from D2,472 to D3,967 
depending on the variety 
2010 2,398 t 867 from D2,735 to D4,395 
depending on the variety 
TABLE II 
STATE TRADING: TUNISIAN TRADE BOARD 
STATISTICAL INFORMATION, EXPORTS 2005-2010  
None 
 G/STR/N/11/TUN • G/STR/N/12/TUN • G/STR/N/13/TUN • G/STR/N/14/TUN 
- 4 - 
  TABLE III 
STATE TRADING: TUNISIAN TRADE BOARD 
STATISTICAL INFORMATION, DOMESTIC ACTIVITIES 2005-2010  
None 
 
B. TUNISIAN PETROLEUM ENTERPRISE 
1. State trading enterprise 
A. Tunisian Petroleum Enterprise (ETAP) 
 B. Products covered:  
Crude oil  2709009 
Natural gas  2710002 Propane  2711191 
 
2. Reasons 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 func tioning of the enterprise 
(1) ETAP imports crude oil and natural gas. It centralizes all crude oil and natural gas 
import activities in order to meet the needs of th e Tunisian Refining Industries Corporation (STIR) 
and the Tunisian Electricity and Gas Corporation (STEG).  
ETAP also exports: 
 
A- The State/ETAP share of crude oil and condensate, once the needs of the STIR 
refinery have been met; 
B- propane from the Hasdrubal oil and gas field; C- condensate from the Gabès plant for STEG; and D- crude oil from certain private operators. 
 
This procedure ensures the continuity of supply, the management of the country's resources, and 
the optimal utilization of existing infrastructure, especially ports and storage. It also stabilizes 
prices (for products with highly volatile prices). 
 
(2) ETAP has a monopoly on the import of crude oil and natural gas to supply the 
domestic market and an export monopoly on the State's share of crude oil. 
 It was created and is maintained to rebuild national oil reserves, to ensure a regular supply of energy to the country under the best possible pr ice 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 exercised through 
the Ministry of Industry. 
 
(3) Import and export prices depend on international market prices. 
Prices for supplying local operators are fixed by the State. 
 G/STR/N/11/TUN • G/STR/N/12/TUN • G/STR/N/13/TUN • G/STR/N/14/TUN 
- 5 - 
  (4) The types of contract are as follows: 
 
A- Spot contracts for the import of foreign crude oil and annual contracts for the import 
of Libyan crude oil; 
B- a contract for the import of natural gas, concluded with SONATRACH until 2019; 
C- annual contracts for the export of propane and condensate (for STEG); and D- spot contracts for the export of crude oil. 
 
(5) The Tunisian hydrocarbons market is regulated. 
 Importation, exportation, refining, storage, distri bution and pricing are subject to Law No. 91-45 of 
1 July 1991 on hydrocarbon procurement procedures. 
 4. Statistical tables 
See below. 
TABLE I 
STATE TRADING: TUNISIAN PETROLEUM ENTERPRISE 
STATISTICAL INFORMATION, IMPORTS 2005-2010  
Product Year Total volume 
imported 
(thousands 
of metric 
tonnes) Volume 
imported by 
ETAP 
(thousands 
of metric 
tonnes) Average 
import price Selling 
price Domestic 
production 
(KTOE) 
Crude oil 2005 1,088 1,088 54.1 28.4 - 
2006 1,135 1,135 65.2 28.4 - 
2007 1,112 1,112 55.0 28.4 - 
2008 1,173 1,173 100.6 28.4 - 
2009 1,168 1,168 62.8 44.5 - 
2010 184 184 75.5 49.9 - 
Bitumen 2005 32 32 199.4 329.1 -  
2006 - - - - -  
2007 - - - - -  
2008 - - - - -  
2009 - - - - -  
2010 - - - - -  
Base stock 2005 30 30 627.5 873.7 -  
2006 27 27 921.0 1,301.5 -  
2007 4 4 810.8 1,127.1 -  
2008 - - - - -  
2009 - - - - -  
2010 - - - - -  
Natural gas 2005 568 568 219.0 90.8 3,258 
2006 502 502 290.8 90.8 3,510 
2007 874 874 297.1 90.8 3,310 
2008 1,207 1,207 458.1 90.8 2,986 
2009 1,172 1,172 275.3 90.8 3,229 
2010 1,053 1,053 362.7 90.8 3,940 G/STR/N/11/TUN • G/STR/N/12/TUN • G/STR/N/13/TUN • G/STR/N/14/TUN 
- 6 - 
  TABLE II 
STATE TRADING: TUNISIAN PETROLEUM ENTERPRISE 
STATISTICAL INFORMATION, EXPORTS 2005-2010  
Product Year Total 
volume 
exported 
(thousands 
of metric 
tonnes) Volume 
exported by 
ETAP 
(thousands of 
metric tonnes)  Average 
procure
ment 
price Selling 
price Average 
export price Domestic 
production 
(KTOE) 
Crude oil 2005 1,549 1,549 - - 53.58 3,404 
2006 1,390 1,390 - - 3,335  
2007 2,017 2,017 - - 4,600  
2008 1,953 1,953 - - 4,235  
2009 1,722 1,722 -  - 60,535 3,972 
2010 2,095 2,095 - - 79.47 3,740 
Condensate 2005 28 28 - - 447.37  
2006 23 23 - - 3,335  
2007 19 19 - - 4,600  
2008 29 29 - - 4,235 4,235 
2009 27 27 - - 504.83 3,972 
2010 211 211 - - 679.17 3,740 
Propane 2005 - - - - - - 
2006 - - - - - - 
2007 - - - - - - 
2008 - - - - - - 
2009 - - - - - - 
2010 13 13 - - 551.19 - 
TABLE III 
STATE TRADING: TUNISIAN PETROLEUM ENTERPRISE 
STATISTICAL INFORMATION, DOMESTIC ACTIVITIES 2005-2010  
Product Year Purchases 
(thousands of metric 
tonnes) Sales 
(thousands of metric 
tonnes) 
Crude oil   2005 31 623 
2006 44 566 
2007 37 589 
2008 28 612 
2009 20 557 
2010 28 3 
Bitumen 2005 - - 
2006 - - 
2007 - - 
2008 - - 
2009 - - 
2010 - - 
Base stock 2005 - - 
2006 - - 
2007 - - 
2008 - - 
2009 - - 
2010 - - G/STR/N/11/TUN • G/STR/N/12/TUN • G/STR/N/13/TUN • G/STR/N/14/TUN 
- 7 - 
  Product Year Purchases 
(thousands of metric 
tonnes) Sales 
(thousands of metric 
tonnes) 
Natural gas 2005 - 236 
2006 - 267 
2007 - 194 
2008 - 310 
2009 - 513 
2010 - 812 
Butane  2005 - - 
2006 - - 
2007 - - 
2008 - - 
2009 - - 
2010 - 10 
 
