Central Bank of Tunisia Introduces New Regulations for International Trade
The Central Bank of Tunisia (BCT) has published a new circular, n°2025-13, which introduces significant adjustments to the rules governing the financial settlement of imports and exports of goods. The objective is to facilitate international transactions and strengthen flexibility for Tunisian exporters.
Key Changes
According to the text, companies will now be able to settle their sales by any means of payment when commercial contracts provide for a payment deadline of up to 120 days from the date of shipment of goods.
The circular also specifies the new conditions applicable to long-term sales. Contracts with payment deadlines of 121 to 360 days may be executed freely, provided they are accompanied by payment guarantees such as a non-resident bank guarantee, an irrevocable documentary credit, or a standby letter of credit.
On the other hand, sales with payment deadlines exceeding 360 days, or those between 121 and 360 days that do not meet these security criteria, will now require prior authorization from the BCT.
Implementation and Impact
This circular, which comes into effect immediately, repeals and replaces certain provisions of circular n°94-14 of September 14, 1994, particularly articles 10, 11, and 12, in order to adapt the regulatory framework to current international trade practices.
The Central Bank asserts that these adjustments are part of a logic of modernizing exchange control and supporting the competitiveness of Tunisian exporters, while maintaining the necessary guarantees for the security of financial transactions.
