WORLD TRADE  
ORGANIZATION  WT/REG203/3 
10 February 2009 
 
 (09-0636) 
Committee on Regional Trade Agreements  
  
 
   
 
FACTUAL PRESENTATION 
 
Association Agreement 
Between 
Turkey and Tunisia 
(Goods) 
 
Report By The Secretariat 
 
 
 
This report, prepared for the consid eration of the Association Agreement 
between Turkey and Tunisia, has b een drawn up by the WTO Secretariat 
on its own responsibility and in full co nsultation with the Parties.  The 
report has been drawn up in accordance with the rules and procedures 
contained in the Decision for a Tr ansparency Mechanism for Regional 
Trade Agreements (WT/L/671). 
 
Any technical questions arising fro m this report may be addressed to 
Ms. Jo-Ann Crawford (tel:  +41 22 739 5422). 
  WT/REG203/3 
Page iii 
 
 
  TABLE OF CONTENTS 
Page  
 
 
I. TRADE ENVIRONMENT 1  
II. TREATY CHARACTER ISTIC ELEMENTS 4  
A. B ACKGROUND INFORMATION  4 
III. NATIONAL TREATMENT AND MARKET ACCESS PROVISIONS OF THE 
AGREEMENT 4 
A. I MPORT DUTIES AND CHARGES , AND QUANTITATIVE RESTRICTIONS  4 
1. General provisions 4  
2. Liberalization of tariff lines and trade 5  
(a) Turkey's liberalization schedule 6 
(b) Tunisia's liberalization schedule 8 
B. R ULES OF ORIGIN  10 
C. E XPORT DUTIES AND CHARGES , AND QUANTITATIVE RESTRICTIONS  12 
D. R EGULATORY PROVISIONS OF THE AGREEMENT  13 
1. Standards 13  
(a) Technical barriers to trade 13 
(b) Sanitary and phytosanitary measures 13 
2. Safeguard mechanisms 13  
(a) Global Safeguard Measures 13 
(b) Specific Safeguards 13 
(c) Structural Adjustment 13 
(d) Restrictions to Safeguard Balance of Payments 14 
3. Anti-dumping 14  
4. Subsidies, state-aid and countervailing measures 14  
5. Other regulations 14  
(a) Customs-related procedures 14 
(b) Government procurement 15 
(c) Competition policy 15 (d) Other 15 
IV. PROVISIONS AFFECTING TRADE IN GOODS 15  
A. I
NTELLECTUAL PROPERTY  15 
B. S ECTOR -SPECIFIC PROVISIONS OF THE AGREEMENT  15 
C. I NSTITUTIONAL PROVISIONS OF THE AGREEMENT  15 
1. Exceptions and reservations 15  
2. Accession 16  
3. Institutional framework 16  
4. Dispute settlement 16  
5. Relationship with other agreements concluded by the Parties 16  
ANNEX I 18 
ANNEX II 22 WT/REG203/3 
Page 1 
 
 
  ASSOCIATION AGREEMENT BETWEEN TURKEY AND TUNISIA (GOODS) 
 
Factual Presentation by the Secretariat  
  I. TRADE ENVIRONMENT 
1. The Association Agreement between Turkey and Tunisia (hereafter "the Agreement") is 
Turkey's tenth and Tunisia's third regional trad e agreement (RTA) notified to the WTO.  Although 
quite different in terms of population size and GDP (Turkey's GDP was more than twelve times that 
of Tunisia in 2006), the countries have similar econom ic structures.  In 2006, manufactures accounted 
for 81.2% and agricultural products for 10.1% of Turkey's merchandise exports, while for Tunisia 
manufactures accounted for 71.3% and agricultural pr oducts for 12.7% of merchandise exports in the 
same year.
 1 
 2. Turkey's GDP was US$402.7 billion in 2006, while  that of Tunisia reached US$30.3 billion.
2    
With total merchandise exports of US$85.5 billion a nd imports of US$138.3 billion, Turkey ranked as 
the 34th top exporter and the 22nd top importer in 2006;  with me rchandise exports of US$11.5 billion 
and imports of US$14.9 billion, Tunisia ranked as the 74th top exporter and the 69th top importer in 
that year.3  In the period 2004-2006, Turkey's trade to GDP ratio was 63.0, while Tunisia's was 101.2. 
 3. Developments in recent years in global and intr a trade between the Parties are pictured in 
Charts I.1 and I.2.  Over the period surveyed (1998-2006), Turkey has run a consistent trade surplus in 
its bilateral trade with Tunisia.
4 
020406080100120140
1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 20060.00.10.20.30.40.50.60.7US$billion US$billionChart I.1 - Turkey: Merchandise im ports from and exports to world 
and Tunisia, 1998-2006
Source: UNSD, Comtrade database.Imports from Tunisia
Exports to TunisiaTotal imports
Total exportsLeft hand sale: Right hand sale:
 
                                                      
1 WTO Statistics Database, Trade Profiles. 
2 WTO Statistics Database, Trade Profiles. 
3 UNSD, Comtrade database (2007). 
4 Data for Tunisia (2006 )were not available from UNSD Comtrade. WT/REG203/3 
Page 2  
 
  0246810121416
1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 20050.000.050.100.150.200.250.300.350.40US$billion US$billionChart I.2 - Tunisia: Merchandise imports from and exports to world 
and Turkey, 1998-2005
Source: UNSD, Comtrade database.Imports from Turkey
Exports to TurkeyTotal imports
Total exportsLeft hand sale: Right hand sale:
 
 
4. The commodity structure of trade among the Parti es, as well as of their imports and exports to 
the world in the period 2002-2004 is shown in Chart I.3, on the basis of Harmonized System (HS) 
sections.    5. Three product categories (chemicals, minerals a nd textiles) accounted for more than 82% of 
Turkey's imports from Tunisia; base metals and raw hides accounted for a further 14.7%.  Tunisia's 
four largest export product categories – textiles, m achinery, minerals and chemicals – made up 74.2% 
of Tunisia's total exports in 2002-2004 and accounted  for 83.3% of Turkey's imports from Tunisia in 
2002-2004.  6. As to Tunisia's imports from Turkey in the pe riod 2002-2004, more than 80% were classified 
under four product categories (base metals, machinery, minerals and vehicles).  Turkey's four largest 
export product categories – textiles, machinery,  vehicles and base metals – made up 70.4% of 
Turkey's total exports in 2002-2004 and accounted fo r 79.2% of Tunisia's imports from Turkey in 
2002-2004. 
 
    WT/REG203/3 
 Page 3 
 
 
  Chart I.3
Turkey and Tunisia: product compos ition of merchandise trade, annual 
average (2002-04)
Turkey's imports from Tunisia Tunisia's imports from Turkey
 Source:  UNSD, Comtrade database.Per cent
Total:  US$90.1 million Total:  US$222.8 million
Total:  US$72.7  billion Total: US$10.8 billion
Total:  US$48.7 billion Total:  US$8 billionTurkey's global exportsTunisia's global exportsTurkey's global imports Tunisia's global importsOther
2.8
Chemicals  
59.3Raw Hides 6.8
Machinery 15.8Other 
2.3
Base metals
40.6
Wood pulp 2.2Other 
7.8
Machinery
22.8
Chemicals 
7.1
Base metals
7.4Plastics 5.1Other
7.9
Minerals
16.6Optical  2.2Machinery
23.0
Vehicles 
9.6
Chemicals 
11.0Textiles 7.1
Base metals 
11.2
Prepared foods  2.2
Vegetables 4.7Textiles  
39.7Plastics 5.8
Vehicles
 7.8
Other 
7.4Other 
10.8
Vehicles
 13.3Chemicals 3.0
Base metals 12.5Stone, Cement  3.0
Plastics 3.4Base metals 2.3
Minerals
10.5Machinery 
15.0Vehicles  2.3
Chemicals  9.0Vegetables 3.0Chemicals 1.6
Minerals 
10.2Optical  2.0
Textiles 
20.3Vehicles
 11.5
Pearls 3.7
Fats and Oils  3.4Vegetables  4.5Plastics 1.7
Base metals 7.9
Minerals 14.9Textiles 8.3Textiles 11.3
Minerals 12.3
Prepared foods  2.8
Textiles
 30.7
Machinery 
13.9Minerals 3.9
Prepared foods  4.1
Footwear  4.8Wood pulp 2.0
 