Notes: 1- The average price is expressed in $/metric tonne for bitumen and base stock, in $/TOE (f.o.b) for 
natural gas and in $/barrel for crude oil. 
 2- The average selling price on the domestic mark et is expressed in D/metric tonne for bitumen and 
base stock, in D/TOE for natural gas and in D/barrel for crude oil. 
C. TUNISIAN REFINING INDUSTRIES CORPORATION 
1. State trading enterprise 
A. Tunisian Refining Industries Corporation (STIR) 
 B. Products covered: 
 
Heating oil 2710196991 Diesel fuel 27101949993 
Petrol 2710114592 Diesel fuel 50 PPM 27101941999 
Virgin naphtha 27101929202 Heavy fuel oil: HSFO 2 (3.5%) 27101969991 
Heavy fuel oil: LSFO 27101961191  
 2. Reasons for maintaining a State trading enterprise 
STIR, established under Law No. 60-11 of 26 July 1960, is responsible for refining crude oil to 
meet the domestic demand for petroleum products.  
3. Description of the func tioning of the enterprise 
A. STIR engages in the following activities: 
 
The refining of crude oil and all industrial operations to produce liquid combustible fuels and liquid 
gas in order to meet domestic demand, which is covered by its production and by imports from abroad for the remainder.  
The ex-refinery sale of finished products to di stribution companies authorized to procure from 
STIR, the list of which is established by decree.  
The export of petroleum products (virgin naphtha, heating oil with low sulphur content) when 
international market prices permit.  
B. STIR is the sole supplier of petroleum products on the domestic market. 
 It is a State enterprise constituted as a non-administrative public establishment, the organization and functioning of which were laid do wn 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.  G/STR/N/11/TUN • G/STR/N/12/TUN • G/STR/N/13/TUN • G/STR/N/14/TUN 
- 8 - 
  The Decree under which STIR was established and operates provides for State control of STIR 
activities through the Ministry of Industry.  C. There are currently no private traders dealing in petroleum products. 
 
D. STIR is required to meet the local demand for petroleum products as far as its production capacities permit and to import the remainder in order to cover the country's needs. 
 
E. Both export and import prices are fixed 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 STIR and selling prices of petroleum products are fixed 
by the State pursuant to Law No. 91-45 on hydrocarbons of 1 July 1991.  
G. STIR does not negotiate long-term contracts. 
 H. The Tunisian hydrocarbons market is regulate d. Importation, exportation, refining, storage, 
distribution and pricing are subject to Law No. 91-45 on hydrocarbons of 1 July 1991. 
 4. Statistical tables 
See below. 
TABLE I 
STATE TRADING: TUNISIAN REFINING INDUSTRIES CORPORATION 
STATISTICAL INFORMATION, IMPORTS 2005-2010  
Product  Total imports 
(metric tonnes) Average import 
price ($/metric 
tonne) Import selling 
price (D/metric 
tonne) Domestic 
production 
(metric 
tonnes) 
LPG 2005 410,473 467.390 225.450 57,811 
2006 398,472 553.360 281.132 53,376 
2007 411,037 667.610 304.042 51,652 
2008 411,640 769.160 348.869 51,280 
2009 423,457 524.070 346.308 49,364 
2010 463,539 765.350 356.818 7,694 
Diesel fuel 2005 1,221,512 520.730 445.282 494,143 
2006 1,305,297 592.870 611.334 505,823 
2007 1,166,121 653.700 677.871 554,597 
2008 1,209,427 914.370 821.003 550,976 
2009 1,104,086 526.100 809.513 575,955 
2010 1,613,994 678.370 847.388 80,678 
Diesel fuel 
50ppm 2005 - - - - 
2006 - - - - 
2007 89,931 734.390 814.000 - 
2008 96,435 979.830 1,005.381 - 
2009 76,729 569.330 1,012.920 - 
2010 100,899 732.790 1,047.731 - 
Petrol 2005 217,851 492.320 613.241 216,368 
2006 161,779 625.610 788.956 179,570 
2007 237,723 691.340 879.838 144,492 
2008 313,624 885.160 1,009.344 128,495 
2009 300,566 603.750 1,007.127 124,723 
2010 437,256 755.030 1,068.272 18,600 
Petroleum 2005 10,713 470.200 225.419 217,719 
2006 - - - 139,596 
2007 - - 985.137 129,512 
2008 - - - 119,796 
2009 - - - 84,688 
2010 37,483 803.050 608.210 14,312 G/STR/N/11/TUN • G/STR/N/12/TUN • G/STR/N/13/TUN • G/STR/N/14/TUN 
- 9 - 
  Product  Total imports 
(metric tonnes) Average import 
price ($/metric 
tonne) Import selling 
price (D/metric 
tonne) Domestic 
production 
(metric 
tonnes) 
A1 jet fuel 2005 206,429 593.480 804.542 - 
2006 226,551 914.850 952.306 - 
2007 220,679 730.690 962.029 - 
2008 117,999 1,157.680 1,390.791 - 
2009 106,007 609.910 827.776 - 
2010 144,419 742.810 1,078.215 - 
Heating oil 2005 737,373 245.090 152.679 608,701 
2006 697,902 305.130 205.216 604,231 
2007 790,738 368.460 225.836 646,480 
2008 591,464 493.140 287.498 667,912 
2009 499,181 323.480 297.695 606,653 
2010 379,234 457.290 312.474 98,769 
White spirit 2005 - - - 8,868 
2006 - - - 9,884 
2007 - - - 11,450 
2008 - - - 12,887 
2009 - - - 11,254 
2010 12,564 945.450 759.623 2,330 
TABLE II 
STATE TRADING: TUNISIAN REFINING INDUSTRIES CORPORATION 
STATISTICAL INFORMATION, EXPORTS 2005-2010 
Product Year Total exports 
(metric 
tonnes) Domestic 
market selling 
price 
(D/metric 
tonne) Export selling 
price ($/metric 
tonne) Domestic 
production 
(metric 
tonnes) 
Heating oil 2005 599,575 228.932 297.170 608,701 
2006 548,803 280.419 334.870 604,231 
2007 627,703 297.900 403.650 646,480 
2008 622,171 356.479 585.880 667,912 
2009 626,455 370.639 396.950 606,653 
2010 99,435 384.914 520.910 98,769 
Virgin naphtha 2005  114,214 - 449.930 129,717 
2006 147,530 - 549.200 135,113 
2007 192,995 - 716.530 212,912 
2008 174,413 - 822.130 184,008 
2009 193,358 - 507.030 182,403 
2010 52,003 - 711.940 32,362 
Kerosene 2005 - - - - 
2006 - - - - 
2007 - - - - 
2008 24,308 - 576.250 119,796 
2009 15,746 - 352.130 84,688 
2010 - - - - G/STR/N/11/TUN • G/STR/N/12/TUN • G/STR/N/13/TUN • G/STR/N/14/TUN 
- 10 - 
  TABLE III 
STATE TRADING: TUNISIAN REFINING INDUSTRIES CORPORATION 
STATISTICAL INFORMATION, DOMESTIC ACTIVITIES 2005-2010  
Product(s) and 
HS No(s). Year Local 
purchases by 
STIR (metric 
tonnes) Domestic 
production 
(metric tonnes) Local sales by 
STIR (metric 
tonnes) Domestic 
consumption 
(metric tonnes) 
LPG 2005  - 57,811 459,958 459,958 
2006 - 53,376 457,360 457,360 
2007 - 51,652 450,352 450,352 
2008 - 51,280 477,253 477,253 
2009 - 49,364 467,231 467,231 
2010 - 7,694 477,669 477,669 
Petrol 2005  - 216,368 420,872 420,872 
2006 - 179,570 391,284 391,284 
2007 - 144,492 412,731 412,731 
2008 - 128,495 412,456 412,456 
2009 - 124,723 425,912 425,912 
2010 - 18,600 461,097 461,097 
Petroleum 2005  - 217,719 211,231 211,231 
2006 - 139,596 130,245 130,245 
2007 - 129,512 130,977 130,977 
2008 - 119,796 110,911 110,911 
2009 - 84,688 70,130 70,130 
2010 - 14,312 66,690 66,690 
Diesel fuel 2005  - 494,143 1,719,549 1,719,549 
2006 - 505,823 1,783,136 1,783,136 
2007 - 554,597 1,739,672 1,739,672 
2008 - 550,976 1,744,416 1,744,416 
2009 - 575,955 1,659,139 1,659,139 
2010 - 80,678 1,753,759 1,753,759 
Diesel fuel 50 
ppm 2005  - - - - 
2006 - - - - 
2007 - - 81,575 81,575 
2008 - - 97,240 97,240 
2009 - - 72,334 72,334 
2010 - - 89,130 89,130 
A1 jet fuel 2005  - - 199,372 199,372 
2006 - - 216,295 216,295 
2007 - - 216,927 216,927 
2008 - - 118,820 228,000 
2009 - - 106,227 200,000 
2010 - - 144,419 235,000 
White spirit 2005  - 8,868 8,863 8,863 
2006 - 9,884 9,878 9,878 
2007 - 11,450 11,443 11,443 
2008 - 12,887 12,880 12,880 
2009 - 11,254 11,247 11,247 
2010 - 2,330 11,296 11,296 
Heating oil 2005  - 608,701 713,343 713,343 
2006 - 604,231 757,978 757,978 
2007 - 646,480 861,047 861,047 
2008 - 667,912 601,294 601,294 
2009 - 606,653 511,791 511,791 
2010 - 98,769 398,414 398,414 
Virgin naphtha 2005  - 129,717 - - 
2006 - 135,113 - - 
2007 - 212,912 - - 
2008 - 184,008 - - 
2009 - 182,403 - - 
2010 - 32,362 - - 
 G/STR/N/11/TUN • G/STR/N/12/TUN • G/STR/N/13/TUN • G/STR/N/14/TUN 
- 11 - 
  D. NATIONAL EDIBLE OILS BOARD 
1. State trading enterprise A. National Edible Oils Board (ONH) 
 
