Shipping to Tunisia
Tunisia’s strategic location at the crossroads of the Mediterranean and Africa makes it a crucial hub for international trade. Whether you’re importing or exporting goods, planning an international move, or shipping a car and personal items, understanding the process is essential. This blog will guide you through the process involved when shipping to Tunisia.
What can you import and export in Tunisia?
Tunisia’s diverse economy allows for a wide range of import and export opportunities:
Products that you can import to Tunisia:
- Machinery like iron and steel
- Vehicles and parts
- Food products like cereals
- Electronics
- Chemicals
Products that you can export from Tunisia:
- Electrical power systems equipment
- Agricultural products like dates and olive oil
- Mechanical equipment
- Telecommunication equipment
Tip: Always check with the International Trade Administration to confirm specific regulations before shipping to Tunisia. Certain goods may require special permits, which can affect your timeline and costs.
Customs regulations in Tunisia
Avoid additional costs and delays by understanding Tunisia’s customs regulations. Here’s what you need to know:
a. Shipping documentation neede to ship to Tunisia
For a seamless shipping experience, ensure you have the following documents. Ameritrans Freight simplifies this process by generating these documents upon booking:
- A packing list
- A bill of lading or an airway bill
- Commercial invoice
- Certificate of origin for some goods
- Special permits for some goods
b. Tunisia duties and import taxes
Tunisia calculates import duty using the Cost, Insurance, and Freight (CIF) method, as outlined by the International Chamber of Commerce’s Incoterms rules. The average VAT rate is 19%, though some items may qualify for exemptions or reduced rates. In international shipping, CIF is the charge paid by a seller for a buyer’s cargo while in transit covering the costs, insurance and freight.
c. Restricted and Prohibited Items
Before shipping to Tunisia, it is important to understand their restricted items and constantly check the latest regulations. Understand whether it is legal or if you need special arrangements for what you are shipping. The list of some prohibited or restricted items are:
- Explosives and firearms
- Alcohol
- Drugs or narcotics
- Chemicals
- Fresh food
- Animals
d. Tunisia temporary import permits
If you need to temporarily import goods (e.g., for an exhibition), Tunisia offers temporary import permits that exempt you from paying duties, provided you re-export the goods within a specified timeframe.
Air freight shipping to Tunisia
Air freight is the fastest and most reliable option for shipping to Tunisia, ideal for time-sensitive or valuable shipments ranging from 250 lbs to 3,500 lbs.
The time frame for air freight shipping is between 1 to 3 days for international hubs like North America, Asia or Europe.
Tunisia main airports for shipping cargo
There are several airports in Tunisia. The primary hub for air freight is Tunis-Carthage International Airport and is connected to various continents like Asia, Africa, the Middle East and Europe.
Other optional airports are:
- Monastir Habib Bourguiba International Airport is situated in Monastir which is a coastal city in Tunisia. It is the major hub for shipping goods in the tourism industry.
- Djerba-Zarzis International Airport serves the island of Djerba and beyond handling passengers it handles cargo for the southern region of Tunisia.
Sea freight shipping to Tunisia
Sea freight is cost-effective for bulkier, less time-sensitive cargo. Transit times vary depending on the origin:
- Europe: 2-3 weeks
- Asia: 3-5 weeks
- North America: 4-6 weeks
Tunisia shipping ports
For container shipping to Tunisia, there are several shipping ports that are connected to shipping routes. The primary port for most container vessels is Port of Tunis or La Goulette. This is located close to the capital and is the busiest for importing and exporting goods.
Other main ports are:
- The Port of Rades which is located in the suburbs of Tunis and is mainly for container shipping as it has the equipment for handling such heavy or bulky cargo.
- The Port of Sfax is situated in central Tunisia and is the major hub for various exports in industrial and agricultural industry.
What is the estimated cost of shipping to Tunisia?
The cost of air freight shipping to most parts of the continent varies and depends on weight and volume. For instance:
- Air freight from Europe to Tunisia cost range per kg is between $3 to $6
- With Asia ranging between $6 to $10 per kg
For sea freight shipping, to receive an accurate quote request a quote from Ameritrans Freight. The cost depends on size of container and distance between the departure and destination port.
- 20ft container – request a quote
- 40ft container – request a quote
Remember, shipping costs can fluctuate due to factors like route changes, fuel surcharges, and seasonal demand. For the most accurate pricing, contact Ameritrans Freight for a detailed quote.
Frequently asked questions
What are the usual obstacles one can expect to experience while they are shipping to Tunisia?
- Custom delays as Tunisia customs can sometimes be slow especially if you have incomplete documents.
- Language barrier as miscommunication may occur as Arabic is the official language in Tunisia but many officials speak French.
- Shipping restricted items as some items may require you to have a permit and can either cause delays or have your shipments held at customs.
- Changes in Tunisia regulations especially on imports and exports so it is best to always stay updated on all current regulations.
How can you calculate the cost estimate of shipping to Tunisia?
To get the best and accurate quote for your shipping to Tunisia it is best to have the following information at hand:
– The shipping method (air or sea freight or courier service)
– The weight and volume of shipment
– The distance between the origin and Tunisia as well as shipping route. Using direct routes will be cheaper
– Custom duties like VAT and taxes on shipment
When exporting to Tunisia, are there any special customs laws that I need to be aware of?
Be aware of custom laws like required documentation, restricted and prohibited items, required import licenses or tariff classifications. Stay updated and work with a freight forwarder that is knowledgeable on the customs and regulations to avoid additional costs or delays.
What packing specifications are suggested for shipments to Tunisia?
Proper packaging is important if you want your goods to arrive in Tunisia safely. Some specifications for proper packing are:
- Using durable packaging materials that will handle your shipments for a long-distance. This can be wooden crates, corrugated boxes or reinforced container.
- Waterproof packaging as Tunisia’s climate is Mediterranean so use materials that have moisture-resistant liner if you choose sea freight.
- Proper labeling of packages either with handling instructions for instance if your cargo is fragile label it. To avoid any confusion or miscommunication ensure you label either in French or Arabic.
- Using pallets for larger shipments as it helps with handling and reduces the risk of having your goods damaged. If you use wood pallets they should be heat-treated.
- Use bubble wrap, cushioning materials or foam for inner protection if your cargo delicate. Pack your goods securely so that they don’t move during transit.
Conclusion
Shipping to Tunisia, whether by air, sea, or courier, involves careful planning and knowledge of customs regulations, documentation, and cost factors. By choosing the right shipping method and staying informed about Tunisia’s import/export rules, you can ensure a smooth and efficient process. For personalized assistance and accurate quotes, consider partnering with Ameritrans Freight. We’re here to help you navigate the complexities of international shipping and ensure your goods arrive safely and on time in Tunisia.