Moroccan Customs Crackdown: Drones Banned, Scooters Limited for Returning Expats

The Moroccan customs guide specifies the conditions for importing personal belongings by Moroccans residing abroad (MREs), whether their return is temporary or permanent. The regulations specifically govern certain products such as electronic devices, mobility devices and household appliances, establishing distinctions that are essential to know before crossing the border.

Among the objects subject to the most severe restrictions are drones. According to customs regulations, the importation of any remote-controlled aircraft with a motor is strictly prohibited without prior administrative approval. This rule applies to all types of devices, including non-professional scale models. In the absence of this authorization, which is difficult to obtain, the object is immediately seized by the customs services.

While the regulations for drones are prohibitive, those concerning electric scooters are more flexible. These devices are allowed to be imported provided that their use is clearly personal. The tolerance is generally one device per traveler. However, the transport of several units or a stock of accessories may lead the customs services to qualify the import as "commercial", which implies the payment of customs duties or may result in the refusal of entry of the goods.

The regulatory complexity increases in the case of household appliances. For these goods, the applicable customs regime depends directly on the nature of the traveler’s stay in Morocco. The rules are divided into two distinct cases:

• During a temporary stay: The duty-free importation of refrigerators, washing machines or other similar appliances is not allowed. The customs guide excludes them from the list of personal effects admitted without taxation.

• In the context of a permanent return: A customs exemption is granted to MREs who can justify their change of residence. Each type of appliance must then be limited to one unit and be the subject of a declaration on a detailed and signed inventory, presented to customs.
This framework is justified by the customs authorities by the need to ensure safety and fight against disguised imports for commercial purposes. Border controls, particularly during periods of high traffic, have been intensified. It is therefore recommended that travelers consult the official documentation, available on the Moroccan customs portal, in advance to verify the precise provisions relating to their situation.