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Rabat – As Operation Marhaba 2022 comes to an end, one of Spain’s leading ports released this week a list of forbidden products that Moroccans living abroad are not permitted to bring back with them.
“We remind you that European regulations do not allow the introduction into community territory: meat, dairy products or derivatives, vegetables, plants and trees,” the Port of Algeciras noted in a tweet, adding, however, that certain goods with modest quantities for personal use are allowed.
With an expectation to not exceed two kilos, the Spanish port indicated that coconuts, bananas, dates, oil (maximum 3 liters), sugar, and couscous are among the permitted products that can only be transported for “own consumption.”
The Port Authority of Algeciras further warned that plants, flowers, and seeds cannot be transported without a phytosanitary certificate from a number of countries and territories including Ceuta, Melilla, and the Canary Islands.
The goal of these measures, according to the Spanish port, is to keep plant pests and illnesses out of the EU and limit the spread of animal diseases. They also aim to improve travel conditions for both passengers and port staff, the statement added.
Read also: Operation Marhaba 2022: Unprecedented Numbers of Expat Moroccans Return
For the cities of Ceuta and Melilla in particular, the rules are less strict for Moroccan travelers.
Authorities in both cities released a banner informing travelers of what is permitted and what is not.
The banner specified that gifts and souvenirs should not exceed 100 euros of worth, that only 4 pieces of bread are permitted, and that oil and pickles are permitted up to 5 kilograms as long as they are wrapped and labeled.
Fruits and vegetables are also permitted, but only up to 10 kilograms.
Herbal teas, infusions, herbs, and food supplements are allowed up to 2 kilos and are not cumulative, which means that the total of all products in this category should not exceed 2 kilos.
Food products that can be stored at room temperature are limited to 5 kilograms, however they must not contain meat, eggs, milk, and the likes.
Similarly, cigarettes are permitted up to 200 units.
According to the Algeciras Port, numerous entries with authorized products are equivalent to trade and are therefore prohibited.
