Sending a package to Morocco: Customs, VAT and delivery time
From Germany to Casablanca, Rabat or Tangier: How to properly prepare business shipments
Morocco is one of North Africa's most important economic centers and is closely connected to Europe via the Mediterranean Sea. However, shipping goods from Germany is considered an export to a third country. Therefore, shipments require complete customs information and must be processed upon import into Morocco.
- Shipping from Germany to Morocco
- Parcel, express and freight solutions
- Shipping to Casablanca, Rabat and Tangier
- Prepare customs and goods data digitally
- 20% VAT included
- Check EU preferential origin
- Using EUR.1 correctly
- Calculate import costs in advance
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When shipping to Morocco, the origin of the goods can reduce customs costs.
Morocco is not an EU member. However, through its association agreement with the European Union, it enjoys extensive tariff preferences.
Therefore, in addition to the customs tariff number, it should also be checked whether the goods actually have an EU preferential origin.
Include 20% VAT.
The standard Moroccan VAT rate is 20 percent. Reduced rates or tax exemptions apply to certain goods.
Check preferential origin
For numerous goods with proven EU origin, a reduced or waived import duty may apply due to the EU-Morocco agreement.
Use the proof of origin correctly
An EUR.1 or origin declaration may only be used if the goods actually meet the applicable preferential rules of origin.
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Important information about customs and import duties
DAP or DDP to Morocco: Clarify import costs beforehand
When making a delivery to Morocco, it should be determined before booking who will handle import clearance and any applicable duties.
For DAP The seller organizes the transport to the agreed destination.
The import formalities and import costs are generally borne by the recipient.
This can include:
- Import duty
- 20% VAT or the applicable tax rate
- Excise taxes, if applicable
- Customs broker fees
- Carrier handling fees
- other product-specific costs
For DDP In contrast, the seller assumes the agreed import duties and further obligations, provided that the carrier and the specific import situation allow this.
This can be particularly interesting for B2C deliveries or fixed B2B final prices.
Before making a DDP offer, at least the following should be checked:
- HS code
- Customs value
- regular customs duty
- possible preferential tariff
- Country of origin
- Preferential origin
- VAT
- Carrier and handling fees
A Landed Cost Calculation This helps to calculate transport and import costs together before shipping.
What is the import duty in Morocco?
The import duty depends on the specific type of goods and their origin.
Therefore, a general percentage figure is not very helpful.
The WTO currently reports an average applied MFN tariff for Morocco of:
12,3%
.
The average tax is lower for non-agricultural goods, while agricultural goods are sometimes subject to significantly higher taxes. World Trade Organization
For a specific shipment, however, this average is about as useful as the average price of all vehicles when buying a delivery van.
The decisive factors are:
- Customs tariff number
- cart value
- Origin
- Preferential origin
- applicable trade agreement
- Special import regulations may apply.
Goods of EU origin may be given preferential treatment.
The European Union and Morocco have a Euro-Mediterranean Association Agreement.
For numerous industrial products with preferential EU origin, Moroccan import duties have been eliminated under this agreement. Different rules, quotas, or conditions may apply to individual goods, particularly in the agricultural sector. EUR-Lex
This means:
A German invoice alone does not make goods duty-free.
The preferential origin must actually exist and be proven if necessary.
What is the VAT rate in Morocco?
The Moroccan value added tax is called:
Taxe sur la Valeur Ajoutée, TVA for short.
The regular rate is 2026:
20%.
In addition, there is a reduced rate of 10 percent and tax exemptions for certain goods and transactions. The Moroccan tax reform gradually standardized the VAT rates between 2024 and 2026, setting them at 10 and 20 percent. Tax summaries
The VAT also generally applies to import transactions. Finance
Depending on the goods, the following additional factors may arise:
- Import duty
- Excise taxes, if applicable
- Handling fees
- further product-specific taxes
A customs preference therefore does not automatically mean tax exemption.
A product can be, for example, with:
0% preferential tariff
be introduced and yet the:
20% VAT
subject.
BADR and ADIL: Morocco digitizes its customs clearance
The Moroccan customs administration provides various digital systems for international trade.