B. Products covered: Refined seed oil: 
 Soya   1507100  Palm oil 1511909 
Olive oil  1509100 
 2. Reasons 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 olive oil export interests; and 
 ensures the country's supply of imports of seed oil for consumption. 
3. Description of the func tioning 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. 
 
The amounts of olive oil purchased on an annual basis are sold for export. 
 
B.  Since the enactment of the Law of 24 February 1994, the ONH no longer has the monopoly on sales of edible oils that it had been granted under the Decree-Law of 16 October 1970, 
except for the export of a tariff quota of olive o il to the EU market, which was granted to it under 
Decree No. 94-1166 of 23 May 1994.  
The ONH is a State enterprise constituted as a non-administrative public establishment, 
the organization and functioning of which were laid down by Decree-Law No. 70-13 of 16 October 1970.  
It was created and is maintained in order to im plement the State's seed oil supply policy (seed oil 
being a staple, consumer-subsidized product), to support farmers producing olive oil and to promote the olive oil sector, which is 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. Since the enactment of Decree-Law No. 94-37 of 24 February 1994 abolishing the 
monopoly, olive oil may be freely traded for export by any exporter.  
Under Decree No. 2001-1523 of 25 June 2001, private exporters may export organic Tunisian olive 
oil and bottled olive oil within the quota.  
Similarly, since 2005, specific decrees have enab led private traders, regardless of the level of 
production, to export oil in bulk within the quota as from the month of May, thanks to a monthly limit of 10,000 tonnes. This prevents set limits fr om being exceeded, as they are in January and 
February (1,000 tonne limit in both months) March (4,000 tonnes) and April (8,000 tonnes). 
 The import of edible oils is also free.  
D. For seed oil, import volumes are not fixed a priori. The ONH resorts to imports that allow it 
to achieve its objective of ensuring a regular supply.  G/STR/N/11/TUN • G/STR/N/12/TUN • G/STR/N/13/TUN • G/STR/N/14/TUN 
- 12 - 
  Purchases are completed through international calls for tenders. Tendering and procurement 
procedures comply with the competition rules under the government procurement regulations in force.  
E. Export prices for olive oil are fixed in relation to the international market. 
 F. Refined seed oil, as a product eligible for a 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 prices and 
competition. 
 
G. The contracts negotiated are short-term commercial contracts.  
H. Edible oils may be freely traded on the do mestic market, except for subsidized seed oil 
imported by the ONH.  
4. Statistical tables 
See below.  
TABLE I 
STATE TRADING: NATIONAL EDIBLE OILS BOARD 
STATISTICAL INFORMATION, IMPORTS 
2006-2010  crop year 
 
Product(s) 
and HS 
No(s). Crop 
year Total 
volume 
imported Volume 
imported by 
the State 
trading 
enterprise 
(tonnes) Average 
import price 
(D/metric 
tonne) Average 
representative 
domestic sales 
price (D/metric 
tonne) Mark-
up Domestic 
production 
1507.100 
 
Soya-bean 
oil 2006-
2007 - 144,095 880 648 - - 
2007-
2008 - 169,625 1,425 752 - - 
2008-
2009 - 114,224 1,377 752  - - 
2009-
2010 - 141,117 1,188 752  - - 
1511.909 
 
Palm oil 2006-
2007 - 29,185 873 648 - - 
2007-
2008 - 29,727 1,252 752 - - 
2008-
2009 - 34,348 974 752 - - 
2009-
2010 - 26,790 1,223 752 - - G/STR/N/11/TUN • G/STR/N/12/TUN • G/STR/N/13/TUN • G/STR/N/14/TUN 
- 13 - 
  TABLE II 
STATE TRADING: NATIONAL EDIBLE OILS BOARD 
STATISTICAL INFORMATION, EXPORTS 
2006-2010 crop year  
 
Product(s) 
and HS 
No(s). Crop 
year Total 
volume 
exported Volume 
exported by 
the State 
trading 
enterprise 
(tonnes) Average 
procurement 
price 
(D/metric 
tonne) Average 
representative 
domestic sales 
price Average 
export 
price 
(D/metric 
tonne) Domestic 
production  
1509.100 
Olive oil 2006-
2007 - 10,638 3,788 - 4,338 -  
2007-
2008 - 8,200 4,114 - 4,638 - 
2008-
2009 - 6,048 3,307 - 3,460 - 
2009-
2010 - 5,974 3,728 - 3,890 - 
TABLE III 
STATE TRADING: NATIONAL EDIBLE OILS BOARD 
STATISTICAL INFORMATION, DOMESTIC ACTIVITIES  
2006-2010 crop year 
 
