Become an olive oil exporter — the method, step by step

Q: Do I need a qualification to become an olive oil exporter?

No. No qualification is required. You need a structure (company + customs code), the ONH export approval (or an approved partner), and a reliable method. The training starts from the basics and goes all the way to market launch.

Q: Where should I concretely start?

With the structure and ONH approval , then quality (COA) and access to the EU quota . Next come the documents, price by incoterm, payment and brand. The training follows exactly this order.

Q: What is ONH approval?

It is the export approval issued under the Tunisian framework (specifications, National Oil Office / Ministry of Agriculture) that authorizes olive oil export. You can also export under a partner's approval through a commission agreement. See the ONH approval guide.

Q: How do I access the EU quota?

Through the reduced-duty Tunisian tariff quota , whose certificates are issued by SICAD . It is depleted each year : you must file your application early in the window. Details in the EU quota / SICAD guide.

Q: What documents do I need to export?

Proforma then commercial invoice, packing list , bill of lading (B/L) , certificate of origin (EUR.1 for the EU, Arab CO for the Gulf), phytosanitary/health certificate, and the per-batch COA . See the export documents guide.

Q: Which incoterm should I choose for a first export?

FOB (goods loaded at the port) is the standard to start with: the seller controls up to loading, the buyer manages freight. Avoid DDP with an unknown customer. See the incoterms guide.

Q: How much can you earn exporting olive oil?

The margin depends on the format : bulk export historically yields a low margin (~4%), while packed under a brand targets ~30%. Bulk brings volume and cash flow; the brand brings margin. See the pricing & margins guide.

Q: Should I export in bulk or launch my brand?

Many start in bulk (fast, large volumes) then move to their own brand for the margin. The training covers both, including an entire module on building your brand.

Q: How much does the training cost?

3,500 DT per participant, all included: in-person, lifetime online access, materials, real document templates , lifetime access to the 20 tools and certificate. Support options can be added; the entry price remains 3,500 DT.

Q: Is the training available remotely?

Yes. The format is hybrid : in-person (Tunis/Sfax) + lifetime online access (materials, replays, tools, updates). Ideal for the diaspora and participants outside Tunisia.

In brief: want to become an olive oil exporter from Tunisia? The journey has precise stages: structure & ONH approval, EU quota (SICAD), quality (COA), export documents, price by incoterm, secure payment, then your own brand. This page gives you the map — and Zitouna's hybrid training (12 modules, real templates, lifetime access to the 20 tools, 3,500 DT) makes you master it step by step.

Enroll in the training (3,500 DT) — limited seats for the in-person sessions.

See the full program — 12 modules, from the global market to your action plan.

Who this path is for

Becoming an exporter doesn't require a qualification, but a reliable method. This path is for anyone who wants to sell their oil beyond borders.

Farmers & oil producers — move upmarket and export directly rather than sell at cut-price in bulk.
Project leaders & new exporters — launch an olive oil export business from scratch.
Tunisian diaspora & MENA entrepreneurs — distribute an origin oil under their own brand.
Agri-food SMEs & brand creators — secure sourcing and a structured export method.

A project, even at the idea stage, is enough to benefit from the method.

The 7 steps to become an exporter

Here is the map of the journey. Each step is a classic bottleneck — and a module of the training.

Structure & ONH export approval — Tunisian company, customs code, ONH export approval (specifications). Bridge option: export under a partner's approval through a commission agreement. See the ONH approval guide.
EU quota (SICAD) — access the reduced-duty tariff quota (certificates via SICAD), depleted each year → file early. See the EU quota / SICAD guide.
Quality & COA — per-batch analysis at an IOC-approved laboratory; respect the IOC/EU categories (extra virgin ≤ 0.80% acidity).
Export documents — proforma, invoice, packing list, B/L, certificate of origin (EU EUR.1 / GAFTA Arab CO), phytosanitary. See the export documents guide.
Price & incoterm — quote accurately in FOB / CIF / EXW and protect your margin. See the incoterms guide and the pricing & margins guide.
Payment & repatriation — secure collection (confirmed LC, credit insurance), comply with the repatriation of proceeds.
Brand & prospecting — build your brand (positioning, packaging, labeling by market) and prospect (trade shows, importers). See build your brand.

