During the holy month of Ramadan, concerns are growing over the spread of conditional sales practices in Tunisia. In a statement to Tunisie Numérique on Tuesday, March 3, 2026, Lotfi Riahi, President of the Tunisian Organization to Inform the Consumer, warned of an increase in illegal sales practices affecting consumers.
What is conditional sale?
According to Riahi, conditional sale refers to forcing a customer to purchase an additional product in order to obtain the item they originally requested. This practice is prohibited by Tunisian law but tends to resurface during Ramadan, when demand for certain goods significantly increases.
Riahi also pointed out that such practices are not limited to retail stores. In some cafés during the fasting month, customers are reportedly charged entry fees or required to purchase specific items as a condition for service. These practices, he stressed, are illegal.
How to report violations
The President of the consumer organization explained that the Ministry of Trade is responsible for monitoring and documenting such violations through official inspection reports.
Consumers can now report infractions easily using the “Qafeti” mobile application, which allows users to file complaints quickly and specify the exact location of the violation. He confirmed that the application is fully operational.
In addition, regional trade departments across all governorates are mobilized, and consumers may contact the Ministry of Trade through dedicated hotlines, including a toll-free number.
Financial penalties and legal sanctions
Regarding penalties, Riahi cited Law No. 36 of 2015 and Law No. 117 of 1992, which provide for financial fines that may represent a percentage of the offender’s turnover, depending on the severity of the violation.
In cases of repeated offenses, files may be referred to the Competition Council after intervention by economic control officers and proper classification of the infringement.
Authorities and consumer protection bodies are calling for increased vigilance during Ramadan to safeguard consumer rights and ensure fair market practices.
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