 Product(s) and 
HS No(s).  Crop year Domestic 
purchases by 
the State 
trading 
enterprise 
(tonnes)  Domestic 
production 
(tonnes)  Domestic sales by 
the State trading 
enterprise 
(tonnes)  Domestic 
consumption 
(D/metric 
tonne)  
1507.100 Soya-
bean oil  2006-2007  - - 152,433 - 
2007-2008 - - 147,698 - 
2008-2009 - - 123,259 - 
2009-2010 - - 125,198 - 
1511.909 Palm 
oil 2006-2007  - - 21,000 - 
2007-2008 - - 24,000 - 
2008-2009 - - 31,000 - 
2009-2010 - - 28,000 - 
1509.100 Olive 
oil 2006-2007 10,638 180,000 - - 
2007-2008 8,200 200,000 - - 
2008-2009 6,145 160,000 - - 
2009-2010 6,769 150,000 - - G/STR/N/11/TUN • G/STR/N/12/TUN • G/STR/N/13/TUN • G/STR/N/14/TUN 
- 14 - 
  E. NATIONAL ALCOHOL AGENCY 
1. State trading enterprise A. National Alcohol Agency (RNA) 
 
B. Products covered: 
 Extra-fine rectified alcohol 22071000139 
Absolute alcohol   22071000139 
Non-rectified alcohol  22071000128 Phlegma    22071000128 Lees     23070090003 
 
2. Reasons for maintaining a State trading enterprise 
Under the Decree of 20 November 1927, the RNA is a State corporation responsible for operating 
the alcohol sector in Tunisia. 
 3. Description of the func tioning of the enterprise 
A. The RNA imports and sells alcohol for all purposes. 
 B. Under Article 44 of Finance Law No. 74-101 of 31 December 1974, the RNA is responsible for operating the alcohol monopoly (non-rectified ethyl alcohol of 80% by volume or more) under 
the Decree of 20 November 1927 as amended, for the benefit of the State. 
 The monopoly covers the import and sale 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.  The RNA enjoys a fiscal advantage in paying a minimum customs duty of 15%. 
 
It is a State enterprise constituted as a non-administrative public establishment, the organization and functioning of which 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 that can have an impact 
on public health, security, taxation, etc. 
 Maintaining the State enterprise enables the Government to control distribution channels, adjust prices and taxes according to the intended use of  the product, and eradicate fraud and misuse by 
ensuring strict application of the various rectification processes. 
 The legislation under which the RNA was created and operates provides for State control of RNA 
activities through the Ministry of Finance. 
 C. Private traders may import alcohol under the general or special derogations provided for in 
Article 4 of the Decree of 20 November 1927, as amended by Law No. 59-113 of 
28 September 1959.  D. The quantity imported is determined in relation to market needs. 
 
E. None  
F. The RNA's selling prices for all users are fixed by the State. 
 G/STR/N/11/TUN • G/STR/N/12/TUN • G/STR/N/13/TUN • G/STR/N/14/TUN 
- 15 - 
  G. The RNA does not negotiate long-term contracts. 
 4. Statistical tables 
See tables below. 
TABLE I 
STATE TRADING: NATIONAL ALCOHOL AGENCY 
STATISTICAL INFORMATION, IMPORTS 2005-2010  
Product Year Volume 
imported by 
the RNA 
(hectolitres) Total 
imports 
(in 
Dinars) Average 
import 
price (in 
Dinars) Representative 
domestic sales 
price (in 
Dinars) Mark-up 
(in 
Dinars) Domestic 
production 
22071000139 
Extra-fine 
rectified 
alcohol 2005  12,473 1,191,254 95,504 133,000 37,496 -  
2006 - - - 177,000 -  - 
2007 10,061 1,130,186 124,236 212,300 88,064 -  
2008 16,054 1,666,626 103,815 204,500 100,685 -  
2009 18,808 1,928,251 102,522 204,500 101,978 -  
2010 14,624 1,746,827 119,445 204,500 85,055 -  
22071000139 
Absolute 
alcohol 2005  4,084 520,816 127,525 145,000 17,475 -  
2006 5,301 901,896 170,131 193,000 22,869 -  
2007 6,330 787,863 122,334 194,700 82,336 -  
2008 - - - 222,900 -  - 
2009 8,355 1,072,609 128,378 222,900 94,522 -  
2010 6,254 789,124 126,177 222,900 96,723 -  
22071000128 
Non-rectified 
alcohol 2005  12,232 1,198,665 97,994 69,000 28,994 -  
2006 12,460 1,010,999 81,142 91,800 10,660 -  
2007 12,496 1,173,231 93,889 101,000 7,111 -  
2008 15,798 1,471,385 93,138 106,000 12,862 -  
2009 - - - 106,000 -  - 
2010 - - - 106,000 -  - 
22071000128 
Phlegma 2005  15,242 1,231,748 80,810 -  - - 
2006 15,637 1,474,889 94,319 -  - - 
2007 30,818 3,043,277 98,749 -  - - 
2008 15,766 1,526,168 96,799 -  - - 
2009 15,633 1,649,638 105,521 -  - - 
2010 18,876 4,283,577 92,585 -  - - 
TABLE II 
STATE TRADING: NATIONAL ALCOHOL AGENCY 
STATISTICAL INFORMATION, EXPORTS 2005-2010  
None G/STR/N/11/TUN • G/STR/N/12/TUN • G/STR/N/13/TUN • G/STR/N/14/TUN 
- 16 - 
  TABLE III 
STATE TRADING: NATIONAL ALCOHOL AGENCY 
STATISTICAL INFORMATION, DOMESTIC ACTIVITIES 2005  
Product(s) 
and HS 
No(s). Year Domestic purchases 
by the RNA Domestic 
production 
(hectolitres)  Sales by the 
RNA 
(hectolitres) Domestic 
consumption 
(hectolitres)  
Extra-fine 
rectified 
alcohol 2005  - - 26,861 26,861 
2006 - - 29,165 29,165 
2007 - - 29,756 29,756 
2008 - - 30,410 30,410 
2009 - - 32,776 32,776 
2010 - - 31,773 31,773 
Absolute 
alcohol 2005  - - 3,848 3,848 
2006 - - 4,326 4,326 
2007 - - 4,188 4,188 
2008 - - 4,937 4,937 
2009 - - 5,248 5,248 
2010 - - 5,984 5,984 
Non-
rectified 
alcohol 2005  - - 9,064 9,064 
2006 - - 8,665 8,665 
2007 - - 8,492 8,492 
2008 - - 8,327 8,327 
2009 - - 7,303 7,303 
2010  - - 7,429 7,429 
 
F. PASTEUR INSTITUTE OF TUNIS 
I. STATE TRADING ENTERPRISE 
A. Pasteur Institute of Tunis (IPT) The IPT is a non-administrative public establishment (EPNA) and a public health institution (EPS), 
which has its own legal status and is financially autonomous. 
 B. Products covered: 
 
Serums:30019098091 
Vaccines:30022000007 (depending on the activities covered by the questionnaire, see section III/A). 
 