 WT/REG203/3 
Page 4  
 
  II. TREATY CHARACTERISTIC ELEMENTS 
 
A. B
ACKGROUND INFORMATION  
7. The Association Agreement was signed by the G overnment of Turkey and the Government of 
Tunisia on 25 November 2004 and entered into force on 1 July 2005.  The Agreement is of an 
indefinite duration. 
 8. The Agreement was notified to the WTO by the Parties on 1 September 2005 
under Article XXIV:7(a) of the GATT 1994 and the Understanding on the Interpretation of 
Article XXIV of GATT 1994 as an agreement estab lishing a free-trade area (WT/REG203/N/1).  The 
text of the Agreement was circulated to Members as document WT/REG203/1, [and is also 
available, together with its Annexes,  on the following official website:  
HTTP://WWW.CEPEX.NAT.TN/SITE/INDEX.AS P?IDSERV=5&NODEID=348&IDACTION=186
&IDARTICLE=2428&NOM_INSTANC E=CONTENTMANAGEMENT& 
 
9. The Agreement is composed of three Titles containing 53 articles, as follows: 
 
Box II.1:  Table of co ntents of the Agreement  
Preamble  
Title I  Chapter I  
Chapter II  
Chapter III  Chapter IV  
Title II  
Title III   
Free Movement of Goods Industrial Products 
Basic Agricultural, Processed Ag ricultural and Fishery Products 
Common Provisions State Monopolies, Competition Rules, Payments and Other Economic Provisions 
Economic and Technical Cooperation 
Institutional and Final Provisions 
 
10. The Agreement contains three Protocols which d eal respectively with:  abolition of customs 
duties on industrial products;  exchange of concessions  in basic agricultural a nd processed agricultural 
products and fisheries;  and product-specific rules of origin. 
 11. Article 2 of the Agreement provides for the gradual establishment of a free-trade area over a 
transitional period lasting a maximum of nine years from the date of entry into force of the Agreement.    III. NATIONAL TREATMENT AND MARKET ACCESS PROVISIONS OF THE 
AGREEMENT 
A. I
MPORT DUTIES AND CHARGES , AND QUANTITATIVE RESTRICTIONS  
1. General provisions 
12. The Parties commit themselves to apply any inte rnal taxes and other charges and regulations 
in accordance with Article III of the GATT 1994 (Article 15). 
 13. The Parties agree to abolish customs duties, qua ntitative restrictions, and charges or measures 
having equivalent effect, on imports of i ndustrial goods in accordance with Protocol I.
5  No new 
                                                      
5 Industrial goods are defined by the Parties as those falling within Chapters 25-97 of the Harmonized 
System with the exception of the products covered by  the WTO definition of agricultural products as well as 
fish and fishery products and products falling under the tariff headings of 3302 10 29 and 4501.    WT/REG203/3 
 Page 5 
 
 
  customs duties or quantitative restrictions on imports  of industrial products, and charges or measures 
having equivalent effect, may be introdu ced or increased (Articles 5 and 8).   
 14. In the case of Turkey, the Agreem ent provides for the elimination of duties on imports of all 
industrial goods originating in Tunisia upon the date of entry into force.  In the case of Tunisia, the 
progressive liberalization of duties on industrial go ods takes place on the basis of a negative list 
approach, over a period not exceeding nine years.  Pr otocol I contains three lists of industrial products 
subject to liberalization according to different timetables:  List 1 provides for the progressive 
elimination of duties beginning in July 2005 until co mpletion on 1 January 2012;  List 2 provides for 
the progressive elimination of duties beginning two years after the date of entry into force, i.e. in 2007 
to be completed by 2014;  and List III contains  those products for which no concessions have been 
made by Tunisia.   15. The Parties agree to exchange concessions on cer tain basic agricultural,  processed agricultural 
and fishery products in accordance with Protocol II.  Tables A and B to this Protocol list the products 
for which preferential treatment has been granted by  Turkey and Tunisia, respectively.  Concessions 
are in the form of reductions or, in some cases, elimination of in-quota duties on a limited number of agricultural products (see Annex II for further details ).  In Protocol II, the Parties declare their 
readiness within a year following the entry into fo rce of the Agreement to hold consultations in the 
Association Committee with a view to further im prove the bilateral exchange of preferences for 
agricultural products.
6    
 
2. Liberalization of tariff lines and trade7 
16. The elimination of tariffs applicable between  the Parties is detailed in the corresponding 
Parties' schedules.  Tariff elimination started on 1 July 2005, from the base rates applied in January 
2004.  In the event of any subsequent reductions to the MFN rate, the reduced MFN duties are to 
replace the basic duties (Article 3.3). 
 17. The overall tariff elimination under the Agreem ent is depicted in Tables III.1A and III.1B 
below.
8  In the case of Turkey, 24.2% of total tariff  lines were already duty-free on an MFN basis in 
2005.9  A further 59.2% of tariff lines became duty-free for imports from Tunisia in 2005;  in terms of 
imports from Tunisia for the period 2002-2004, these figures amount to 24.2% and 75%, respectively.  
Thus, a total of 83.4% of tariff lines, amounting to 99.2% of 2002-2004 imports become duty-free 
under the Agreement.    
 
   
                                                     
 
6 According to the Parties, as of July 2008 no further concessions in agricultural products have been 
granted. 
7 Unless otherwise specified, all statistics, tables and charts contained in this document have been 
prepared on the basis of data  provided by the Parties. 
8 Tariff lines containing in-quota duties are excluded from all the tariff-related calculations.  Lines 
subject to specific duties are taken into account in the number of lines liberalized where relevant, but are not 
included in the tariff analysis. 
9 Turkey's tariff is composed of 19,204 tariff lin es at the HS (2002) 12-digit level:  18,949 lines are 
subject to ad valorem  duties;  30 are specific duties;  131 are com pound duties;  27 are mixed duties; and 67 are 
other duties.   WT/REG203/3 
Page 6  
 
  Table III.1 
Tariff elimination commitments under the Agreement  and corresponding average trade values for 2002-2004 
A.  Turkey 
Duty phase-out 
period Number of lines % of total lines in 
Turkey's tariff 
schedule Value of Turkey's imports 
from Tunisia (2002-2004) 
in million US$ % of Turkey's total 
imports from Tunisia 
2002-2004 
MFN duty free 
(2005) 4,639 24.2 21.8 24.2 
2005 11,371 59.2 67.6 75.0 
Remain dutiable 3,194 16.6 0.8 0.8 
Total 19,204 100.0 90.1 100.0 
Source:  WTO Secretariat based on data provided by Turkey.  
 
