Radioscopy of the Non-Preferential Origin in the Tunisian Customs Legislation

Tunisia has undergone a legislative evolution in the non-preferential origin field, with the promulgation in 2008 of its new customs code. This article is intended to draw a radioscopy of Tunisian customs legislation concerning the non-preferential origin in order to present its main aspects. In particular, this article first explains the criteria and conditions for obtaining non-preferential origin and, then, the proofs of origin to be presented at customs clearance. The author tries to demonstrate along the article that the provisions adopted by the Tunisian legislator in determining non-preferential origin is based on international standards and best practices, particularly those of the European Union - Tunisia's first trading partner. However, Tunisia's trade policy has so far failed to activate the role that non-preferential origin can play in protecting the economy against the unfair practices and dumping applied by some countries.