Each of these steps can cost time and money when tackled alone. The training gives you, for each step, a template and a tool.

Why train rather than fumble

Olive oil export is a business of precision: an incoterm error, a missed quota or non-compliant labeling can wipe out the margin or hold a container at customs.

Avoid costly pitfalls — depleted EU quota, poorly anticipated customs tariff, DDP to an unknown customer, unsecured payment: these are all classic errors the method eliminates.
Save time — you leave with real document templates (proforma, packing list, certificate of origin, private label specifications), not theoretical examples.
Quote accurately — the simulators (price by incoterm, margin, private label) first help you learn, then help you cost out your real operations.
Lifetime access — you keep the 20 tools and their updates, with no subscription.

The training that gets you into action

The Zitouna Export training covers the entire chain, from the global market to your action plan: 12 modules, hybrid format (in-person Tunis/Sfax + lifetime online access), real templates, certificate and lifetime access to the 20 tools. Price: 3,500 DT, all-inclusive.

Module 7 — Tunisian export procedure (ONH approval, EU quota, repatriation, payment).
Module 6 — export documents (proforma, packing list, B/L, EUR.1, COA).
Module 8 — pricing & margins (calculation by incoterm, simulators).
Module 9 — building your brand (positioning, packaging, labeling, trademark registration).

See the detailed program of the 12 modules before you decide.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a qualification to become an olive oil exporter?

No. No qualification is required. You need a structure (company + customs code), the ONH export approval (or an approved partner), and a reliable method. The training starts from the basics and goes all the way to market launch.

Where should I concretely start?

With the structure and ONH approval, then quality (COA) and access to the EU quota. Next come the documents, price by incoterm, payment and brand. The training follows exactly this order.

What is ONH approval?

It is the export approval issued under the Tunisian framework (specifications, National Oil Office / Ministry of Agriculture) that authorizes olive oil export. You can also export under a partner's approval through a commission agreement. See the ONH approval guide.

How do I access the EU quota?

Through the reduced-duty Tunisian tariff quota, whose certificates are issued by SICAD. It is depleted each year: you must file your application early in the window. Details in the EU quota / SICAD guide.

What documents do I need to export?

Proforma then commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading (B/L), certificate of origin (EUR.1 for the EU, Arab CO for the Gulf), phytosanitary/health certificate, and the per-batch COA. See the export documents guide.

Which incoterm should I choose for a first export?

FOB (goods loaded at the port) is the standard to start with: the seller controls up to loading, the buyer manages freight. Avoid DDP with an unknown customer. See the incoterms guide.

How much can you earn exporting olive oil?

The margin depends on the format: bulk export historically yields a low margin (~4%), while packed under a brand targets ~30%. Bulk brings volume and cash flow; the brand brings margin. See the pricing & margins guide.

Should I export in bulk or launch my brand?

Many start in bulk (fast, large volumes) then move to their own brand for the margin. The training covers both, including an entire module on building your brand.

How much does the training cost?

3,500 DT per participant, all included: in-person, lifetime online access, materials, real document templates, lifetime access to the 20 tools and certificate. Support options can be added; the entry price remains 3,500 DT.

Is the training available remotely?

Yes. The format is hybrid: in-person (Tunis/Sfax) + lifetime online access (materials, replays, tools, updates). Ideal for the diaspora and participants outside Tunisia.

What does lifetime access to the 20 tools include?

Simulators for price by incoterm, an origin comparator, a private label simulator, a margin calculator, and more, with their future updates, and no subscription. You learn with the same tools you'll then use.

Can I pay in installments?

Payment facilities are possible (deposit at enrollment then balance). State your preference in the enrollment form; the terms will be confirmed to you.

How do I enroll?

Fill in the enrollment form (name, project, phone/WhatsApp, email, preferred format). Email confirmation (Brevo). In-person seats are limited.

Ready to become an exporter?

The method exists, and so do the templates and tools. The only gap between a project and a first container is structured action.

Enroll in the training (3,500 DT) — online form → email confirmation (Brevo).

See the 12-module program — from the global market to your action plan.

Consult prices by origin — position yourself from the start (updated monthly ).

Page in French. Program and price up to date — July 2026. Market data to be re-verified before any commitment; no invented values.