II. REASON AND PURPOSE 
A. Reason: 
 
Important: The IPT engaged in commercial activity until 31 December 2005. It exercised a monopoly on the import of serums, vaccines and allergens, and distributed them on the local 
market. It also controlled serums and vaccines until the same date. 
 The IPT's commercial activity was transferred to the Tunisian Central Pharmacy (PCT), while its 
control activities were assigned to the National Drug Control Laboratory (LNCM).  
 
However, the IPT produces serums and vaccines to  partially meet the needs of the local market. 
Remaining domestic needs are met by the PCT through imports. 
 G/STR/N/11/TUN • G/STR/N/12/TUN • G/STR/N/13/TUN • G/STR/N/14/TUN 
- 17 - 
  B. Legal grounds: 
 The activities of importing and marketing serums and vaccines were transferred from the IPT to the PCT by the Select Ministerial Council De cision of 15 June 2005 and Law No. 2005-75 of 
4 August 2005.  
 The monopoly on the import of, and the control of serums and vaccines were granted to the IPT by 
Law No. 87-20 of 18 May 1987, before being transferred to the PCT by Law No. 2005-75 of 
4 August 2005.  
 The production of serums and vaccines is provided  for in the regulations governing the IPT, which 
are established in Law No. 58-35 of 15 March 1958. This activity is not assigned in the form of a 
monopoly.  
1. Description of the func tioning of the enterprise 
A. Activities: 
 
The IPT's main activities are research and production. Its commercial activities, which were 
restricted to exercising the monopoly on the impo rt of serums and vaccines, were transferred on 
1 January 2006.  
Currently, the IPT conducts medical research, produces serums and vaccines, and provides public 
health and higher education services (supervision of Master's programmes and doctoral dissertations). 
 
This report will provide data on production, as the volume of imports of serums and vaccines is 
dependent on the production capacity for the local market. This production involves BCG and 
IMMUN BCG vaccines and anti-scorpion-venom, anti-viper-venom and anti-rabies serums. 
 Anti-scorpion and anti-viper-venom serums are pr oduced locally for strategic reasons. The fact 
that these products are specific to the local area contributes to their effectiveness. 
 
B. Privileges:  
The IPT has no privileges that may influence comp etition in production. Despite the fact that the 
IPT is the sole producer of serums and vaccines for human use in Tunisia, it does not have a monopoly in this field, due to the structure of the local market. 
 
In 2003, the IPT was granted tax benefits under ordinary law, which are provided for in the Investment Incentives Code, for imports of equipment intended for its production laboratories (Decree No. 2003-864 of 14 April 2003). The IPT financed this investment using its own resources. 
 
C. Environment:  
According to the structure of the market, the IPT is the sole producer of serums and vaccines for 
human use in Tunisia. It sells its products on the local market and has the possibility to export them. 
 
The PCT resells the same type of product following imports or purchases by the IPT.  The Ministry of Public Health, through public health institutions, is the main client for this type of 
product. These institutions consume 90% of production. 
 F. Pricing: 
 
The selling price of articles produced by the IPT is determined on a cost-plus basis of 5 to 10%. 
 G/STR/N/11/TUN • G/STR/N/12/TUN • G/STR/N/13/TUN • G/STR/N/14/TUN 
- 18 - 
  H. Structure of the market: 
 According to the structure of the market, the IPT is the sole producer of serums and vaccines for 
human use in Tunisia without having an exclusive monopoly. It sells its products on the local 
market and has the possibility to export them. 
 II. STATISTICAL TABLES 
See below. 
TABLE I 
STATE TRADING: PASTEUR INSTITUTE OF TUNIS 
STATISTICAL INFORMATION, IMPORTS 2005-2010  
None 
TABLE II 
STATE TRADING: PASTEUR INSTITUTE OF TUNIS  
STATISTICAL INFORMATION, EXPORTS 2005-2010 
None 
TABLE III 
STATE TRADING: PASTEUR INSTITUTE OF TUNIS  
STATISTICAL INFORMATION, DOMESTIC ACTIVITIES 2005-2010 
Product(s) 
and HS No(s). Year Domestic 
purchases by 
the State 
trading 
enterprise 
(tonnes) Domestic 
production 
(tonnes) Domestic 
sales by the 
State trading 
enterprise 
(in Tunisian 
dinar) Domestic 
consumption 
(D/metric 
tonne) 
 
Serums and 
vaccines 
(human use) 2005  - - - - 
2006 - - 507,525 - 
2007 - - 588,160  - 
2008 - - 610,380  - 
2009 - - 1,146,700  - 
2010 - - 1,045,170  - 
 
G. GRAIN BOARD 
1. State trading enterprise 
A. Grain board (OC) 
 B. Products covered 
 
Durum wheat  1001000093 
Common wheat  10019099016 Barley    10030090008 
 G/STR/N/11/TUN • G/STR/N/12/TUN • G/STR/N/13/TUN • G/STR/N/14/TUN 
- 19 - 
  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 grain.  
3. Description of the func tioning of the enterprise 
A. The Grain Board has a monopoly over the import 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. It acts as a regulating body for barley. Its sales of both local and imported products, are made at reduced prices fixed by the Government to ensure low prices to the consumer.  
B. The monopoly on cereal imports was assigned to the Grain Board by the Decree-Law of 
3 April 1962.  
It has the same right as private traders 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, the 
organization and functioning of which 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 a regular supply at the best price. 
 
E. None  
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 with regard to consumer prices, which are 
subsidized by the State in view of the social aspects of cereal consumption. 
 
