Adoption of Article 55: Tunisian Parliament Approves Duty-Free Car Importation
The Assembly of People's Representatives (ARP) adopted Article 55 of the 2026 finance bill in its final version on Saturday, November 29, 2025, following a compromise between different parliamentary groups. The text received a large majority of 131 votes in favor, 2 against, and 1 abstention.
Background
The adoption of this article comes after the abandonment of the first amendment, which proposed authorizing the importation of a duty-free car for each citizen once in their lifetime. The second amendment, presented by another group of deputies, was also withdrawn in favor of a consensual text, which was finally retained as Article 55.
Key Provisions
According to its approved formulation, Article 55 now allows each Tunisian family to import a used car less than 8 years old without paying customs duties. However, several conditions frame this mechanism:
- It is forbidden to combine this benefit with that of the "popular car";
- The imported vehicle cannot be transferred before a period of 5 years from its importation;
- The total number of vehicles imported under this framework cannot exceed 10% of the annual volume of car imports.
Debate and Reactions
This vote sparked a lively debate within the hemicycle. Finance Minister Mechkat Salama El Khaldi expressed reservations about the impact of this measure. She stated that as a citizen, she was not opposed to the principle of authorizing car imports, provided that the state establishes a clear legal framework. However, she recalled that current legislation does not grant such a right, with imports being subject to precise regulations.
The minister also warned against potential legal issues and financial repercussions related to currency outflows. "The proposal is attractive and may attract considerable interest from public opinion, but at what cost?" she concluded.
