On 2 February 2025, a new cheque reform, established by law no. 2024-41 of 2 August 2024, came into force in Tunisia. The reform brought significant changes to the way cheques are issued, used and regulated. It aims to modernise the payment system, increase transparency and reduce abuses linked to bounced cheques.
Cheques are an essential means of payment in Tunisia, particularly for commercial and business transactions. However, the current system faces major challenges:
- A high rate of bounced cheques, causing frequent disputes.
- Weak guarantees for payees, leading to a loss of trust.
- No modern mechanisms to monitor and secure transactions.
In response to these issues, the Tunisian government decided to introduce a stricter legal framework better suited to today's economic realities.
Old chequebooks no longer work from 3 February 2025. To keep using cheques, you need to request a new chequebook from your bank. It includes essential information on every cheque:
- Expiry date: all new chequebooks include an expiry date shown on every cheque, set by the customer's (drawer's) bank. This measure aims to clarify the deadlines for cashing cheques.
- Limits on cheque amounts: new chequebooks are subject to a limit that applies to each chequebook and each cheque. The bank sets this limit based on the drawer's creditworthiness.
- QR code: every cheque has a QR code containing information such as the cheque number, the drawer's RIB (bank account details), the expiry date and the maximum amount. The QR code lets the payee scan the cheque and reserve the amount via the new platform.
The National Centralised Electronic Cheque Platform, called TuniChèque, introduces a new, secure way to accept cheques through a web and mobile app for the general public, along with APIs connected to every bank in Tunisia.
- Validate the cheque:
Check that the drawer is not banned from using cheques, make sure the cheque hasn't expired and confirm that the amount is within the authorised limit.
- Reserve the cheque amount:
Check that funds are available in the drawer's account and block them until the cheque is cashed.
Penalties for bounced cheques are now stricter.
- If a cheque for more than 5,000 DT is issued without sufficient funds and is not settled, it can lead to a two-year prison sentence and a fine equal to 20% of the cheque's value.
- For cheques under 5,000 DT, although criminal penalties have been removed, administrative consequences may still apply.
- Personal and business finances need to be managed more rigorously.
- Before writing a cheque, drawers must make sure it hasn't expired, that the amount doesn't exceed the maximum authorised value and that their account has sufficient funds; otherwise the cheque is rejected.
- They must request a new chequebook from their bank.
- Writing bounced cheques leads to immediate restrictions and closer monitoring of their banking history.
- Payees must follow the new acceptance method by validating the cheque and reserving its amount.
- Cheque validity must be respected: cheques must be physically handed in at the bank no later than 8 calendar days after their expiry date.
The reform of Tunisia's cheque law, effective from 3 February 2025, is an important step in modernising financial transactions. By anticipating these changes, individuals and businesses can not only comply with the new regulations but also benefit from a more secure and transparent payment system.
About Flouci:
Flouci (by Kaoun) is a pioneering fintech company based in Tunis, Tunisia, dedicated to creating innovative financial solutions that empower individuals and businesses across Africa. Our mission is to make financial services more accessible, inclusive and efficient, so that everyone can take part in the digital economy.
Website: https://flouci.com/
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