4. Statistical tables  
See below.  G/STR/N/11/TUN • G/STR/N/12/TUN • G/STR/N/13/TUN • G/STR/N/14/TUN 
- 20 - 
  TABLE I 
STATE TRADING: GRAIN BOARD 
STATISTICAL INFORMATION, IMPORTS 2005-2010 
Product 
(HS number). Year Total 
volume 
imported 
(tonnes) Volume 
imported by 
the State 
trading 
enterprise 
(tonnes) Average 
import 
price 
(D/tonne) Average 
representative 
domestic sales 
price (D/tonne) Mark-
up Domestic 
production 
(tonnes) 
Durum wheat 2005  183,000 76,200 259.299 242.890 - 1,290,000 
2006 343,400 236,000 272.558 241.470 - 1,026,000 
2007 600,700 516,000 549.080 251.820 - 1,175,000 
2008 659,200 605,000 751.428 277.540 - 731,000 
2009 433,850 284,000 486.020 282.640 - 1,354,000 
2010 811,480 654,000 427.296 287.580 - 670,000 
Common 
wheat 2005  949,900 832,000 192.114 158.040 - 336,000 
2006 1,057,800 1,030,000 227.777 150.360 - 224,000 
2007 1,095,570 1,077,000 353.392 150.340 - 267,000 
2008 1,103,240 1,079,000 471.847 224.320 - 188,000 
2009 798,550 742 000 284.851 263.290 - 300,000 
2010 1,103,400 1,025,000 312.630 253.730 - 150,000 
Barley 2005  636,000 636,000 200.196 199.500 - 465,000 
2006 619,400 617,000 217.071 199.500 - 354,000 
2007 787,100 782,000 335.543 210.290 - 535,000 
2008 505,880 479,000 392.427 326.500 - 254,000 
2009 65,580 26,000 265.540 339.500 - 855,000 
2010 429,300 424,000 300.001 339.500 - 230,000 
TABLE II 
STATE TRADING: GRAIN BOARD 
STATISTICAL INFORMATION, EXPORTS 2005-2010  
None 
TABLE III 
STATE TRADING: GRAIN BOARD  
STATISTICAL INFORMATION, DOMESTIC ACTIVITIES 2005-2010 
Product Year Domestic purchases 
by the State trading 
enterprise (tonnes) Domestic 
production 
(tonnes) Domestic sales by 
the State trading 
enterprise (tonnes) Domestic 
consumption 
(tonnes) 
Durum 
wheat 2005 230,400 1,290,000 398,443 821,000 
2006 163,000 1,026,000 452,476 843,000 
2007 138,200 1,175,000 752,172 859,000 
2008 29,100 731,000 707,980 966,000 
2009 40,900 1,354,000 895,043 947,000 
2010 8,700 670,000 980,356 980,400 
Common 
wheat 2005 34,800 336,000 874,233 1,052,000 
2006 23,300 224,000 983,575 1,097,000 
2007 28,500 267,000 1,021,855 1,120,000 
2008 11,500 188,000 1,004,013 1,114,000 
2009 4,500 300,000 1,052,289 1,065,000 
2010 1,600 150,000 1,048,450 1,048,500 G/STR/N/11/TUN • G/STR/N/12/TUN • G/STR/N/13/TUN • G/STR/N/14/TUN 
- 21 - 
  Product Year Domestic purchases 
by the State trading 
enterprise (tonnes) Domestic 
production 
(tonnes) Domestic sales by 
the State trading 
enterprise (tonnes) Domestic 
consumption 
(tonnes) 
Barley 2005 900 465,000 593,671 595,200 
2006 200 354,000 599,100 599,100 
2007 1,500 535,000 701,200 701,200 
2008 4,400 254,000 423,000 423,000 
2009 44,700 855,000 269,199 280,700 
2010 400 230,000 534,376 534,800 
H. NATIONAL TOBACCO AND MATCHES AGENCY 
1. 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 950440 Matches 360500 Snuff (Neffa) 240399 
Leaf tobacco 240110 
 2. Reasons for maintaining a State trading enterprise 
The National Tobacco and Matches Agency has the monopoly on tobacco marketing under 
Law No. 64-57 of 28 December 1964.  
3. Description of the func tioning 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 (Neffa). 
 
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 an d any other product for which responsibility may 
be assigned to it by the State, for the benefit of the State. 
 
Since 1981, the RNTA has exercised this activity in  conjunction with the Kairouan Tobacco Factory 
(MTK).  
The RNTA is a State enterprise constituted as a non-administrative public establishment, the 
organization and functioning of which were la id 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 held a State monopoly on the import of 
cigarettes, cigars and tobacco, and the distributi on of products manufactured locally by private 
operators (matches, local cigarettes, playing cards). G/STR/N/11/TUN • G/STR/N/12/TUN • G/STR/N/13/TUN • G/STR/N/14/TUN 
- 22 - 
   
It holds the monopoly on the distribution of g unpowder and the production and distribution of 
snuff.  
D. The RNTA imports through calls for tenders. The tendering and procurement procedures 
comply with the competition rules under the government procurement regulations in force.  
The quantities imported are determined by the leve l of demand on 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 RN TA 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. 
 4. Statistical tables 
See below. 
TABLE I 
STATE TRADING: NATIONAL TOBACCO AND MATCHES AGENCY 
STATISTICAL INFORMATION, IMPORTS 2005-2010 
Product (HS 
number) Year Total volume 
imported Volume 
imported by 
the State 
trading 
enterprise Average 
import price Average 
representative 
domestic sales 
price 
(excluding 
taxes) Mark-
up Domestic 
production 
(volume) 
20 March 
cigarettes 
manufacture
d (packet) 
HS: 240220 2005  86,500,000 86,500,000 D0.198/packet  D0.312/packet - 256,173,000 
2006 90,000,000 90,000,000 D0.199/packet  D0.312/packet - 292,224,877 
2007 - - - D0.314/packet - 391,650,000 
2008 - - - D0.314/packet - 388,033,000 
2009 - - - D0.319/packet - 479,890,000 
2010 - - - D0.325/packet - 237,840,000 
Cigars (unit) 
HS: 240220 2005  560,000 201,000 D0.113/cigar  D0.179/cigar - 331,500 
2006 131,000 0 D0.183/cigar  D0.102/cigar - 434,572 
2007 158,396 48,760 D0.184/cigar  D0.187/cigar - 414,000 
2008 243,430 123,000 D0.129/cigar  D0.206/cigar - 312,000 
2009 146,000 120,000 D0.133/cigar  D0.202/cigar - 259,180 
2010 232,000 135,000 D0.326/cigar  D0.208/cigar - 538,100 
Foreign 
cigarettes 
(packet) HS: 
240220 2005  40,000,000 23,668,750 D0.626/packet  D0.602/packet - - 
2006 41,158,750 25,728,750 D0.714/packet  D0.606/packet - - 
2007 48,191,163 33,747,125 D0.717/packet  D0.610/packet - - 
2008 80,000,000 50,460,500 D0.605/packet  D0.595/packet - - 
2009 120,000,000 85,546,500 D0.675/packet  D0.618/packet - - 
2010 160,000,000 115,000,000 D0.857/packet  D0.642/packet - - 
Pipe tobacco 
and tumbak 
(50g packet) 
HS: 240399 2005  1,800,000 1,039,500 D0.193/packet  D0.312/packet - - 
2006 2,018,600 1,736,600 D0.327/packet  D0.406/packet - 28,200 
2007 2,574,718 2,196,022 D0.332/packet  D0.397/packet - - 
2008 2,700,000 13,680,000 D0.189/packet  D0.299/packet - - 
2009 2,500,000 1,410,000 D0.207/packet  D0.301/packet - - 
2010 4,500,000 2,710,000 D0.324/packet  D1.334/packet - - 
Gunpowder 
(tonne) HS: 
360100 2005  - - - - - - 
2006 0 - - - - - 
2007 - - - - - 6,575,090 
2008 - - - - - - 
2009 - - - - - - 
2010 -   - - - G/STR/N/11/TUN • G/STR/N/12/TUN • G/STR/N/13/TUN • G/STR/N/14/TUN 
- 23 - 
  Product (HS 
number) Year Total volume 
imported Volume 
imported by 
the State 
trading 
enterprise Average 
import price Average 
representative 
domestic sales 
price 
(excluding 
taxes) Mark-
up Domestic 
production 
(volume) 
Playing cards 
(pack) HS: 
950440 2005  - - - - - 6,800,000 
2006 - - - D0.585/pack - 4,517,785 
2007 - - - - - 62,520,578 
2008 - - - - - 6,000,000 
2009 - - - - - 5,000,000 
2010 - - -  - 5,000,000 
Matches 
(box) HS: 
360500 2005  - - - - - 88,000,000 
2006 - - - D0.035/box - 54,202,583 
2007 - - - - - - 
2008 - - - - - 60,000,000 
2009 - - - - - 55,000,000 
2010 - - - - - 50,000,000 
 
