Minister of Finance Mishkat Salama Khaldi stated that the proposal to grant one car per family is not enforceable without a regulatory text defining its conditions.
She explained: “This proposed measure cannot be implemented without a decree specifying its terms, which requires issuing an implementing regulation.”
Car importation is not a right granted by the Finance Bill
Responding to MPs who suggested allowing families to import an old car, purchase one from the local market, or buy a new vehicle, the minister reminded that general legislation does not grant Tunisian citizens the right to import vehicles.
She added that the proposed article would be costly for the state budget and would also require a regulatory decree.
Multiple technical and financial issues raised
Concerning this proposal presented within the 2026 Finance Bill, the minister stressed that the right to import vehicles is governed by its own laws and conditions, noting that the measure raises several challenges:
– the mechanism through which a family would import a car,
– access to the tax incentive,
– the management of foreign currency outflows,
– logistics, transport and customs clearance,
– and whether the State has the capacity to organise such a process.
She emphasised: “The country must preserve its foreign currency reserves. The State should direct this support toward the energy, cereals and essential import sectors.”
Parliament adopts the article despite the Finance Ministry’s opposition
It is worth recalling that the Assembly of the Representatives of the People approved the granting of a tax incentive for importing or purchasing, on the local market, a new or used car for resident families, under Article 55 of the 2026 Finance Bill.
This adoption comes despite the Finance Ministry’s refusal to include the proposal in the final text.
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