Above:
BADR
Customs procedures can be handled electronically. Among other things, the system allows for the registration of customs declarations and the payment of customs duties and taxes.
With:
ADIL
The customs administration also provides a digital tariff and information system.
There you can find information about, among other things:
- Customs tariffs
- tax regulations
- import regulations
- Trade agreement
- possible customs preferences
specific goods will be examined. Finance
For German shippers, this means above all:
The commodity code, value, origin and product description should be clearly established before collection.
Depending on the product, additional certificates of conformity, approvals, or other documentation may be required. Trade.gov
You can find more information about the digital exchange of customs data at Paperless trade in international shipping.
Sending a package to Morocco: What companies should know beforehand
Morocco is separated from Europe only by the Strait of Gibraltar.
The geographical proximity makes the country particularly interesting for German companies from a logistical perspective.
The most important economic and shipping destinations include:
- Casablanca
- Discount
- Tanger
- Kenitra
- Fès
- Marrakech
- Agadir
In addition to international parcel and express services, road freight transport, Ro-Ro connections and sea freight are therefore also important transport options.
What documents do I need for Morocco?
For a commercial delivery of goods, the following information and/or documents should typically be prepared:
- Commercial invoice
- precise product description
- Customs tariff number
- cart value
- Quantity
- Weight
- Country of origin
- Sender and recipient data
- Proof of preference, if applicable
- packing list (if applicable)
- Approvals or certificates of conformity, if applicable
The commercial or pro forma invoice should describe the goods as precisely as possible and include the value, currency, buyer, and – if known – the HS code. French is particularly helpful for business documents during the Moroccan import process. Trade.gov
A standard sales transaction uses a commercial invoice.
For free samples, warranty replacements, or other goods movements without a normal sale, a pro forma invoice may be useful.
For more information, please visit How to correctly use a pro forma invoice at customs.
Do I need a EUR.1 currency for Morocco?
For goods with preferential EU origin, an EUR.1 certificate can be used to apply for customs preference in Morocco.
According to the currently applicable rules of origin, the following can be used as proof in particular:
- EUR.1 movement certificate
- Declaration of origin on a commercial document
An authorized exporter may issue a declaration of origin regardless of the value of the goods.
Other exporters can use them for consignments of originating products up to a total value of:
EUR 6.000
use EUR-Lex
However, it is important:
Shipment from Germany does not establish preferential origin.
For example, a machine produced in China and subsequently stored in Germany does not automatically become an EU-origin product.
For an EUR.1 or origin declaration, the applicable rules of origin must be met and verifiable.
How long does it take for a package to reach Morocco?
DHL Parcel currently states a delivery time estimate of:
10 to 18 working days.
The actual transit time depends on the recipient's location, shipping service, and customs clearance. DHL
Express shipments can be significantly faster.
For time-critical spare parts, documents or production materials, it is therefore worthwhile to compare different express services.
What language should the customs declaration be in?
DHL accepts the following for online postage to Morocco:
- English
- French
- Spanish
For shipments from a branch, Arabic language can also be used. DHL
French or English are often suitable for business correspondence.
The product description should be as specific as possible.
Not:
“Machine parts”
but for example:
“Stainless steel mounting plate for industrial filling machine”
This makes it much easier to identify the product, material, and use.
Write the address to Morocco correctly
DHL recommends using Latin letters and Arabic numerals.
One possible format is:
MOHAMED BENALI
25 AVENUE HASSAN II
20000 CASABLANCA
MAROC / MOROCCO
Additionally, the recipient's phone number and email address should be provided.
This allows the carrier to contact you more quickly regarding customs or delivery issues.
Centrally store recurring customs data
Those who regularly deliver machinery, spare parts or merchandise to Morocco often have to use the same item data.
These include:
- Product description
- HS code
- Origin
- Weight
- cart value
This information should ideally not be entered manually for each shipment.
Over a ERP or SAP shipping interface Recurring product data can be directly transferred into the shipping process.
These errors are delaying shipments to Morocco
When dealing with Morocco, simply sticking an invoice on the outside of the package and hoping for the best isn't enough. Customs officials are usually unimpressed by this tried-and-tested human strategy.