 Airline companies and duty-free shops have their own sources of supply. 
 Total volume imported (2) means total imports by the tobacco sector (RNTA and MTK). 
 (3) means imports by the RNTA. 
 Sales prices are fixed prices. 
 Domestic production means RNTA and MTK production. 
 Playing cards and matches are sub-contracted to Tunisian suppliers. 
 (5) The average selling price is calculated on the basis of sectoral sales. 
 (4) The average import price is calculated on the basis of sectoral imports. G/STR/N/11/TUN • G/STR/N/12/TUN • G/STR/N/13/TUN • G/STR/N/14/TUN 
- 24 - 
  TABLE II 
STATE TRADING: NATIONAL TOBACCO AND MATCHES AGENCY 
STATISTICAL INFORMATION, EXPORTS 2005-2010 
Product 
(HS 
number) Year Total 
volume 
exported Volume 
exported 
by the 
State 
trading 
enterprise Average 
procurement 
price Average 
representative 
domestic sales 
price 
(excluding 
taxes) Average 
export price Domestic 
production 
(volume) 
Snuff 
(Neffa) 
(packet) 
HS: 
240399 2005  648,000 648,000 D0.124/packet* D0.027/packet D0.337/packet 35,491,200  
2006 624,000 624,000 D0.132/packet* D0.027/packet D0.352/packet 36,201,600  
2007 576,000 576,000 D0.093/packet* D0.027/packet D0.358/packet 34,576,000  
2008 550,000 550,000 D0.169/packet* D0.027/packet D0.361/packet 32,410,000  
2009 528,000 528,000 D0.198/packet* D0.027/packet D0.528/packet 31,710,000  
2010 552,000 552,000 D0.242/packet* D0.027/packet D0.601/packet 26,100,000  
Leaf 
tobacco 
(tonne) 
HS: 
240110 2005  425 425 D1,407 /tonne - D3,060 /tonne 3,048  
2006 304 304 D1,372/tonne - D3,093 /tonne 3,973  
2007 50 50 D812/tonne - D3,230/tonne 2,600  
2008 316 316 D1,404/tonne - D3,157/tonne 2,541  
2009 399 399 D1,426/tonne - D3,436/tonne 1,625  
2010 165 165 D1,580/tonne - D3,240/tonne 1,623  
*Production cost of snuff (Neffa) for export: D0.124/packet. 
TABLE III 
STATE TRADING: NATIONAL TOBACCO AND MATCHES AGENCY 
STATISTICAL INFORMATION, DOMESTIC ACTIVITIES  2005-2010 
Product (HS 
numbers) Year Domestic 
purchases by the 
State trading 
enterprise Domestic 
production Domestic sales by 
the State trading 
enterprise Domestic 
consumption 
20 March 
cigarettes 
(packet) HS: 
240220 2005  143,673,000 256,173,000 336,000,000 336,000,000 
2006  172,754,000 276,054,000 365,000,000 365,000,000 
2007  209,000,000 403,135,000 386,980,000 386,980,000 
2008  287,733,000 388,033,000 416,860,000 416,860,000 
2009  335,490,000 479,890,000 390,320,000 390,320,000 
2010  113,500,000 237,840,000 251,000,000 251,000,000 
Cristal (packet) 
HS: 240220 2005  - 269,560,000 155,390,000 287,180,000 
2006  - 280,600,000 167,180,000 306,580,000 
2007  - 301,800,000 165,310,000 292,000,000 
2008  - 290,540,000 134,640,000 235,150,000 
2009  - 201,000,000 120,720,000 193,320,000 
2010  - 160,300,000 126,100,000 207,500,000 
Boussetta Filter 
(packet) HS: 
240220 2005  - 14,100,000 16,600,000 16,600,000 
2006  - 17,400,000 17,000,000 17,000,000 
2007  - 18,500,000 18,630,000 18,630,000 
2008  - 17,920,000 16,620,000 16,620,000 
2009  - 14,200,000 15,160,000 15,160,000 
2010  - 16,500,000 15,800,000 15,800,000 
Snuff (Neffa) 
(packet) HS: 
240399 2005  - 35,491,200 35,000,000 35,000,000 
2006  - 36,200,000 34,800,000 34,800,000 
2007  - 35,700,000 33,650,000 33,650,000 
2008  - 32,410,000 33,360,000 33,360,000 
2009  - 31,710,000 29,750,000 29,750,000 
2010  - 26,100,000 28,100,000 28,100,000 G/STR/N/11/TUN • G/STR/N/12/TUN • G/STR/N/13/TUN • G/STR/N/14/TUN 
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  Product (HS 
numbers) Year Domestic 
purchases by the 
State trading 
enterprise Domestic 
production Domestic sales by 
the State trading 
enterprise Domestic 
consumption 
Cigars (unit) HS: 
240220 2005  - 331,500 443,400 555,400 
2006  - 434,500 525,480 637,480 
2007  - 406,000 330,490 410,490 
2008  - 312,000 304,170 424,600 
2009  - 259,180 388,500 414,950 
2010  - 538,100 627,000 720,500 
Foreign 
cigarettes 
(packet) 
HS: 240220 2005  - - 23,850,000 36,170,000 
2006  - - 27,070,000 41,250,000 
2007  - - 34,720,000 51,670,000 
2008  - - 52,320,000 78,130,000 
2009  - - 82,500,000 116,800,000 
2010  - - 103,500,000 157,700,000 
Pipe tobacco and 
tumbak (50g 
packet) HS: 
240399 2005  - - 1,400,000 1,718,000 
2006  -  2,470,000 2,839,000 
2007  - - 2,000,000 2,348,000 
2008  - - 1,523,000 2,693,000 
2009  - - 1,410,000 2,480,000 
2010  -  2,300,000 4,200,000 
Gunpowder 
(tonne) HS: 
360100 2005  - - - - 
2006  - - - - 
2007  - - - - 
2008  - - - - 
2009  - - - - 
2010  - - - - 
Playing cards 
(pack) HS: 
950440 2005  4,213,797 6,800,000 4,500,000 6,790,000 
2006  4,517,785 7,000,000 4,400,000 6,630,000 
2007  4,349,100 7,000,000 4,380,000 6,580,000 
2008  4,640,000 6,000,000 3,918,000 6,000,000 
2009  2,600,000 5,000,000 3,230,000 4,870,000 
2010  3,600,000 5,000,000 3,400,000 4,700,000 
Matches (box) 
HS: 360500 2005  40,650,000 88,000,000 52,300,000 87,510,000 
2006  54,202,583 84,000,000 50,400,000 83,920,000 
2007  32,269,740 75,000,000 43,290,000 74,530,000 
2008  33,000,000 60,000,000 35,670,000 60,170,000 
2009  27,200,000 55,000,000 31,040,000 52,640,000 
2010  31,000,000 50,000,000 27,200,000 46,200,000 
 
