TUNISIA

Capital:  Tunis
Population:  8,757,000
Currency:  Dinar
Official Language(s):  Arabic

I. CHEMICAL MAXIMUM RESIDUE LEVELS (MRLs)

II. CHEMICALS AND ADDITIVE INFORMATION

    A. Chemical residue standards:

Tunisia follows the Codex Alimentarius Commission's regulations in establishing its maximum residue levels (MRLs).  If no national MRL has been established, it may defer to Codex values based on scientific or technical issues.  Therefore, all MRLs should be confirmed with that country's importers. 

B. Monitoring chemical residues:

Tunisia does not systematically monitor for chemical residues.

    C. Restrictions on use of waxes:

III. ORGANIC FRUIT REGULATIONS

None

IV. TARIFFS

Apples:  150% ad valorem

V. NON-TARIFF BARRIERS

A. Labeling requirements:

B. Licenses and quotas:

None

C. Currency Issues:

There are restrictions on capital outflows and the Dinar.  However, the Dinar is convertible for trade purposes.

D. Pest and plant disease restrictions:

A phytosanitary certificate is required.

Apple imports from the United States are prohibited due to alleged concerns regarding fire blight (Erwinia amylovora). 

E.  Other Requirements:

Imported apples must meet Tunisian apple grade and quality standards as established by the Tunisian standards setting body INNORPI (Institut-National, de Normalisation et de Propriété Industrielle).  For example, apples must be a minimum of 65 mm in diameter.

VI.  MARKETING REPRESENTATIVES FOR PACIFIC NORTHWEST TREE FRUIT INDUSTRY:

Washington Apple Commission:

George Smith
Hertfordshire, UK
Voice:  011-44-1727-862074
E-mail:  wac@midsummermarketing.com

VII.  OTHER RESOURCE LINKS:

Governmental: 

Special thanks to
FAS Field Office

105 South 18th Street, Suite 105
Yakima, Washington 98901, USA
Voice: (509) 453-3193, Fax: (509) 457-7615

E-mail general@nwhort.org