Used Household Goods and Personal Effects

Documents Required

• Original passport
• Original bill of lading (OBL) / express release / air waybill (AWB)
• Detailed inventory of all appliances (not valued)
• Original residence permit (duly approved by the Ministry of Interior)
• Original work permit (duly approved by the Ministry of Employment)
• Original ID card, if applicable (for returning citizens, both spouses for married status)
• Letter of accreditation (diplomats)
• Packing list in French (diplomats)
• Diplomatic franchise / exemption (diplomats)
• Authorizations issued by the Ministry of Tourism, allowing the customer to have a secondary residence (secondary residences)
• Proof of purchase by the appropriate government office (secondary residences)
• Sales Contract of secondary residence (secondary residences)

Specific Information

• The owner of the goods must have the work permit, residence card, and proof of ownership, or pay estimated taxes of 40% to 60% of total value of goods.
• An advance copy of the original bill of lading must be sent to the destination agent with name matching the passport exactly.
• For non - citizens employed in Tunisia, all items previously imported must be exported upon departure.
• All shipments are subject to an inspection at the point of entry (POE), except diplomatic shipments.
• The owner of the goods must be present for Customs clearance, except diplomats.
• For non - citizens entering Tunisia via employment contract, the original work permit is required for Customs clearance; if not available, additional port storage and container demurrage charges will be charged.
• If the owner of the goods is unable to provide a residence permit at clearance, a temporary importation of his personal effects may be applied for 12 months by means of establishing a bank deposit.
  • The deposit will be cancelled within the allowed period of time upon presentation of required residence permit / work permit (non - citizens on employment contracts with duty-free entry).
• The owner of the goods should be present in Tunisia at least 2-3 weeks prior to the shipment’s arrival to be accredited by the Tunisian Government and present the diplomatic franchise / exemption, which must be approved by both the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Customs Administration.  
  • It takes approximately 1 month to be duly approved by both agencies (diplomats).
• The packing list should be faxed to the destination agent in advance of importation with a copy of the original bill of lading in order to avoid delays (diplomats).

Motor Vehicles

Documents Required

• Owner of the goods’ passport
• Original bill of lading
• Original registration / insurance certificates (in owner of the goods’ name)

Specific Information

• The owner of the goods must be present for Customs clearance.
• Vehicles are subject to inspection; report must show the engine number and type of vehicle.
• The vehicle details must be stamped on the owner of the goods’ passport.
• Customer may temporarily drive the vehicle for a period of 3 months during clearance.

Pets

Documents Required

• Vaccination record
• Veterinary health certificate

Specific Information

• The veterinary health certificate must be issued by a licensed veterinarian and state that the animal has been free from disease for at least 6 weeks prior to import.
• The vaccination record must be dated 30 days to 6 months prior to arrival and include immunization against rabies.
• Quarantine is not required for healthy animals.
• Animals subject to examination upon arrival.

Restricted/Dutiable Items

• Plants: a phytosanitary certificate is required
• Appliances, electronics and computers: 1 of each item is allowed; make, model, and serial number must be included on the detailed inventory
• New items (dutiable)
• The following items may qualify for free import within the limits indicated:
• Cigarettes (200), cigars (50), tobacco (400 g)
• Alcohol (5 bottles)
• Perfume (reasonable quantity)
• Films, videotapes, publications, books, satellite receivers, faxes, walkie-talkies, and telephones are subject to automatic confiscation for returning citizens and temporary hold by Customs for non - citizens with employment contracts with duty-free entry; these items are allowed entry only with authorization from the appropriate authorities.

Prohibited Items

• Illegal drugs
• Pornographic, obscene and subversive materials
• Weapons, ammunition and explosives

Consignment Instructions

Recommended:  Contact the destination agent to ensure all requirements have been met prior to import, especially for differences regarding air / sea shipments.

Helpful Website(s):

https://travel.state.gov/content/passports/en/country/tunisia.html