Tunisia Offers Legal Path for Unauthorized Deep Agricultural Wells

Tunisian agricultural operators with unauthorized deep wells can now regularize their status for a fee of 3,500 Tunisian dinars. The Assembly of the Representatives of the People (ARP) adopted Bill No. 18/2026 on Tuesday, October 27, 2026. The legislation also grants access to specific investment and tax incentives.

Vote Details and Scope

The bill passed with 79 votes in favor, 7 against, and 10 abstentions. It specifically targets deep agricultural wells constructed without authorization prior to December 10, 2024.

Key Provisions

• Implementation: The practical procedures for regularization will be detailed in a decision issued by the Minister in charge of Water Resources.
• Incentives: Beneficiaries may claim advantages outlined in:
  • Law No. 71 of 2016 regarding investment.
  • Law No. 8 of 2017 revising the tax incentive regime.
  • Note: These benefits cannot be claimed retroactively.
• Obligations and Penalties:
  • Any application containing erroneous information will be rejected.
  • The regularization decision may be annulled if the beneficiary fails to meet their commitments.
• Legal Amendment: The text repeals Article 81 of the 2025 Finance Law, which previously governed the regularization of unauthorized deep agricultural wells.