Customs and import to Casablanca

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There are usually two lines at a point of entry: "To Declare" and "Nothing to Declare". If you are within the permissible limits of import, you can go through "Nothing to Declare". If you are carrying more than the limits (i.e. have more then the permissible level of cash), you will need to declare and pay the penalties. People are randomly selected out of the "Nothing to Declare" line and their goods are inspected. If found to be importing illegally, harsh fines will be imposed.

    Free for Import
  • Clothes for personal use
  • Tobacco (200 cigarettes, 100 cigarillos, 25 cigars, or 250 grams of assortments)
  • Alcohol (1 liter)
  • Jewelry, perfumes (150 ml) and toilet water ( 250 ml)
  • Souvenirs, presents whose value should not exceed 2000 DH
  • Camera, camcorder, binoculars or CD player.
  • Tape recorder, radio, TV, camera, typewriter or calculator, portable computer, mobile phone.
  • Musical instrument
  • Bicycle, tandem, bicycle having an auxiliary motor.

Non-residents must re-export these items at the end of their stay.

    Prohibited
  • Arms and ammunition
  • Drugs
  • Official currency - Strictly forbidden to import or export the Dirham
  • Books, printed matter, audio and video cassettes and any immoral items liable to cause a breach of the peace
    Restricted
  • Vegetable products - requires phytosanitary certificate.
  • Endangered species of wild fauna and flora (Washington Convention) - requires CITES certificate, delivered by the Directorate of Waters and Forests.
  • Hunting arms and their ammunition - authorization of the National Security Services required.
  • Medicines - only in small quantities and requires affidavit available at the customs offices, accompanied with medical proof (medical certificate, prescription, etc)

Pets

Many people want to bring their pet with them on their travels and while that is entirely possible, it does require some planning and preparation. Entry may be refused if the animal is not in good health.

Importing pets to Morocco is especially difficult as many pets, especially dogs, are not popular in Morocco. Many Muslims believe touching a dog removes the cleanliness required for daily prayers.

Documentation Necessary

Microchip - to verify pets identity. All microchips conforming to the ISO standards are easily readable.

Vaccination - Every pet older than 3 months must be vaccinated against rabies. The pet must be vaccinated against rabies at least 30 days before arrival. However the vaccination cannot be older than 12 months from the date of arrival to the EU. Dogs must also get full shots for Distemper, Hepatitis, Leptospirosis, Parvo, and DHLPP. Cats must also be vaccinated against Viral Rhinotracheitis, Calcivirus, and Panleukopenia.

Certificate of good health - Issued by a vet after an exam. The certificate must be sent to the department of agriculture, or equivalent in other countries to be certified with a stamp. Once certified, the certificate must then be sent to the Moroccan Consulate in the home country for certification. A 33 USD fee and self-addressed envelope should accompany the request.

If these steps are met, a healthy pet is eligible for entry without quarantine or import licenses. Once in Morocco, foreigners do not need to obtain any additional licenses for pets.

For complete information on taking your pet abroad, read EasyExpat's article on "Expat Pets".

Vehicles

The Moroccan Administration allows temporary admission of non-residents's vehicles for a period of 3 months. However, these vehicles should be used for tourism only (and not as a means for transporting goods having a commercial character).

Custom's Resources

U.S. Citizens: The free pamphlet "Know Before You Go" at www.cbp.gov is very helpful. (Click on "Travel" and then click on "Know Before You Go! Online Brochure").
You can also contact:
U.S. Customs & Border Protection (CBP)
1300 Pennsylvania Ave.
Washington, DC 20229
Tel. 877/287-8667

Canadian Citizens: "I Declare", issued by the Canada Border Services Agency (tel. 800/461-9999 in Canada, or 204/983-3500 ) is helpful.

U.K. Citizens: HM Customs & Excise at tel. 0845/010-9000 (from outside the U.K., 020/8929-0152) can help.

Australian Citizens: A helpful brochure is available from Australian consulates or Customs offices called "Know Before You Go". Call the Australian Customs Service at tel. 1300/363-263, or log on to http://www.customs.gov.au/.

Update 10/01/2012


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