Moving to Morocco: the MRE customs exemption explained
Certificat de Changement de Résidence, duty-free goods, vehicle import: everything to know before shipping your container.
The Certificat de Changement de Résidence
This certificate, issued by the Moroccan consulate in your country of residence (or by the competent authority at your place of departure), is the cornerstone of your move. It lets you import your used personal belongings and furniture duty-free. Note that this relocation allowance is granted only once per family for a definitive return.
Request it before departure: you need proof of your situation abroad (work contract or permit, residence permit valid over 6 months…), your Moroccan CIN or passport, and a detailed inventory of your belongings in two copies, dated and signed. One crucial detail: you have 6 months from the certificate's issue date to file your customs declaration — after that, the exemption is lost.
What clears duty-free (and what doesn't)
Duty-free: furniture, appliances, clothing, books, personal computer equipment — all used. Excluded or taxed: new goods (recent invoices are a red flag), commercial quantities, alcohol, and multiple units of the same appliance.
The import should normally arrive as a single shipment; splitting into at most two shipments is tolerated, provided everything appears on the initial inventory and both clear through the same customs office within the 6-month window. The inventory must be precise and honest: customs can inspect the container. A significant gap between inventory and actual contents can mean taxation or the container being held at port — with daily storage fees.
Importing a vehicle as an MRE
MREs aged 60 and over who can prove more than 10 years of residence abroad get a 90% reduction applied to the as-new value when clearing one passenger vehicle (petrol, diesel, hybrid or electric, up to 9 seats). Strict conditions apply: the benefit is granted once in a lifetime, and the vehicle cannot be sold or transferred for 5 years. Utility vehicles, pick-ups, camper vans and motorcycles are excluded.
If you don't meet those conditions, the general regime applies: duties and taxes can reach 40–50% of the vehicle's value depending on age and engine. Do the math before shipping — selling in Europe and rebuying in Morocco is often cheaper. Rules change regularly (annual finance laws): check the current conditions with the ADII customs authority or your consulate before deciding.
Choosing a freight forwarder and avoiding traps
Compare at least three forwarder quotes (groupage or full 20/40ft container), check the transport insurance (declared value, not flat rate) and insist on a contact at the arrival port (Casablanca or Tanger Med). Classic hidden costs: port handling, storage beyond the free days, and "file fees" at customs clearance.
FigWay can handle customs clearance for you: it's one of our most requested à la carte services (€190), included in the Premium and Concierge packs.
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