Typical problems include:
- general product description
- HS code is missing or incorrect
- The value of the goods cannot be verified.
- Country of origin was not specified.
- EU preferential origin is assumed without proof.
- EUR.1 is being applied for without sufficient documentation of origin.
- Commercial invoice and electronic customs data do not match.
- Product-specific import regulations were not checked.
- Recipient data is incomplete
- Import costs were not clarified with the recipient.
Especially in the case of commercial imports, it should also be clarified before collection whether the recipient can properly import the goods into Morocco.
Regular exports and standardized document processes help reduce errors.
You can find out more at Automate shipping documents and reduce errors.
What goods are shipped from Germany to Morocco?
Morocco has a diversified industry and is closely integrated into European supply chains.
Therefore, technical and industrial goods may be of particular interest to German companies.
Typical business shipments include, for example:
- Machines and production facilities
- Machine spare parts
- Vehicle and commercial vehicle parts
- Electrical Engineering
- Automation and control technology
- Tools
- Measurement and testing technology
- IT and communication technology
- medical devices and accessories
- Hotel and catering equipment
Especially with technical products, the customs tariff number should be determined before shipping.
It affects both the regular import duty and the examination of possible customs preferences.
You can find out more at Determine the correct customs tariff number.
Shipping information: Morocco
Standard, express or freight to Morocco.
Several transport options are available for shipping from Germany to Morocco.
Standard package
For smaller and less time-critical shipments, a traditional parcel service can be used.
DHL currently states:
10 to 18 working days. DHL
Express Shipping
For urgent spare parts, documents or production materials, an express service is recommended.
The transport time is usually significantly shorter than with traditional parcel shipping.
Freight shipping
Road, air and sea freight are attractive options for pallets, machinery and larger quantities of goods.
For more information, please visit international freight shipping.
How do goods get from Germany to Morocco?
Due to its geographical proximity to Europe, several transport routes are possible.
For B2B shipments, the goods can be transported by truck through France and Spain and then brought to Morocco by ferry or Ro-Ro connection.
A particularly important turning point is:
Tanger Med.
The port has direct Ro-Ro connections to Spain, France, and Italy, among other destinations, and is linked to the Moroccan road and rail network. tangermedport.com
Sea freight also plays an important role for containers and larger quantities of goods.
Tanger Med has connections to more than 180 ports and 70 countries. tangermedport.com
Air freight can be used for time-critical shipments.
This makes Morocco suitable for both classic parcel and express shipments as well as regular industrial supply chains.
What import costs might arise in Morocco?
The actual import costs depend heavily on the goods.
Possible components include:
- Import duty
- 20% VAT or reduced tax rate
- Excise taxes, if applicable
- Customs broker fees
- Carrier handling fees
- other product-specific costs
For goods with recognized EU preferential origin, import duties may be reduced or waived due to the Association Agreement.
The VAT must be considered separately.
Therefore, the specific tariff item should always be used for an accurate cost calculation.
The Moroccan customs administration provides its own digital information system for this purpose, called ADIL.
How much does a package to Morocco cost?
The shipping price depends in particular on:
- Weight
- Dimensions
- Volumetric weight
- Shipping service
- Shipping method
- destination
- Type of goods
- Additional Services
A package to Casablanca may therefore have a different price than a comparable shipment to a remote region.
For large but lightweight boxes, the volumetric weight can also determine the tariff.
We explain how carriers calculate this value below. Understanding and calculating volumetric weight.
In addition to the transport costs, any import duties should be taken into account.
Online trade to Morocco: No general duty-free allowance for e-commerce
For online retailers, one Moroccan peculiarity is particularly important.
Since then:
July 1, 2022
Purchases via international e-commerce platforms are explicitly excluded from the previous customs exemption for low-value shipments.
This applies regardless of the value of the goods. Finance
Online retailers should therefore not make a blanket statement such as:
"No import duties are levied on goods below this value."
advertise.
For private, non-commercial shipments, a separate regulation remains in place: Non-commercial shipments from abroad with a value of up to 1.250 Moroccan dirhams can still benefit from customs exemption under the relevant conditions. This exception does not generally apply to online purchases. Finance
For a commercial online shop, the following additional costs may arise on top of the sales price:
- Import duty
- VAT
- Handling fees
- other product-specific costs
A transparent presentation of these costs reduces unpleasant surprises for the recipient.
