Export subsidies: FOPRODEX & Tasdir+ (Tunisia)

Are you exporting olive oil from Tunisia and do you want to reduce your freight and prospecting costs thanks to the export support schemes? This guide presents FOPRODEX (coverage of sea and air freight, trade shows), the Tasdir+ programme (prospecting support) and the procedures to assemble the applications. Exporter angle, with reference points on the seller and buyer sides. Tables, checklists and mistakes to avoid included.

Free PDF checklist: FOPRODEX / Tasdir+ export subsidies (rates, eligibility, files) in a one-page tick-box format. Get it by email »


In brief: which subsidies for exporting?

Short answer: Tunisia supports its exporters via several schemes. FOPRODEX (Export Promotion Fund) covers part of the freight costs: about 50% of sea freight (excluding certain nearby destinations such as France, Italy and Spain) and up to 70% of air freight for packaged goods, as well as part of the trade-show participation costs. The Tasdir+ programme supports the prospecting of new markets (a share of the expenses, within a ceiling). The exact rates, ceilings and eligibility conditions are to be verified with the managing bodies.

These supports improve the competitiveness of the landed price, especially on distant markets and for packaged/white-label goods. Mobilising them well can make the difference on a quotation. The acronyms (FOPRODEX, Tasdir+, CEPEX…) are defined in the glossary.


Sidebar: the 3 angles of subsidies

Subsidies benefit the exporter, strengthen the seller's offer and, indirectly, the price for the buyer.

Angle Who What subsidies change Where the site helps
Exporter (Tunisia) Wants to reduce costs Sea/air freight and trade shows partly covered This guide + export cost calculator
Seller Wants to be competitive A lighter landed price on distant markets Create your brand
Buyer (importer) Wants a good landed price Indirectly benefits from optimised freight Markets

Reading rule: subsidies do not replace a good quotation — they improve it. They weigh above all on distant markets and packaged goods.


Step 1 — Understand the export support schemes

Tunisia has several export support levers, managed by dedicated bodies (including CEPEX for export promotion).

Scheme Main purpose Typical benefit
FOPRODEX Freight + trade shows Partial coverage of sea/air freight and trade shows
Tasdir+ Market prospecting Share of prospecting expenses, within a ceiling
Other programmes Export support Variable depending on the scheme

Key point: these schemes are combinable according to their purpose (freight vs prospecting), but each has its conditions. Verify eligibility on a case-by-case basis.


Step 2 — Target FOPRODEX: sea freight, air freight, trade shows

FOPRODEX (Export Promotion Fund) lightens the logistics and commercial-presence costs.

Item Coverage benchmark Point of vigilance
Sea freight ~50% Exclusion of certain nearby destinations (France, Italy, Spain)
Air freight (packaged) up to ~70% Reserved for packaged goods
Trade shows / fairs Partial coverage of participation costs Rate depending on the show/market
  • Sea freight (~50%): reduces the CIF cost to distant markets; nearby destinations (FR/IT/ES) are excluded from this coverage.
  • Air freight (~70%, packaged): relevant for fast shipments of packaged/white-label products.
  • Trade shows: supports participation in international fairs (prospecting, visibility).

On the exporter side: integrate the freight subsidy into your quotation to distant markets — it can tip a negotiation. The exact rates and exclusions are to be verified.

Simulate the impact of freight coverage on your landed price with the export cost calculator.


Step 3 — Mobilise Tasdir+ for prospecting

The Tasdir+ programme supports the prospecting of new markets (travel, commercial actions, export development).

  • Purpose: coverage of a share of prospecting expenses, within a ceiling.
  • Target: exporters seeking to conquer new markets (e.g. USA, Gulf, emerging markets).
  • Complementarity: Tasdir+ (prospecting) combines with FOPRODEX (freight/trade shows).

On the seller side: prospecting supported by Tasdir+ helps to open high-margin markets (packaged, white label). See create your brand.

The exact rates, ceilings and conditions are to be verified with the managing body.


Step 4 — Assemble and file the applications

Each scheme requires an application with supporting documents. Documentary rigour conditions the outcome.

Reference documents generally expected (to be confirmed depending on the scheme ):

  • Identification of the exporting company (registration, customs code)
  • Supporting documents for the operation (freight: transport invoices; trade show: participation costs; prospecting: expenses incurred)
  • Proof of export (shipping documents: invoice, packing list, B/L)
  • Forms specific to the scheme (FOPRODEX / Tasdir+)

Gather your export documents with the export documents checklist. Details on the export documentation page.

On the exporter side: anticipate the assembly of the application — a missing supporting document delays or blocks the coverage. The exact official list is to be confirmed with the managing body.


Step 5 — Combine the supports and verify the up-to-date rates

Optimise by combining the schemes according to their purpose, without double-funding the same expense.

  • FOPRODEX for freight (sea excluding FR/IT/ES, packaged air) and trade shows.
  • Tasdir+ for the prospecting of new markets.
  • Coordination with the ONH accreditation, the EU quota and the foreign-exchange obligations (see related guides).

Key point: the rates (~50% sea, ~70% packaged air), ceilings and exclusions evolve and depend on budget envelopes. Systematically verify the conditions in force before committing to an expense counting on the subsidy.


