New Export Regulations for Tunisian Forest Products: Mandatory Certificate of Origin & Stock
Tunisian companies exporting forest products must now include a critical new document in their export dossiers: a certificate of origin and stock issued by the competent services of the General Directorate of Forests (DGF).
What’s Changing?
The updated requirement was announced via a joint communiqué from the General Directorate of Plant Health and Agricultural Inputs Control and the DGF, directly addressing exporters. In practice, this certificate is designed to precisely identify the exported goods, mandating the clear inclusion of:
- The exact quantity of the shipment
- The corresponding export invoice number
Beyond Paperwork: A New Compliance Step
This document is far more than an administrative formality. It must be presented to plant health inspectors at border crossing points during the documentary inspection of all forest product cargoes destined for international markets.
For exporters, this marks a significant shift in compliance protocols. Preparing a shipment can no longer rely solely on standard commercial documentation. Exporters must now formally verify and document both the legal origin and verified stock availability through official forestry authorities before goods can proceed through customs checks.
Key Takeaways for Exporters
- Update your export checklist: The DGF certificate is now mandatory for all forest product shipments.
- Coordinate early with forestry services: Secure origin and stock verification well in advance of shipment preparation.
- Prepare for border inspections: Ensure the certificate is readily available for plant health control points to avoid clearance delays.
- Streamline documentation workflows: Align commercial, phytosanitary, and forestry paperwork to meet the new joint-agency requirements.
Stay compliant, avoid shipment hold-ups, and ensure your Tunisian forest product exports meet the latest regulatory standards.