For more information, please visit Display shipping and import costs at checkout.
Morocco connects European supply chains with North African customs clearance
Morocco is an interesting destination for shipping because of its geographical proximity and the significant differences in customs treatment.
Transport can be organized relatively directly from Germany via Europe.
However, for customs purposes, Morocco remains a third country.
At the same time, the trade agreement with the European Union significantly facilitates the movement of goods.
This gives rise to three particularly important issues for companies:
- Correctly determine the origin of preferential origin
- Calculate import costs correctly
- Transmit product data completely digitally
The digital customs infrastructure with BADR and ADIL supports these processes on the Moroccan side. Finance
Tanger Med also provides a high-performance connection between European transport networks and Morocco's key economic regions. tangermedport.com
For companies that export regularly, it is therefore particularly worthwhile to maintain customs tariff numbers, origin and product descriptions accurately in their own master data.
Which carrier is suitable for Morocco?
For shipping from Germany to Morocco, various international parcel, express and freight providers are available.
Depending on the program profile, the following options are possible, for example:
- DHL
- DHL Express
- UPS
- FedEx
- international forwarding and freight partners
When making your selection, you should not only compare the pure transport price.
Also important are:
- Runtime
- Customs clearance
- Tracking
- Insurance
- maximum weight
- maximum package dimensions
- Target region
- possible surcharges
Therefore, a different carrier may be more suitable for a standard delivery to Casablanca than for an urgent spare part to Tangier or a pallet for an industrial customer.
With Paket International, companies can compare several shipping providers and select a suitable shipping solution depending on the shipment and destination region.
Frequently Asked Questions about Shipping
Can I send a package from Germany to Morocco?
Yes. Parcels, express shipments, and business goods can be sent from Germany to Morocco. Since Morocco is not a member of the European Union, shipments require complete customs information.
How long does it take for a package to reach Morocco?
DHL Parcel currently estimates delivery times of 10 to 18 business days. Express shipments can be significantly faster. The actual delivery time also depends on the destination and customs clearance.
What is the VAT rate in Morocco?
The standard Moroccan VAT rate is 20 percent. Certain goods and transactions are subject to a reduced rate of 10 percent or are exempt from VAT.
What are the customs duties in Morocco?
Customs duties depend on the customs tariff number and origin. For many goods with preferential EU origin, reduced or waived import duties may apply due to the EU-Morocco agreement.
Do I need a EUR.1 currency for Morocco?
An EUR.1 certificate can be used if the goods have a corresponding EU preferential origin and a customs preference is to be claimed. It is not automatically required for every shipment.
Can I use a declaration of origin on the invoice for Morocco?
Yes. Under current rules, an authorized exporter can issue a declaration of origin regardless of the value of the goods. Other exporters can use it for consignments of originating products up to €6.000.
Is it sufficient for a customs preference if the goods are shipped from Germany?
No. The country of dispatch and preferential origin are not the same. The goods must comply with the applicable rules of origin, and the origin must be verifiable if there is any doubt.
Which language can I use for the customs declaration?
DHL accepts English, French, and Spanish for online postage. Arabic is also accepted for branch shipments.
Is there a duty-free allowance for online shop orders to Morocco?
Since July 1, 2022, international e-commerce purchases are excluded from the general customs exemption for low-value shipments, regardless of the value of the goods. Separate rules apply to non-commercial private shipments.
What are BADR and ADIL?
BADR is the electronic Moroccan system for customs clearance. ADIL provides information on customs tariffs, tax regulations, import rules, and potential customs preferences.
What documents do I need for a business shipment to Morocco?
Typically, a commercial invoice and complete details of the goods, their value, HS code, and origin are required. Depending on the product, additional documents such as preferential certificates, packing lists, permits, or conformity documents may be necessary.
Can I ship DDP to Morocco?
DDP may be possible depending on the carrier and the specific import situation. Before booking, the customs tariff number, value of goods, any applicable customs preferences, VAT, and other import and clearance costs should be checked.