18. In the case of Tunisia, 14.9% of tariff lines wh ich accounted for 24.8% of Tunisia's imports 
from Turkey in 2002-2004 were already duty-free on an MFN basis in 2005.10  A further 23.5% of 
tariff lines were liberalized as of the entry into for ce of the Agreement, corresponding to 6.9% of trade 
in terms of Tunisia's imports from Turkey in 2002-2004.  By the end of Tunisia's implementation period in 2014, a total of 76.5% of tariff lines, amounting to 96.5% of 2002-2004 imports from Turkey are to be duty-free. 
Table III.1 
Tariff elimination commitments under the Agreement  and corresponding average trade values for 2002-2004 
B.  Tunisia 
Duty phase-out 
period Number of lines % of total lines in 
Tunisia's tariff 
schedule Value of Tunisia's imports 
from Turkey (2002-2004) 
in million US$ % of Tunisia's total 
imports from Turkey 
2002-2004 
MFN duty free (2005) 2,434 14.9 55.2 24.8 
2005 3,850 23.5 15.3 6.9 
2006 2 0.0 - - 
2007 3 0.0 - - 
2008 103 0.6 3.0 1.4 
2012 3,269 20.0 42.4 19.0 
2014 2,847 17.4 98.9 44.4 
Remain dutiable 3,852 23.5 7.8 3.5 
Total 16,360 100.0 222.6 100.0 
 
Source:  WTO Secretariat based on data provided by Tunisia and WTO-IDB. 
 
(a) Turkey's liberalization schedule 
19. The base rates used by Turkey for implemen ting its tariff liberalization scheme included 
4,639 tariff lines which were alread y duty-free before the entry into fo rce of the Agreement.  Turkey's 
liberalization schedule does not foresee transition peri ods, thus all tariff elimination is implemented 
on entry into force of the Agreement.  This resu lts in an additional 11,371 tariff lines becoming duty 
free in July 2005 of which over 87% have a base rate  of 10% or less.  The 3,194 tariff lines excluded 
from tariff elimination (which include 416 lines subj ect to specific duties) have tariff rates ranging 
from 1% to 225%. 
                                                      
10 Tunisia's tariff is composed of 16,360 tariff lines at the HS 11-digit level.  All lines are subject to 
ad valorem  duties.     WT/REG203/3 
 Page 7 
 
 
  20. With respect to agricultural products, Turkey's concessions are in the form of elimination or 
reduction of duties subject to quotas in the following products:  dates, sardines, mackerel, shrimps and 
prawns, molluscs and aquatic invertebrates, haris sa, and wine of fresh grapes.  The preferential 
in-quota duty applies from entry into force of the Agreement (see Annex II).11   
0 2,000 4,000 6,000 8,000 10,000 12,000 14,000 16,0002005Chart III.1
Turkey's duty elimination under the Agreement
Year of duty free treatment   
Source: WTO Secretariat estimates, based on data provided by Turkey.Number of duty-free lines (cumulative)
Duty-free <10% <20% <30% MFN is: Non ad valorem duty
 
 
21. Table III.2 shows Turkey's trade liberalizati on commitments under the Agreement at the 
HS 12-digit level organized by HS section product categories.  Of the 19,204 tariff lines forming Turkey's tariff schedule, 4,639 were already dut y-free on an MFN basis in 2005;  an additional 
11,371 tariff lines were liberalized upon entry into force of the Agreement, all of which fall in 
HS Sections V-XXI.  The remaining 3,194 lines, acc ounting for 16.6% of Turk ey's tariff schedule are 
subject to tariffs and cover mostly agricultural products falling under HS Sections I to IV.  The 
average final tariff on dutiable items ranges from 1% to 76.6%. 
Table III.2 
Turkey: Tariff elimination under the Agreement, by HS section 
Number of 
duty-free lines  HS section and description  MFN 
average%  Total No of 
lines  MFN 
duty-free 
2005  2005  Remain 
Dutiable Average 
Final 
Tariff 
(Dutiable) 
I Live animals and animal products 68.6 1,114 116  998  76.6a 
II Vegetable products 28.5 844 87  757  31.8a 
III Animal or vegetable fats and oils 19.3 243 35  208  22.5a 
IV Prepared food etc. 44.5 1,273 80  1,193  47.5a 
V Minerals 0.7 450 323 127   
VI Chemicals and chemical products 4.3 3,156 833 2,288 35  10.5a 
Table III.2 (Cont'd)  
                                                      
11 According to Turkey, there is no WTO quota on these products. WT/REG203/3 
Page 8  
 
  Number of 
duty-free lines  HS section and description  MFN 
average%  Total No of 
lines  MFN 
duty-free 
2005  2005  Remain 
Dutiable Average 
Final 
Tariff 
(Dutiable) 
VII Plastics and rubber 4.4 566 119 447   
VIII Hides and skins 2.3 294 127 167   
IX Wood and articles 2.0 329 189 137 3 1.0 
X Pulp, paper etc. 0.0 444 444    
XI Textiles and textiles ar ticles 7.9 3,362 204 3,158   
XII Footwear, headgear 7.4 206 3 203   
XIII Articles of stone 3.6 459 56 403   
XIV Precious stones, etc. 1.0 104 73 31   
XV Base metals and base metals  products 4.0 1,893 614 1,279   
XVI Machinery 2.1 2,743 832 1,911   
XVII Transport equipment 4.5 529 95 434   
XVIII Precision equipment 2.1 750 292 458   
XIX Arms and ammunition 2.3 34 5 29   
XX Misc. manufactured articles 2.5 397 98 299   
XXI Works of art, etc. 0.0 14 14    
Total 11.8 19,204 4,639 11,371 3,194 50.8 
Note:  In-quota tariff lines are excluded. 
a Combination of ad valorem  and specific duties (for tariff lines with non ad valorem  components, only the ad valorem  part of the 
rate was included in the calcula tion of the tariff averages). 
 
Source:   WTO estimates based on da ta provided by Turkey.  
 
(b) Tunisia's liberalization schedule 
22. The base rates used by Tunisia for implementing its tariff liberalization scheme included 
2,434 tariff lines which were already duty free before the entry into force of the Agreement.  Most of 
the tariff lines liberalized in 2005 contain MFN rat es of 20% or less, while lines subject to higher 
tariffs of up to 40% are liberalized in 2012 or 2014.  The 3,852 lines which remain subject to duties have tariff rates ranging from 10% to 150% . 
23. With respect to agricultural products, Tunisia's concessions are in the form of reductions of 
duties subject to quotas in the following products: chickpeas, kidney beans, dried grapes, hazelnuts, 
and hazelnut purée and paste.  The preferential in-quota duty applies from entry into force of the Agreement (see Annex II).
12 
 
                                                      
12 According to Tunisia, only beans are subject to a WTO quota.  The quota accorded to Turkey is in 
addition to the WTO quota.  WT/REG203/3 
 Page 9 
 
 
  0 1,000 2,000 3,000 4,000 5,000 6,000 7,000 8,000 9,000 10,000 11,000 12,000 13,0002005200620072008201220132014Chart III.2
Tunisia's duty elimination under the Agreement
Year of duty free treatment   
Source: WTO Secretariat estimates, based on data prepared by the Tunisian authorities and WTO-IDB.Number of duty-free lines (cumulative)
Duty-free <=10
%<=20 <=30% MFN is: <=40% <=50%
 
 
24. Table III.3 shows Tunisia's trade liberalizati on commitments under the Agreement at the 
HS 11-digit level organized by HS section product categories.  None of the tariff lines falling in HS Sections I-IV (agricultural products) are liber alized under the Agreement, while all but 250 lines 
in HS Sections V-XXI (industrial products) are lib eralized according to different timetables.  The 
average final tariff on dutiable items for agricu ltural products ranges from 44.9% to 81.5%.  
 
