The Tunisian Ministry of Trade and Export Development has announced that its economic control teams detected 7953 economic infractions during September 2026. These infractions were uncovered through 950,758 inspection operations conducted across various distribution channels nationwide. The inspections aimed to monitor market activities and ensure compliance with trade regulations.
The detected infractions primarily concerned transparency in transactions, with 3715 cases reported. Additionally, 2688 cases involved price hikes and monopolistic practices, while 1526 cases related to metrology and other areas. Furthermore, 24 cases involved the diversion of subsidized products. These findings highlight the ongoing challenges in maintaining fair trade practices in Tunisia.
The inspection operations led to the seizure of substantial quantities of consumer goods. Authorities confiscated 53 tonnes of subsidized cereal derivatives, 209 tonnes of vegetables and fruits, and 21,450 eggs. Other seized items included 4939 kilograms of poultry meat, 3.5 tonnes of sugar, and 73 tonnes of fodder. Moreover, 200,000 liters of mineral water, 83,091 subsidized notebooks, and 28,327 packets of tobacco were also seized.
The Ministry of Trade and Export Development received 1609 complaints through its dedicated hotline, 80100191. Most complaints, 816, concerned mineral water, while 136 complaints related to food products, poultry meat, and eggs. The remaining complaints involved other food products and vegetables and fruits, with 102 and 85 complaints, respectively.
The Tunisian government has been actively working to enhance market regulation and combat unfair trade practices. The Ministry of Trade and Export Development continues to implement measures aimed at promoting transparency and fairness in transactions. These efforts are crucial in maintaining consumer trust and ensuring a stable market environment.
The seizures and complaints highlight the complexities in Tunisia's market. The authorities' efforts to address these issues are ongoing, with a focus on protecting consumers and promoting fair trade practices. The Ministry's hotline remains a key channel for receiving complaints and tips from the public.
Key initiatives by the Ministry of Trade and Export Development include increased inspections and strict enforcement of trade regulations. Three key points emerge from the September 2026 data: the prevalence of transparency-related infractions, the significant quantities of seized goods, and the public's engagement with the complaint hotline.
Key points
- The Tunisian Ministry of Trade and Export Development detected 7953 economic infractions in September 2026.
- The infractions led to the seizure of substantial quantities of consumer goods, including 53 tonnes of subsidized cereal derivatives.
- The Ministry received 1609 complaints through its hotline, with most concerning mineral water.
