Rabat – Morocco’s Ministry of Economy and Finance issued a statement today dismissing claims suggesting that the country’s customs authorities (ADII) are imposing a new set of duties on gifts entering Morocco.
In a statement reported by Morocco’s News Agency, the finance ministry called the claims “baseless,” explaining that the ministry does not want to tighten policies relating to items carried by individuals crossing its borders.
The statement came in response to information reported across a number of media outlets indicating that travelers crossing Moroccan borders may have to pay customs duties on items they are carrying.
“Customs regulations have not changed and that customs control does not affect the gifts and personal items brought by Moroccan travelers including members of the Moroccan community abroad.”
In addition to refuting the allegations, the ministry recalled that it is not “sparing any effort” to facilitate the passage of Moroccans through the various border crossing points.
The ministry concluded the statement by specifying that customs authorities only intervene in the case where goods are intended for commercial purposes.
Earlier this week, an ADII official spoke to local media and said that customs regulations have not changed since the 2012 decree.
Under the 2012 customs decree, travelers are prohibited from carrying gifts exceeding MAD 2,000 ($183) in value. The value is set at MAD 20,000 ($1,830) for members of the Moroccan community abroad.
The official further revealed that the customs regulations are implemented with a high degree of flexibility as ADII never taxes a person for exceeding the official threshold by MAD 200 or MAD 300.
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