Table III.3 
Tunisia: Tariff elimination unde r the Agreement, by HS section 
Number  of duty-free lines  
HS section and 
description  MFN 
average
% Total 
No of 
lines  MFN 
2005  2005 2006 2007 2008 2012 2014 
Remain 
dutiable  
Average 
Final Tariff 
(Dutiable)  
I Live animals and 
animal products 67.6 1,116 10       1,106 68.3 
II Vegetable products 77.5 835 41       794 81.5 
III Animal or vegetable 
fats and oils 44.9 204        204 44.9 
IV Prepared food etc. 60.6 1,508 10       1,498 61.0 
V Minerals 9.1 621 301 238  3 8 47 24   
VI Chemicals and 
chemical products 15.3 1,855 76 1,283   18 225 158 95 13.7 
VII Plastics and rubber 20.4 536 142 127    176 91   
VIII Hides and skins 33.5 251  48    115 54 34 18.9 
IX Wood and articles 28.4 335 6 68    111 147 3 10.0 
X Pulp, paper etc. 33.0 369 29 45   6 101 188   
XI Textiles and textiles 
articles 30.5 1,888 93 317    508 852 118 41.8 
XII Footwear, headgear 40.4 145  6    55 84   
XIII Articles of stone 30.5 517 3 173    221 120   
Table III.3 (Cont'd)  WT/REG203/3 
Page 10  
 
  Number  of duty-free lines  
HS section and 
description  MFN 
average
% Total 
No of 
lines  MFN 
2005  2005 2006 2007 2008 2012 2014 
Remain 
dutiable  
Average 
Final Tariff 
(Dutiable)  
XIV Precious stones, etc. 38.8 172 1 8   7 21 135   
XV Base metals and base 
metals products 21.1 1,584 302 534   27 413 308   
XVI Machinery 16.9 2,622 941 650 2  8 562 459   
XVII Transport 
equipment 18.4 697 236 77   29 259 96   
XVIII Precision 
equipment 15.2 622 243 215    133 31   
XIX Arms and 
ammunition 25.1 41      41    
XX Misc. manufactured 
articles 37.8 430  61    269 100   
XXI Works of art, etc. 21.9 12      12    
Total 31.7 16,360 2,434 3,850 2 3 103 3,269 2,847 3,852 64.3 
 
Source: WTO estimates based on data provide d by Tunisia and the WTO-IDB. 
B. RULES OF ORIGIN  
25. Disciplines regarding rules of origin and admi nistrative co-operation on products covered by 
the Agreement are set out in Protocol III.  The scheme is part of the Pan-European-Mediterranean 
cumulation system.  Articles 2-15 of Protocol III d eal with the rules of origin themselves, while 
Articles 16-39 relate to other customs-related issues. 
 
26. The basic requirements for a product to be c onsidered originating (Articles 2 and 6 of 
Protocol III) are:  
 
(a) the product is wholly obtained in one of the Parties13;   
(b) the non-originating materials incorporated in a product have undergone sufficient 
working or processing in the Parties, according to specific requirements. 
27. There are no regime-wide rules of origin, but a list of specific criteria that non-originating 
materials should meet so that the final product acqui res originating status, as contained in Annex II.  
In most cases, origin is granted if the working or processing carried out on non-originating materials 
results in a change in tariff classification (CTC) on an  HS basis, at the heading level (CTH 4-digit).  
This rule requires changes from either "any head ing except that of the product" or from a specific 
heading or material,  as is the case in prepared foodstuffs, wood and wood pulp, textiles, footwear, 
articles of stone and plaster, pearls and base metals.  In some cases, materials from the same heading 
may be allowed, normally within a certain limit (in some petroleum products , chemicals, plastics, 
machinery and miscellaneous manufactured articles).  In a few cases, there are some headings from 
which the product cannot be manufactured.  
 
                                                      
13 This concept applies to mineral products extracted from their soil or seabed;  vegetable products;  
live animals born and raised in the Party;  products from live animals in the Party;  products obtained from 
hunting of fishing in the Party;  products of sea fishing and other products taken from the sea outside the territorial waters of Turkey or of Tunisia by their vessels ;  products made aboard factory ships;  used articles fit 
only for the recovery of raw materials, including used tyres fit only for retreading or for use as waste;  waste and 
scrap resulting from manufacturing operations conducted in  the Parties;  products extracted from marine soil or 
subsoil outside the Parties' territorial waters provided that  they have sole rights to work that soil or subsoil;  and 
goods produced using the aforementioned products.  WT/REG203/3 
 Page 11 
 
 
  28. An import content test (MC) can also be provided either to supplement the CTH (for some 
prepared foodstuffs, wood pulp, base metals , machinery, transport equipment and measuring 
instruments, and musical instruments) or as a st andalone rule (for some vegetables, prepared 
foodstuffs, chemicals, plastics, footwear, machin ery and mechanical appliances, transportation 
equipment, measuring instruments, arms and ammunition, and furniture);14  in the case of chemicals, 
plastics, machinery and mechanical  appliances, transportation equipm ent, measuring instruments, and 
furniture the MC test is offered as an alternative criterion;15  the permissible limit for non-originating 
materials is normally 40%, but different threshol ds may apply (ranging from 20 to 50%).  A technical 
test or process rule, requiring that some production pr ocesses take place in the territory of the Parties, 
is required for some minerals, chemicals, plastics,  wood, textiles, hides and skins, glass products and 
base metals.  In the case of textiles and glass products,  the technical test is offered as an alternative 
rule in combination with an import content test.  Rules requiring certain materials to be obtained in 
the territory of the Parties (wholly obtained rules)  are used for many processed agricultural products.  
 29. Paragraphs 1 and 2 of Articles 3 and 4 provide for diagonal cumu lation with the participants 
of the Pan-Euro-Mediterranean protocol on rules of origin
16 and for full cumulation, i.e. cumulation in 
terms of materials and of production processes, between the Parties and Algeria and Morocco,  
provided, in both instances, that there is an RTA in place in accordance with GATT Article XXIV 
between the countries involved in the acquisition of  the originating status and the country of 
destination and the rules of origin in such agre ements are identical to those in this Agreement.17 
 
30. Article 6 of Protocol III provides for an "absorption principle" - i.e. when a non-originating 
material acquires originating status by mee ting the corresponding processing requirement, this 
material is considered to be 100% originating once incorporated into a final product.  31. The "tolerance rule" in Article 6.2 provides that non-originating materials which would 
otherwise not be accepted may nevertheless be used , provided that (i) their value does not exceed 10% 
of the ex-works price of the product, and (ii) any of the percentages given in the list for the maximum 
value of non-originating materials are not exceeded.  This rule applies to all products except textiles 
and clothing (HS Chapters 50-63).
18 
 
32. Article 7 lays down a list of insufficient working or processing operations carried out in the 
territory of the Parties that do not confer origin, whether or not the product meets the tolerance rule.  
Article 8 defines the unit of qualification to be used when determining classification using the 
HS nomenclature;  articles 9-11 deal with how certain materials (accessories, spare parts or tools, sets,  and neutral elements) are to be treated or valu ed when determining the origin of the goods.
 
 
33. Articles 12-13 of Protocol III establish that outward processing outside the 
Pan-Euro-Mediterranean area is not allowed unless ce rtain conditions are fulfilled.  These conditions 
allow retention of originating status provided that it can be demonstrated that the returning goods are 
the same as those exported and that they have  not undergone any opera tion beyond that necessary to 
preserve them in good condition;  with respect to th e latter a tolerance rule of 10% of the ex-works 
                                                      
14 The MC requirement establishes the maximum value of non-originating materials allowed in the 
final product, expressed as a percentage of the ex-works price of the product. 
15 Column 3 of Annex II to Protocol III describes the specific rule. When an alternative rule appears in 
column 4, either rule can be applied. 
16 The signatories to the Pan- Euro-Mediterranean are Algeria, Egypt, European Communities, 
Faroe Islands, Iceland, Isr ael, Jordan, Lebanon, Morocco, Norway, Switzerland (including Liechtenstein), Syria, 
Tunisia, Turkey and the West Bank and Gaza Strip. 
17 According to the Parties, given that Algeria does not have FTAs with Turkey, Morocco and Tunisia, 
full cumulation is not applicable for Algeria. 
18 Special "tolerance rules" apply to certain textile products made of a mixture of materials (see notes 5 
and 6 of Annex I to Protocol III). WT/REG203/3 
Page 12  
 
  price of the end product applies.  Non compliance with these conditions will result in the loss of 
originating status.  The provisions on outward processing do not apply to  textile products in 
HS Chapters 50-63.  Articles 13 and 14 deal, respectively, with the transport of goods through countries outside the Pan-Euro-Mediterranean area and goods sent for exhibitions.    
34. Article 15 provides for a no-drawback rule of customs duties applicable to non-
originating materials used in products benefiting from preferential treatment having obtained 
originating status in any of the countries part of the Pan-Euro-Mediterranean area.  The 
prohibition of drawback only applies when products have obtained originating status on the 
basis of Pan-Euro-Mediterranean diagonal cumulation.  The Parties are permitted partial drawback on non-originating materials used in  industrial products:  for textiles and clothing 
(HS Chapters 50-63), a 10% rate of customs charge may be retained, while for other industrial 
products a 5% rate of customs charge may be retained.  These provisions apply until 
31 December 2009 and may be reviewed by common accord of the Parties. 
 