Export subsidies checklist

FOPRODEX — freight & trade shows

  • Sea freight: ~50% (excluding FR/IT/ES) — eligibility verified
  • Packaged air freight: up to ~70% — eligibility verified
  • Trade shows: participation costs — rate verified

Tasdir+ — prospecting

  • Eligible prospecting expenses identified
  • Scheme ceiling verified

Applications

  • Company identification (registration, customs code)
  • Supporting documents for expenses (transport, trade show, prospecting)
  • Proof of export (invoice, packing list, B/L)
  • Scheme forms completed

Coordination

  • No double-funding of the same expense
  • Rates and conditions in force confirmed

Mistakes to avoid

  1. Counting on a subsidy without verifying eligibility: rates and exclusions evolve.
  2. Forgetting the FR/IT/ES exclusion for FOPRODEX sea freight: these nearby destinations are not covered.
  3. Confusing sea and air freight: the rates (~50% vs ~70% packaged) and conditions differ.
  4. Neglecting the assembly of the application: a missing supporting document blocks the coverage.
  5. Double-funding the same expense between schemes.
  6. Ignoring Tasdir+ when opening a new market: prospecting is supported.
  7. Relying on undated rates: the envelopes and conditions change — re-verify.

Golden rules

  • FOPRODEX: ~50% sea freight (excluding FR/IT/ES), ~70% packaged air freight, trade shows —.
  • Tasdir+: support for the prospecting of new markets, within a ceiling.
  • Combination by purpose (freight vs prospecting), without double-funding.
  • Rigorous application: supporting documents for expenses + proof of export.
  • Integrate the subsidy into the quotation to distant markets.
  • Date and re-verify rates, ceilings and exclusions with the managing bodies.

Connect this guide to the ONH accreditation and the EU quota / SICAD guide.


FAQ — Export subsidies FOPRODEX & Tasdir+

What is FOPRODEX?

FOPRODEX (Export Promotion Fund) is a Tunisian scheme that covers part of the export costs: about 50% of sea freight (excluding certain nearby destinations), up to 70% of air freight for packaged goods, and part of the trade-show participation costs. Rates and conditions.

Does FOPRODEX cover freight to France, Italy or Spain?

For sea freight, these nearby destinations (France, Italy, Spain) are generally excluded from FOPRODEX coverage. The support mainly targets more distant markets. The exact exclusion is to be confirmed.

What coverage rate for air freight?

Up to about 70% for packaged air freight. This rate is higher than for sea (~50%) and reserved for packaged products, relevant for fast shipments (white label, significant commercial samples).

What is Tasdir+?

Tasdir+ is an export support programme that covers a share of the prospecting expenses for new markets, within a ceiling. It complements FOPRODEX (freight/trade shows) by funding the commercial conquest effort. Rate and ceiling.

Can you combine FOPRODEX and Tasdir+?

Yes, according to their purpose: FOPRODEX for freight and trade shows, Tasdir+ for prospecting. You must not double-fund the same expense. Verify the combination rules in force with the managing bodies.

What documents for a subsidy application?

Usual references: company identification (registration, customs code), supporting documents for the expenses (transport invoices, trade-show costs, prospecting expenses), proof of export (invoice, packing list, B/L) and the scheme forms. The exact list is to be confirmed depending on the scheme.

Does FOPRODEX cover international trade shows?

Yes, FOPRODEX supports part of the participation costs for international trade shows and fairs, a lever for prospecting and visibility. The rate depends on the show and the market; it is.

Do these subsidies improve the landed price for the buyer?

Indirectly, yes: freight coverage (especially on distant markets) reduces the CIF cost, which can be passed on to the landed price. Simulate the effect with the export cost calculator.

Do you need to be ONH-accredited to benefit from the subsidies?

Export subsidies are aimed at exporters. The ONH accreditation conditions the export of olive oil itself (see ONH accreditation); access to the support schemes presupposes an effective export activity. Verify the eligibility specific to each scheme.

Do the subsidies concern bulk or packaged goods?

FOPRODEX distinguishes the items: sea freight (~50%) applies broadly, while air freight (~70%) targets packaged goods. Tasdir+ prospecting is useful for opening high-margin markets (packaged/white label). The precise conditions are.

When should you assemble the subsidy application?

As early as possible, anticipating the supporting documents (transport invoices, trade-show costs, prospecting expenses). An application assembled upstream avoids blockages and secures the coverage. The deadlines specific to each scheme are.

Where can I verify the up-to-date rates and conditions?

With the managing bodies (including CEPEX for export promotion) and the texts in force. Rates (~50% sea, ~70% packaged air), ceilings and exclusions evolve with the budget envelopes: re-verify before committing to an expense counting on the subsidy.


Take action

You now know how to mobilise export support: FOPRODEX for freight and trade shows, Tasdir+ for prospecting. The next step: integrate these levers into your quotation and your market strategy.

Request a free quote — a dated quotation taking into account freight and the targeted markets, from an accredited exporter. Drawer pre-filled "FOPRODEX export subsidies guide".

Free PDF checklist (lead magnet): receive by email the "Export subsidies (FOPRODEX / Tasdir+)" checklist — rates, eligibility and applications to assemble, ready to tick. Simple sign-up (Brevo double opt-in), no spam. Receive the PDF checklist »

To go further, read the ONH accreditation guide, the EU quota / SICAD guide, the export earnings repatriation guide and the A-Z guide to importing Tunisian olive oil.

Regulatory data July 2026, indicative and to be re-verified before any commitment. Sources: Tunisian export support schemes (FOPRODEX, Tasdir+), CEPEX. Rates (~50% sea freight excluding FR/IT/ES, ~70% packaged air freight), ceilings and eligibility conditions to be confirmed with the managing bodies.

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