Morocco

Specific Information

Inheritance follows the same duty-free conditions as removal goods, with a notary act identifying the deceased and the heir's family relationship, a notary-issued inventory, and a copy of the heir's passport.

Used household goods and personal effects may be imported duty-free provided they have been in the owner's possession and use for a minimum of 6 months and the applicable exemption documentation has been obtained. New articles are subject to Moroccan import duties and taxes, which can be approximately 50% of assessed value depending on the item category. All documents must be express-mailed to the destination agent at least 15 days prior to shipment arrival to allow time to apply for the duty-free exemption.

If goods are shipped in two separate consignments, the second shipment must arrive no later than 6 months after the first.

Antiques and works of art are duty-free when used and forming part of removal goods, but require a detailed valued inventory and an authorisation issued by the Ministry of Cultural Affairs.

Container inspection: All containers are systematically inspected by Moroccan Customs. Electrical and household appliances should be placed near the container doors for ease of access by inspectors. Media such as DVDs, CDs, and digital storage devices will also be inspected and must be easily identifiable.

Currency declaration: Foreign nationals carrying the equivalent of 100,000 MAD (approximately USD 10,000) or more in cash or bearer instruments must declare this to Customs on arrival. The declaration must be retained to justify the origin of funds on departure. It is valid for one stay only, for a period of up to 6 months.

ISPM 15: All wooden packing materials must comply with ISPM 15 phytosanitary standards and bear the appropriate mark. Confirm current requirements with the destination agent, as enforcement can vary by port of entry.

Duties & Taxes

Wedding trousseaux are duty-free except for new items. Required documents: wedding certificate, original CCR, inventory in French or Arabic, proof of the spouse's residence in Morocco, Power of Attorney with legalized signature, and sworn statement (original required).

Prohibited & Restricted Items

Importing a Used Personal Vehicle

Required Documents

• Original title certificate / registration card
• Copy of passport in colour
• Purchase invoice
• Original OBL / AWB. The OBL must state the engine number, chassis number, and weight of the vehicle.

Specific Information

Age restriction (non-diplomats): Vehicles must generally be less than 5 years old to qualify for permanent import. Vehicles 5 years or older cannot be imported permanently. They may be admitted on a temporary basis for a period not exceeding 6 months per calendar year, after which the vehicle must be exported.

Permanent import duties: For non-qualifying importers, combined duties and taxes can approach 50% of the vehicle's assessed value. The Morocco-US Free Trade Agreement (in force since 2006, tariff phase-down completed 2021) provides preferential rates for qualifying US-origin vehicles. Confirm the applicable rate with a licensed Moroccan customs broker before purchase and shipment.

MRE (Moroccan Residents Abroad) returning permanently: Qualifying Moroccan nationals who have lived abroad for at least 2 years may receive a 25% reduction on the assessed vehicle value, effectively treating the vehicle as 3 years older and reducing applicable duties. Retired MREs aged 60 and over may qualify for a 90% tax reduction, with the maximum eligible vehicle age extended from 5 to 10 years. The retired owner must be present in the vehicle upon import. Eligibility criteria and required documentation should be confirmed with the Moroccan Consulate in the country of origin before shipping.

Diplomats: Diplomatic vehicles of any age may be imported duty-free with the franchising letter from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Diplomatic vehicles must be exported upon the owner's departure from Morocco.

Vehicle registration: A valid Carte de Sejour (residency permit) is required to register a vehicle in Morocco in the owner's name. Foreign nationals without legal residency cannot register a vehicle locally.

Driving licence: Foreign licences are valid in Morocco for up to 1 year. After that, the holder must either exchange their licence (if Morocco has a bilateral recognition agreement with the issuing country) or retake the Moroccan driving test. Morocco has exchange agreements with Spain, Italy (updated 2024), and several other countries. Confirm current agreement status with the destination agent or Moroccan traffic authority.

Electric and hybrid vehicles: Fully electric vehicles are currently exempt from VAT and customs duties. Hybrid vehicles may benefit from reduced duty rates. Confirm current rates with a customs broker.

Document timing: All vehicle documents must be received by the destination agent at least 1 month prior to shipment arrival to avoid demurrage and storage charges due to lengthy Customs procedures.

Pets

• ISO-compatible microchip (ISO 11784/11785 standard, 15-digit). The microchip must be implanted before the rabies vaccination. If implanted after, the vaccination is not valid for import purposes. Tattoo identification alone is not accepted. **Dogs and Cats**
• Rabies vaccination certificate. The vaccination must be administered after microchip insertion, and must be current. All cats and dogs over 3 months of age must be vaccinated for rabies between 30 days and 12 months prior to entry. Multi-year rabies vaccinations are accepted only if administered within 12 months of import. **Dogs and Cats**
• International veterinary health certificate, issued within 10 days of import. Documents should be in French or Arabic, or accompanied by a certified translation. For US-origin shipments, the certificate must be issued by a USDA-accredited veterinarian and endorsed by APHIS. **Dogs and Cats**
• Copy of owner's passport **Dogs and Cats**
• Import permit from ONSSA (Office National de Securite Sanitaire des Produits Alimentaires), obtained before travel. The permit application requires a current residential address in Morocco, valid ID, and full vaccination documentation. Allow at least 8 to 12 weeks before the intended travel date to complete the process. **Dogs and Cats**
• Vaccination record **Birds**
• Veterinary health certificate **Birds**
• Authorization from the Ministry of Health (required for all birds, including falcons and hawks). This process can be complex and slow; confirm requirements with the destination agent well in advance. **Birds**
• Phytosanitary certificate. The issuing authority is reported to be slow and the process complex. Importing plants as part of a removal is generally not recommended. **Plants**

Important note for US-origin shipments: Morocco is classified as a high-risk country for dog rabies under US CDC regulations. Owners departing from the United States with dogs must complete all CDC-required documentation before leaving the US, as it cannot be issued retroactively. Contact a USDA-accredited veterinarian or the CDC well in advance of travel.

The microchip must be implanted before the rabies vaccination. This sequencing is mandatory. If the rabies vaccination was administered before microchipping, the sequence must be restarted.

Dogs must be at least 6 months old at the time of entry. Cats and dogs under 3 months of age are not eligible for rabies vaccination and cannot be imported until the minimum age and vaccination conditions are met.

Wolf hybrids, Savannah cats, and Bengal cats (unless 5th generation or more removed from wild pedigree) cannot be imported under standard regulations. Confirm with ONSSA for any specific breed restrictions.

Pets are inspected by ONSSA on arrival. A missing or non-compliant document can result in the animal being denied entry or held pending resolution. Obtaining the ONSSA import permit before departure is the most frequently missed requirement.

Morocco is a rabies-endemic country. Rabies vaccinations should be kept current throughout the owner's stay. Flea and tick prevention is essential. Veterinary services are available in major cities, with the best facilities in Casablanca and Rabat.