Box II.1:  Rules of Origin: Basic Features at a Glance 
• No regime-wide rules of origin. 
• Specific rules common to both Parties apply to products covered in the Agreement.   
• Product specific criteria: 
              - Wholly obtained or entirely produced goods 
              - In general, CTC at the heading levels               - MC rules used, either alone or as supplementary rules  
              - Two alternative rules for many products 
              - Process rules used in certain cases. 
• Cumulation: 
− Full between Turkey, Tunisia, Algeria and Morocco 
− Diagonal under the Pan-Euro-Mediterranean cumulation system 
− Bilateral cumulation between Tunisia and Turkey. 
• Absorption principle. 
• Tolerance rule at a maximum of 10%.  Diffe rent rule applies to textiles and clothing. 
• No duty drawback on agricultural products.  Partial drawback on industrial goods until December 2009. 
• Outward-processing not authorized. 
 
C. EXPORT DUTIES AND CHARGES , AND QUANTITATIVE RESTRICTIONS  
35. Article 7 of the Agreement provides for the elimination of all customs duties or charges 
having equivalent effect on exports of industrial products in trade between the Parties and prohibits 
the introduction of any new such duties from the date of  entry into force of the Agreement.  Similarly, 
Article 9 provides for the elimination of all quan titative restrictions or measures having equivalent 
effect on exports of industrial products in trade be tween the Parties and prohibits the introduction of 
any new quantitative restrictions from the date  of entry into force of the Agreement.    
 36. Article 20 allows the Parties to take appropria te measures, in cases where compliance with the 
provisions of Articles 7 and 9 leads to situations of  re-export or serious shortages that cause, or are 
likely to cause, major difficulties for the exporting Party.   In the event of such difficulties, the Party is 
to inform the Association Committee which may take any decision needed to remedy the difficulties.  
If a decision has not been taken within one month of the matter being referred to it, the exporting 
Party may apply appropriate measures on the export of the product concerned.  The measures must be non-discriminatory and be eliminated when conditions no longer justify their maintenance.  
 
37. There is no provision in the Agreement for the elimination and prohibition of customs duties 
and quantitative restrictions on e xports of agricultural products.   WT/REG203/3 
 Page 13 
 
 
  38. Article 15 provides that products exported to the Parties may benefit from repayment of 
internal taxes but not in excess of the amount of direct or indirect taxes imposed on them.  D. R
EGULATORY PROVISIONS OF THE AGREEMENT  
1. Standards 
(a) Technical barriers to trade 
39. In Article 10 the Parties reaffirm their existi ng rights and obligations with respect to each 
other under the WTO Agreement on Technical Barriers to Trade  and agree to strengthen their 
cooperation in the field of technical regulations, st andards and conformity assessment, with a view to 
increasing the mutual understanding of their resp ective systems and facilitating access to their 
respective markets.  
 (b) Sanitary and phytosanitary measures 
40. In Article 13, the Parties agree to apply th eir sanitary measures within the rules and 
procedures of the GATT 1994 and other relevant WTO agreements. 
 
2. Safeguard mechanisms 
(a) Global Safeguard Measures 
41. According to Article 19, the Parties retain th eir rights and obligations under Article XIX of 
GATT 1994 and the WTO Agreement on Safeguards;  no additional rights and obligations are 
provided in respect of such measures.  Safeguard and other defence remedies are to be applied in 
accordance with the notifications and consultations procedures laid down in Article 21.  Recourse to 
safeguard measures is not bound to the e xpiration of the transition period.   
 (b) Specific Safeguards 
42. Article 14 permits the Parties to take appropr iate measures with respect to imports of 
agricultural products, in the event that imports of  such products subject to concessions under the 
Agreement cause serious disturbance to their mark ets.  The Parties may take the measures it deems 
necessary, in accordance with the relevant WTO rules.  
(c) Structural Adjustment 
43. Article 17 provides for Tunisia to take exceptiona l measures of limited duration in the form of 
increased duties in the case of infant industries, or certain sectors undergoing restructuring or facing 
serious difficulties, particularly where these difficulties produce important social problems.  Customs 
duties applicable on imports into Tunisia introduced by these measures may not exceed 
25% ad valorem  and should maintain an element of prefer ence for products originating in Turkey.  
The total value of imports of the products subj ect to these measures may not exceed 20% of total 
imports of industrial products from Turkey during the l ast year for which statistics are available.  Such 
measures may be applied for a period not exceeding five years unless a longer duration is authorized 
by the Association Committee and sh all cease to apply at the latest on the expiry of the transitional 
period.  No measures can be intr oduced in respect of a product if mo re than three years have elapsed 
since the elimination of all duties and quantitativ e restrictions or changes or measures having 
equivalent effect concerning that product.   WT/REG203/3 
Page 14  
 
  44. Tunisia is to inform the Association Committee of any measures it intends to take and provide 
a schedule for the elimination of customs duties introduced.  The schedule should provide for a phasing out of such duties at the latest two years af ter their introduction, at equal rates, though the 
Association Committee may decide on a different sche dule.  At the request of Turkey, consultations 
shall be held before the measures are applied. 
 
(d) Restrictions to Safeguard Balance of Payments 
45. In accordance with Article 27, where either Party is in serious balance of payments 
difficulties or under threat thereof, it may adopt  restrictive measures in accordance with the 
WTO Agreement and with Articles VIII and XIV of the Articles of Agreement of the International 
Monetary Fund. 
3. Anti-dumping  
46. The Parties may take appropriate measures against anti-dumping in accordance with the 
WTO Agreement on the Implementation of Article VI of the GATT 1994  (Article 18). 
4. Subsidies, state-aid and countervailing measures 
47. In Article 26, the Parties reaffirm that their ri ghts and obligations in respect of subsidies are 
governed by Articles VI and XVI of the GATT 1994, and the WTO Agreements on Subsidies and 
Countervailing Measures,  and on Agriculture.   In case of practices incompatible with the Agreement, 
appropriate measures are to be adopted in conformity with the WTO/GATT rules.  48. In Article 23, the Parties agree to progressively adjust any state monopoly of a commercial 
character so as to ensure that no discrimina tion regarding the conditio ns under which goods are 
procured and marketed will exist between nationals of the Parties, by the end of the fourth year 
following the entry into force of th e Agreement, i.e. by July 2009. 
5. Other regulations 
(a) Customs-related procedures 
49. Customs procedures related to rules of origin ar e detailed in Titles V and VI of Protocol III;  
Title V (Articles 16-31) details the administrative qu estions and disciplines regarding proof of origin.  
Proof of origin is to be issued by the exporting au thorities at the request of the exporter.  Different 
certificates (EUR.1 or EUR-MED) apply depending on the type of cumulation applied (whether 
bilateral or diagonal) to obtain originating status.  Title VI (Articles 32-36) lays down the 
arrangements for administrative co-operation to be followed by the Parties’ customs authorities, in 
particular with respect to mutual assistance, veri fication of proof of origin, resolution of disputes, 
penalties, and free zones. 
50. Article 38(c) of the Agreement calls for the Parties to enhance cooperation in customs and 
origin matters including vocational training in the customs field.     
 
