Khaberni - The head of the General Union for Clothing, Fabrics, and Shoewear Traders, Sultan Allan, stated that the global trend today is based on finding a balance between all types of commerce, especially after the expansion of e-commerce which has become a reality that cannot be ignored.
In a talk with Hayat FM radio, he added that countries usually adopt one of two approaches: either imposing equal taxes and fees on traditional and electronic commerce, or favoring traditional commerce due to its connection with other sectors and its role in creating local job opportunities.
He pointed out that the union's demands were to achieve a minimum balance between the two sectors, so that the traditional merchant does not face unfair competition or costs in favor of e-commerce.
He continued that there was a gap of about 20% between traditional and electronic commerce in terms of fees, and with the new decision, this gap has been reduced to between 10% and 14%, hence we are talking today about a significant narrowing of this gap.
He explained that transforming the duty from a unified customs duty to a sales tax will contribute to enhancing the regulation of unlicensed e-commerce practitioners, especially in the mail parcel trade, noting that the government aims to organize the market and prevent the formation of an unofficial parallel market operating outside the legal framework.
Regarding the decision's impact on the citizens, Allan clarified that the actual increase on parcels not exceeding 200 dinars will be minimal, at only 6%, which is equivalent to 12 dinars on a 200-dinar parcel.
He said, "I do not expect this increase to be a significant burden, especially since we are talking about luxury goods or personal necessities, and not about foodstuffs or basic necessities," pointing out that the local alternative is available and its prices are often competitive, and sometimes even lower than those found on foreign sites.
Allan confirmed that the decision was not aimed at revenue collection, but came to address the increasing damage that had affected an important commercial sector, noting that many countries like Turkey, America, Europe, and Gulf countries have aimed to achieve a balance between the two forms of trade.
