The debate on the importation of used cars by individuals returns to the Assembly of People’s Representatives. MP Yasser Gourari, president of the General Legislation Commission, confirmed that this measure was reintroduced in the 2026 finance bill, relaunching a file which had aroused strong popular expectations and a previous rejection in 2024.
A measure reactivated as part of the 2026 budget
Speaking on Mosaique fm, Yasser Gourari explained that the proposal had initially been formulated during the preparation of the 2025 budget, but that it had been rejected during the final decisions, provoking the anger of some citizens.
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The MP believes that a significant number of Tunisian families are hoping for an opening of the market to access more affordable vehicles, at a time when the prices of new cars are reaching historically high levels.
Tax advantages, quotas and strict supervision
Gourari pointed out an imbalance between the advantages granted to car dealers – more than a billion dinars per year in tax facilities, according to him – and the reduced margin envisaged for individuals, who would only benefit from a 10% tax reduction for importing a used car.
He also responds to criticism warning of a risk of pressure on foreign currency reserves. The proposed mechanism provides for a maximum quota of 10% of the total vehicles imported each year, in order to control the impact on the balance of payments; used cars meeting specific technical criteria; a system entirely under the supervision of the Ministry of Commerce.
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The MP also specifies that imported vehicles can only be resold after five years, a provision intended to avoid any form of parallel trade or short-term speculation.
A lever to modernize an aging vehicle fleet
For Yasser Gourari, this measure must be seen above all as a response to the state of the national automobile fleet, which is aging rapidly and is no longer being renewed at the expected rate.
The regulated importation of used vehicles would, according to him, facilitate access to more recent cars; to gradually reduce the most obsolete vehicles; improve road safety; to alleviate the financial pressure on households.
He considers that the partial opening of the market, under strict conditions, constitutes a compromise between the economic imperatives of the country and social demand.
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