Moroccan Expats Face Customs Hurdles After Vehicle Theft Abroad

The Customs and Indirect Taxes Administration (ADII) integrates in its guide for MREs the steps to be followed in case of car theft. Even if the vehicle has disappeared, the owner remains liable for the import duties and taxes.

To regularize his situation, two options are available to him, either to pay the corresponding duties and taxes, or to guarantee them according to the two options below:

• by producing the regularization commitment, established by an approved assistance company or;
• by personally subscribing a commitment to regularize the situation of the stolen vehicle within a maximum period of 1 year (cf. note no. 17707/421 of 25/09/2001).

The MRE also has the possibility to personally commit to regularize the situation within a maximum period of one year. Attention, however, this document, downloadable from the Moroccan customs website (www.douane.gov.ma), engages the owner of the stolen vehicle.

During this one-year period, he will not be able to import another car. Failure to comply with this commitment will result in penalties. It is therefore better not to take this situation lightly.