   WT/REG203/3 
 Page 15 
 
 
  (b) Government procurement19 
51. In Article 29, the Parties consider the opening up of public contracts on the basis of non-
discrimination, transparency and reciprocity to be a desirable objective.  From the entry into force of 
the Agreement, the Parties grant each other's co mpanies access to contract award procedures on an 
MFN basis.   
(c) Competition policy 
52. Article 25 contains provisions relating to the rules of competition concerning undertakings.  
All agreements between undertakings, decisions by associations of undertakings and concerted 
practices between undertakings which seek to or eff ect the prevention, restriction or distortion of 
competition, and abuse by one or more undertakings  of a dominant position in the territories of the 
Parties are incompatible with the proper implemen tation of the Agreement.  Measures taken by the 
Parties in this regard are to be in conformity with the procedures and conditions laid down in their 
respective agreements with the European Communities.20  In the absence of adequate rules in such 
agreements, and if such practice causes or threaten s to cause serious prejudice to the interest of the 
other Party or material injury to its domestic indus try, including its services industry, a Party may take 
appropriate measures after cons ultation within the Association Committee or 30 working days 
following the request for such consultation.  (d) Other 
53. In Article 36 the Parties recognise the growing importance of trade in services and agree to 
cooperate with a view to achieving a progressive liberalization and mutual opening of their markets 
for trade in services.  Such cooperation w ill be discussed in the Association Council.
21 
 
IV. PROVISIONS AFFECTING TRADE IN GOODS 
A. INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY  
54. In Article 28, the Parties reaffirm their ob ligations as set out in the WTO Agreement on 
Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Righ ts and other international agreements.  In the 
event of difficulties, either Party may request ur gent consultations to find mutually satisfactory 
solutions.   B. S
ECTOR -SPECIFIC PROVISIONS OF THE AGREEMENT  
55. No sector-specific provision per se  exists in the Agreement. 
 
C. INSTITUTIONAL PROVISIONS OF THE AGREEMENT  
1. Exceptions and reservations 
56. Article 46 incorporates general exceptions simi lar to those found in Article XX of the 
GATT 1994 into the Agreement.  Article 45 contains  security exceptions similar to those found in 
Article XXI of the GATT 1994. 
                                                      
19 Neither Turkey nor Tunisia is party to the WTO plurilateral Government Procurement Agreement 
(GPA);  Turkey is an observer. 
20 According to Turkey, its competition policy is aligned with that of the European Union due to the 
customs union between Turkey and the EC.  According to Tunisia, its competition policy is in conformity with the legislation of the EC. 
21 According to the Parties, as of July 2008 there have been no developments in trade in services. WT/REG203/3 
Page 16  
 
  2. Accession 
57. There is no provision in the Agreement for the accession of third parties. 
 
3. Institutional framework 
58. Articles 40-44 deal with the administration of th e Agreement;  in particular, it establishes an 
Association Council and an Association Committ ee (Articles 40 and 43, respectively).  The 
Association Council’s mandate includes inter alia  reviewing the implementation and further 
elaboration of the Agreement, as well as examin ing any major issues including its economic and 
social impact.  The Association Council may also set up working groups or bodies for the implementation of the Agreement.  It  consists of officials, public and private sector representatives of 
both Parties and meets at least once a year.  The Association Committee is responsible for the 
implementation of the Agreement.  The Associat ion Council may delegate to the Association 
Committee, in full or in part, any of its power s.  The Association Committee meets whenever 
necessary at the request of the Parties, but at least once a year.    
59. No general review of the Agreement is foreseen; however, Article 49 provides for an 
evolutionary clause through which the Parties invite the possibility to extend trade relations to areas 
not currently covered by the Agreement.  Any ag reement resulting from such a process will be subject 
to ratification or approval by Parties in accordance with their internal legal procedures.
22 
 
4. Dispute settlement 
60. Article 48 sets out the procedures that apply to the settlement of disputes relating to the 
application or interpretation of the Agreement   The Association Council may settle the dispute by 
means of a decision.  In the event that the disput e cannot be settled by means of a decision, a Party 
may notify the other of the appointment of an arbitr ator;  the other Party must then appoint a second 
arbitrator within two months.  The Association Coun cil shall appoint a third arbitrator.  Arbitrators' 
decisions are to be taken by majority vote. 
 
5. Relationship with other agreements concluded by the Parties 
61. The Agreement does not prevent the mainte nance or establishment of customs unions, 
free-trade areas or arrangements for cross-border trade of the Parties with third countries to the extent 
that such agreements do not negatively affect th e trade regime and in particular the provisions 
concerning rules of origin provided for in the Ag reement (Article 16).  According to Article 53.2, 
upon its entry into force, the Agreement replaces the Trade, Economic and Technical Cooperation 
between Turkey and Tunisia which was signed on 15 July 1992.   62. Table IV.1 lists the RTAs, notified and non-notified to the GATT/WTO and in force, to 
which Turkey and Tunisia are parties.   
 
    
 
  
                                                     
 
22 According to the Parties, as of July 2008 no developments have taken place.  WT/REG203/3 
 Page 17 
 
 
  Table IV.1   
Turkey and Tunisia:  Participation in other RTAs (n otified and non-notified in force), as of January 2009  
GATT/WTO Notification 
Partner / Agreement Date of 
entry  
into force Type of 
agreement Year WTO Provision 
TURKEY 
Albania 01.05.08 Goods 2008 GATT Art. XXIV 
Egypt 01.03.07 Goods 2007 Enabling Clause 
Syria 01.01.07 Goods 2007 GATT Art. XXIV 
Morocco 01.01.06 Goods 2006 GATT Art. XXIV 
Palestinian Authority 01.06.05 Goods 2005 GATT Art. XXIV 
Croatia 01.07.03 Goods 2003 GATT Art. XXIV 
Bosnia and Herzegovina 01.07. 03 Goods 2003 GATT Art. XXIV 
FYROM 01.09.00 Goods 2001 GATT Art. XXIV 
Israel 01.05.97 Goods 1998 GATT Art. XXIV 
European Communities 01.01.96 Goods 1995 GATT Art. XXIV 
EFTA 01.04.92 Goods 1992 GATT Art. XXIV 
PTN 11.02.73 Goods 1971 Enabling Clause 
ECO Signed 17.07.03
not implementedGoods 1992 Enabling Clause 
TUNISIA 
EFTA 01.06.05 Goods 2005 GATT Art. XXIV 
European Communities 01.03.98 Goods 1999 GATT Art. XXIV 
Pan Arab 01.01.98 Goods 2006 GATT Art. XXIV 
GSTP 19.04.89 Goods 1989 Enabling Clause 
PTN 11.02.73 Goods 1971 Enabling Clause 
Libya 19.02.02 Goods Not notified  
Iraq 31.12.99 Goods Not notified  
Morocco 16.03.99 Goods Not notified  
Egypt 01.03.99 Goods Not notified  
Jordan 01.01.99 Goods Not notified  
Source: WTO Secretariat. 
 