I. STATE TRADING ENTERPRISE 
A. Tunisian Central Pharmacy (PCT) 
 B. The PCT deals chiefly with imports of the medicines and pharmaceuticals listed in 
Chapter 30. 
 II. REASON AND PURPOSE: 
A. The PCT, which was established and organized under the 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: 
 
 providing the Tunisian market with a regular supply of medicines, vaccines and 
pharmaceutical products; 
 covering domestic consumption of such products through the grouping of purchases, better 
competition and competitive prices; and 
 controlling and ensuring the stability of medicine prices, which constitute one of the key 
components of health spending. 
B. An import monopoly is granted by the State as part of its constitutional duty (Article 5 of the 
Constitution), which consists primarily of securing the values of solidarity and preserving human G/STR/N/11/TUN • G/STR/N/12/TUN • G/STR/N/13/TUN • G/STR/N/14/TUN 
- 26 - 
  dignity. Medicines are strategic health products in terms of economics (prices) and therapeutic 
effectiveness. The concern that led to the establishment and maintenance of this monopoly was the need to build up critical volume to enable a small country such as Tunisia to negotiate with major laboratories, prices that were both affordable for its population and compatible with the 
management of import channels, in order to ensure the allocation of national resources to key 
areas.  
III. DESCRIPTION OF THE FUNCTIONING OF THE ENTERPRISE 
A. The PCT has a monopoly on imports of medicines and pharmaceutical products, the list of 
which is established in a joint order of the Ministers of the Economy and Health.  
B. The monopoly on imports of medicines wa s assigned to the PCT by Law No. 90-105 of 
26 November 1990. The monopoly on vaccines, serums and blood products was assigned as from 1 January 2006 (Law No. 75-2005 of 4 August 2005). 
 
The PCT distributes medicines, vaccines, serums, blood products and pharmaceutical products to wholesale distributors at the same selling price. 
 
It is the exclusive supplier of the hospital sector.  The PCT is a State enterprise constituted as a non-administrative and industrial public 
establishment, the organization and functioning of which 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 regu lar supply of products to the Tunisian market, to 
avoid stock shortages of medicines, to form a strategic stockpile to cover three months' normal usage (in accordance with the circular of the Mi nister of Health dated 29 August 2008), and to 
offer Tunisian consumers the same prices throughout the country 
 The law under which the PCT was created provides for supervision exercised by 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: 
  calls for tenders (national and international)  primarily for public sector products which 
generally result in multi-year contracts; 
 negotiated purchases (mainly for private sector products). 
The volume of imports is determined by domestic consumption to form strategic stocks, thus 
a l l o w i n g  f o r  d o m e s t i c  n e e d s  t o  b e  m e t  f o r  a  p e r i o d  o f  t h r e e  t o  s i x  m o n t h s  d e p e n d i n g  o n  t h e  
strategic and/or vital nature of the product. 
 E. The PCT no longer exports products (since 2007). 
 
F. The prices of medicines are fixed (subject to  the approval of the Minister responsible for 
trade).  
The margins for each distribution level are se t by the State. Public prices are therefore 
homogeneous and identical throughout the country.  
The prices of vital products for the retail pharmacy sector (community pharmacies) are fixed, and 
the PCT covers, using its own funds, the losses and/or shortfalls caused by currency fluctuations.  
For the hospital sector, medicines are supplied at cost plus the PCT's margin. 
 G/STR/N/11/TUN • G/STR/N/12/TUN • G/STR/N/13/TUN • G/STR/N/14/TUN 
- 27 - 
  G. The PCT negotiates long-term contracts with its suppliers for the supply of the Tunisian 
market with medicines and pharmaceutical products.  H. The Tunisian medicines and pharmaceuticals market is divided into two sectors: a hospital 
sector, which is characterized by mainly local production but in which the PCT is exclusively 
responsible for distribution to public bodies; an d a retail pharmacy sector (community pharmacies) 
in which over 50% of needs are met by local production and the PCT has a monopoly on only 
imported products for wholesale distribution. 
 IV. STATISTICAL TABLES 
See below. 
TABLE I 
STATE TRADING: TUNISIAN CENTRAL PHARMACY 
STATISTICAL INFORMATION, IMPORTS  2005-2010 
 
1 Purchases intended for export are included in the import figures Product (HS 
number) Year Total 
volume 
imported Volume 
imported 
by the 
State 
trading 
enterprise Average 
import 
price Average 
representative 
domestic sales 
price (excluding 
taxes) Mark-
up Domestic 
production 
(volume) 
Retail 
pharmacy 
preparations 
1 2005  - 182.11 - - - - 
2006 - 174.63 - - - - 
2007 - 210.69 - - - - 
2008 - 238.55 - - - - 
2009 - 277.54 - - - - 
2010 - 301.64 - - - - 
Hospital 
preparations 2005  - 133.54 - - - - 
2006 - 135.01 - - - - 
2007 - 157.66 - - - - 
2008 - 191.43 - - - - 
2009 - 225.88 - - - - 
2010 - 281.80 - - - - 
Vaccines and 
serums 2005  - 0 - - - - 
2006 - 20.43 - - - - 
2007 - 28.16 - - - - 
2008 - 32. 77 - - - - 
2009 - 36.33 - - - - 
2010 - 48.17 - - - - G/STR/N/11/TUN • G/STR/N/12/TUN • G/STR/N/13/TUN • G/STR/N/14/TUN 
- 28 - 
  TABLE II 
STATE TRADING: TUNISIAN CENTRAL PHARMACY 
STATISTICAL INFORMATION, EXPORTS  2005-2010 
Product (HS 
number) Year Total 
volume 
exported Volume 
exported 
by the 
State 
trading 
enterprise Average 
procurement 
price Average 
representative 
domestic sales 
price 
(excluding 
taxes) Average 
export 
price Domestic 
production 
(volume) 
Retail 
pharmacy 
preparations 
1 2005  - 0.2 - - - - 
2006 - 0.1 - - - - 
2007 - 0 - - - - 
2008 - 0 - - - - 
2009 - 0 - - - - 
2010 - 0 - - - - 
Hospital 
preparations 2005  - 0 - - - - 
2006 - 0 - - - - 
2007 - 0 - - - - 
2008 - 0 - - - - 
2009 - 0 - - - - 
2010 - 0 - - - - 
Vaccines and 
serums 2005  - 0 - - - - 
2006 - 0 - - - - 
2007 - 0 - - - - 
2008 - 0 - - - - 
2009 - 0 - - - - 
2010 - 0 - - - - 
1 Purchases intended for export ar e included in the import figures  
TABLE III 
STATE TRADING: TUNISIAN CENTRAL PHARMACY 
STATISTICAL INFORMATION, DOMESTIC ACTIVITIES  2005-2010 
None 
 
__________