EFTA: European Free Trade Area 
GSTP: Global System of Trade Preferences 
PTN: Protocol relating to Trade Ne gotiations among deve loping countries 
ECO: Economic Cooperation Organization 
FYROM: Former Yugoslavian Republic Of Macedonia  
 
 
 WT/REG203/3 
Page 18  
 
  ANNEX I 
 
Indicators of trade liberalization un der the Turkey-Tunisia Agreement  
 
 
1. A comparison between the scheduled elimination of tariffs applied to the Parties' mutual 
imports and the duty rates applied by them on MFN imports is shown in Tables AI.1 (Turkey) and 
AI.2 (Tunisia), by agricultural (WTO definition), non-agricultural and total products.  Applied MFN 
duty rates in 2005 serve as a comparison. 
2. Turkey's average applied MFN rate in 2005 was 11.8%;  the average applied tariff on 
agricultural products was more than eight times highe r than that applied to non-agricultural products.  
Duty-free tariff lines account for 24.2% of all tariff lines.  Tunisia's exporters enjoyed a relative 
margin of preference of 77.4% for non-agricultural goods vis-à-vis  the prevailing average MFN tariff 
in 2005, but receive no preferences on agricultural goods  which continue to face the average tariff of 
43.6%.  Overall, Tunisia's exporters enjoyed an average tariff of 8.4% vis-à-vis the prevailing average 
applied MFN tariff of 11.8%, as well as an increase to 83.4% in the share of duty-free lines.   
Table AI.1 
Turkey: Indicators of MFN tariff rates and preferential rates for imports from Tunisia 
ALL PRODUCTS Agricultural products a Non-agricultural products 
Average applied 
tariff Average applied 
tariff Average applied 
tariff Origin of 
goods Year 
Overall 
(%) On 
dutiable 
(%) Share of 
duty-free 
tariff 
lines (%) Overall 
(%) On 
dutiable 
(%) Share of 
duty-free 
tariff lines 
(%) Overall 
(%) On 
dutiable 
(%) Share of 
duty-free 
tariff lines 
(%) 
MFN 2005 11.8 15.6 24.2 43.6 52.8 17.3 5.3 7.1 25.6 
Tunisia 2005 8.4 50.8 83.4 43.6 53.7 18.7 1.2 35.9 96.8 
a WTO Definition. 
 
Source:  WTO Secretariat estimates based on data provided by Turkey. 
 
3. In 2005 Tunisia's (unweighted) average MFN rate was 31.7%;  the tariff applied to 
agricultural products was almost three times higher th an that applied to non-agricultural products.  
14.9% of Tunisia's tariff lines are duty-free at an MF N level.  On entry into force of the Agreement, 
Turkey's exporters enjoyed a relative margin of preference of 22.9% on non-agricultural products 
vis-à-vis  the prevailing average MFN tariff in 2005, and a relative margin of preference of 0.15% in 
agricultural goods.  By the end of the transition peri od in 2014, the average tariff faced by Turkey's 
exporters on all products is set to be 15.1%, w ith the share of duty-free tariff lines increasing to 
76.5%.   
Table AI.2 
Tunisia:  Indicators of MFN tariff rates a nd preferential rates for imports from Turkey 
ALL PRODUCTS Agricultural products a Non-agricultural products 
Average applied 
tariff Average applied 
tariff Average applied 
tariff Origin of 
goods Year 
Overall 
(%) On 
dutiable 
(%) Share of 
duty-free 
tariff 
lines (%) Overall 
(%) On 
dutiable 
(%) Share of 
duty-free 
tariff lines 
(%) Overall 
(%) On 
dutiable 
(%) Share of 
duty-free 
tariff lines 
(%) 
MFN 2005 31.7 37.3 14.9 66.8 68.8 2.9 23.1 27.7 16.6 
Turkey 2005 27.6 44.8 38.4 66.7 68.9 3.2 17.8 33.4 46.7 
 2006 26.7 43.3 38.4 66.7 68.9 3.2 16.7 31.2 46.7 
 2007 25.3 41.1 38.4 66.7 68.9 3.2 14.9 27.9 46.7 
 2008 23.2 38.1 39.1 66.7 68.9 3.2 12.2 23.3 47.5 
 2009 21.6 35.5 39.1 66.7 68.9 3.2 10.3 19.5 47.5 
 2010 20.1 33.0 39.1 66.7 68.9 3.2 8.3 15.8 47.5 
 2011 18.6 30.5 39.1 66.7 68.9 3.2 6.3 12.1 47.5 
 2012 16.8 41.0 59.1 66.7 68.9 3.3 4.1 15.0 72.9 
 2013 16.0 39.0 59.1 66.7 68.9 3.3 3.0 11.1 72.9 
 2014 15.1 64.3 76.5 66.7 68.9 3.3 1.9 40.1 95.2 
a WTO Definition. 
Source:  WTO Secretariat estimates based on data prepared by the Secretariat and the WTO-IDB.  WT/REG203/3 
 Page 19 
 
 
  4. Table AI.3 shows the market access opportuniti es in Tunisia for Turkey's top 25 exports, 
which in 2002-2004 accounted on average for 35.5% of Turkey's total global exports.  The table 
shows at which year all HS 11-digit tariff lines corresponding to the product definition (i.e. applying to the 6-digit HS code used to capture the vol ume of trade) will become duty-free in Tunisia. 
 
5. Turkey's top 25 exports cover a total of 555 HS 11-digit tariff lines.  None is duty-free on an 
MFN basis in Tunisia's market.  Upon entry into force of the Agreement, two products, accounting for 
63 tariff lines and 2.7% of Turkey's global exports become duty-free.  In 2012, four products, accounting for 144 tariff lines and 4.6% of Turkey's  global exports become duty-free.  In 2014, 
17 products, accounting for 317 tariff lines and 26.5% of Turkey's global exports become duty-free.  
Two products – shelled hazel nuts and tobacco – remain dutiable.  Th e margin of preference granted to 
Turkey by Tunisia under the Agreement varies from 0.8 to 43 percentage points. 
Table AI.3 – Market access opportunities und er the Agreement for Turkey's top 25 exports 
Access Conditions to Tunisia's import markets  
MFN (2005)  Turkey's top export products in 2002-2004  Number of tariff 
lines  Duty-free in  
HS number and description of the product  Share in 
global 
exports 
(%) Avg. 
MFN 
applied 
rate  
(%) Duty-
free Dutiable 2005 2012 2014 
Remain 
Dutiable 
 
852812 Reception apparatus for television, 
colour 4.0 42.2  50 2  48  
610910 T-shirts, singlets and other vests, 
knitted or crocheted, of cotton 3.4 43.0  1   1  
721420 Other bars and rods of iron, 
containing indentations, ribs, grooves 
or other deformations  2.6 32.5  2 1  1  
870421 Motor vehicles for the transport of 
goods, g.v.w. not exceeding 5 tonnes 2.6 27.0  26  10 16  
870323 Motor cars and other motor vehicles, 
of a cylinder capacity  exceeding 1,500 
cc but not exceeding 3,000 cc 1.9 0.7 48 2  2   
620462 Trousers, bib and brace overalls, 
breeches and shorts, of cotton 1.9 43.0  8   8  
611020 Jersey, pullovers, of cotton 1.8 43.0  3   3  
870332 Motor cars and other motor vehicles, 
of a cylinder capacity  exceeding 1,500 
cc but not exceeding 2,500 cc 1.5 0.8 40 2 2    
711319 Articles of jewellery, of other 
precious metal, whether or not plated or clad with precious metal 1.5 43.0  9   9  
620342 Trousers, bib and brace overalls, 
breeches and shorts, of cotton 1.4 43.0  8   8  
870322 Motor cars and other motor vehicles, 
of a cylinder capacity  exceeding 1,000 
cc but not exceeding 1,500 cc 1.2 1.6 19 2 2    
720711 Semi-finished products of iron or non-
alloy steel, of rectangular (including 
square) cross-section 1.1 36.0  4   4  
080222 Hazelnuts or filberts, sh elled 1.0 43.0  1    1 
271011 Light oils and preparations 1.0 2.9 70 10  10   
840999 Other parts suitable for use solely or 
principally with the engines of heading 84.07 or 84.08, other than 
those for aircraft engines 1.0 27.0  5  5   
870210 Motor vehicles for transport of ten or 
more persons, with compression-
ignition internal combustion piston 
engine (diesel or semi-diesel) 0.9 36.0  4   4  
611592 Stockings, socks and other hosiery, 
made of cotton 0.9 35.0  2 1  1  
Table AI.3 (Cont'd)  WT/REG203/3 
Page 20  
 
  Access Conditions to Tunisia's import markets  
MFN (2005)  Turkey's top export products in 2002-2004  Number of tariff 
lines  Duty-free in  
HS number and description of the product  Share in 
global 
exports 
(%) Avg. 
MFN 
applied 
rate  
(%) Duty-
free Dutiable 2005 2012 2014 
Remain 
Dutiable 
 
630260 Toilet linen and kitchen linen, of terry 
towelling or similar terry fabrics, of cotton 0.8 43.0  2   2  
841821 Refrigerators, freezers, compression-
type 0.8 43.0  5   5  
271019 Other petroleum oils other than light 
oils and preparations 0.8 4.1 131 20  17 3  
720720 Semi-finished products of iron or non-
alloy steel, containing by weight 
0.25% or more of carbon 0.7 36.0  13   13  
721391 Bars and rods, hot-rolled, of circular 
cross-section measuring less than 14 
mm in diameter 0.7 32.8  9 4 5   
240110 Tobacco, not stemmed/st ripped 0.7 22.0  30    30 
610990 Men's or boys' overcoats, of other 
textile materials 0.7 43.0  5   5  
690890 Other glazed ceramic flags and 
paving, other than tiles, cubes and 
similar articles 0.6 43.0  24   24  
Total of above 35.5  308 247 13 49 155 31 
Source:  WTO estimates based on data provided by T unisia, WTO-IDB and UNSD, Comtrade data. 
 
6. Table AI.4 built up on a similar basis as Ta ble AI.3 shows the market access opportunities in 
Turkey for Tunisia's top 25 exports (at the HS 6-di git level) which accounted for 51.8% of Tunisia's 
exports to the world in the period 2002-2004. The table shows at which year all HS 12-digit tariff 
lines corresponding to the product definition (i.e applyi ng to the 6-digit HS code used to capture the 
volume of trade) will become duty-free in Turkey.  
7. Tunisia's top 25 exports cover a total of 232 HS 12-digit lines in Turkey's import schedule.  
Two of Tunisia's top export produc ts (accounting for 5 HS 12-digit lines and 8% of Tunisia's global 
exports in 2002-2004) already benef it from zero MFN duties in Turkey's market, a further 21 products 
(accounting for 219 HS 12-digit tariff lines and a fu rther 40% of Tunisia's global exports) gain 
immediate duty-free access in 2005.  Two products – vi rgin olive oil and dates – remain subject to 
duties.  The margin of preference granted by Turkey  to Tunisia under the Agreement varies from 0 to 
12 percentage points.  
Table AI.4 – Market access opportunities und er the Agreement for Tunisia's top 25 exports 
Access Conditions to Turkey's import markets 
MFN (2005) Tunisia's top export products in 2002-2004 
Number of tariff lines 
HS number and description of the product  Share in 
global exports 
(%) Avg. 
applied 
rate 
(%) Duty-free Dutiable  Duty-
free in 
2005 Remain 
Dutiable 
270900 Petroleum oils and oils obtained from 
bituminous minerals, crude. 6.9 0.0 4    
620342 Trousers, bib and brace overalls, 
breeches and shorts, of cotton 6.5 12.0  11 11  
621139 Other garments, men's or boys', of other 
textile materials 3.8 12.0  2 2  
310530 Diammonium hydrogenorthophosphate 
(diammonium phosphate) 2.9 6.5  1 1  
620462  Trousers, bi b and brace overalls, 
breeches and shorts, of cotton 2.9 12.0  19 19  
Table AI.4 (Cont'd)   WT/REG203/3 
 Page 21 
 
 
  Access Conditions to Turkey's import markets 
MFN (2005) Tunisia's top export products in 2002-2004 
Number of tariff lines 
HS number and description of the product  Share in 
global exports 
(%) Avg. 
applied 
rate 
(%) Duty-free Dutiable  Duty-
free in 
2005 Remain 
Dutiable 
150910 Virgin olive oil and its fractions, whether 
or not refined, but not chemically 
modified 2.9 31.2  4  4 
854441 Fitted with connect ors 2.4 1.7 1 1 1  
640610 Uppers and parts thereof, other than 
stiffeners 2.0 3.0  4 4  
271019 Other petroleum oils and oils obtained 
from bituminous minerals, other than 
crude 2.0 3.2 6 35 35  
280920 Phosphoric acid and polyphosphoric 
acids 1.9 5.5  5 5  
621210 Brassières 1.8 6.5  2 2  
621132 Other garments, men's or boys', of cotton 1.6 12.0  8 8  
610910 T-shirts, singlets and other vests, knitted 
or crocheted, of cotton 1.6 12.0  5 5  
310310 Superphosphates 1.5 4.8  6 6  
853690 Electrical apparatus for switching or 
protecting electrical circuits, other apparatus 1.4 1.2 2 2 2  
640391 Other footwear, covering the ankle 1.1 7.6  16 16  
853650 Relays, other switches 1.1 1.8 3 11 11  
854470 Optical fibre cables 1.1 0.0 1    
620349 Trousers, bib and brace overalls, of other 
textile materials 1.0 12.0  11 11  
620520 Men's or boys' shirts, of cotton 1.0 12.0  2 2  
640399 Other footwear other than those covering 
the ankle 1.0 7.6  21 21  
853890 Parts suitable for use solely or 
principally with the apparatus of heading 
85.35, 85.36 or 85.37 1.0 1.6 2 13 13  
080410 Dates 0.9 25.0  1  1 
610990 T-shirts, singlets and other vests, knitted 
or crocheted, of other textile materials 0.8 12.0  23 23  
611020 Jerseys, pullovers, cardigans, waist-coats 
and similar articles, knitted or crocheted, 
of cotton 0.7 12.0  10 10  
Total of above  51.8  19 213 208 5 
Source:  WTO estimates based on data provided by Turkey and UNSD, Comtrade data. 
 
 WT/REG203/3 
Page 22  
 
  ANNEX II 
 
Agricultural concessions under th e Turkey-Tunisia Agreement
 
  
Table AII.1  
Turkey's agricultural concessions on imports originating from Tunisia 
TRQs on entry into force 
(2005) CN Code Product Description  
Quota 
(Tonne) In-quota duty 
% Average MFN 
2005 
0804.10 Dates 2,000 0 25 
0302.61 Sardines 30 
0303.74 Mackerel 200 0 30 
0306.13 Shrimps and prawns 50 0 37.5 
0307 Molluscs and aquatic invertebrates  100 0 37.5 
ex 2103.90 Harissa 100 0 7.7 
2204 Wine of fresh grapes 1,000 HL 50% of MFN 67.5 
Source: Agreement between Turkey and Tunisia and WTO-IDB  
 
Table AII.2  
Tunisia's agricultural concessions on  imports originating from Turkey 
TRQs on entry into force 
(2005) CN Code Product Description  Quota 
(Tonne)  In-quota duty 
% Average MFN 
2005 
0713.20 Chickpeas 100 60 100 
0713.33 Kidney beans, including white pea beans 400 25 73 
0806.20 Grapes, driedaa 50 75 73 
0802.22 Hazelnuts, shelled 400 35 43 
ex 2007.99.98 Hazelnut purée and paste 50 43 73 
a According to Tunisia, the in quota duty rate for dried grapes is higher than the MFN rate due to the fact that in quota rates  under 
the Agreement are determined on the basis of bound rates, not MFN applied rates. 
 
Source: Agreement between Turkey and Tunisia and WTO-IDB.  
 
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