Moroccan Vacation Trap: French Tourists Risk Hefty Fines for Counterfeit Souvenirs

Upon returning from a vacation in Morocco, many travelers were unaware that they had brought back counterfeit items that are prohibited in France. "I didn’t know it was forbidden," assures Sarah, a young woman from Toulouse, who got off a flight at Toulouse-Blagnac airport after a vacation in Marrakech. She and a friend brought back prohibited items. "It was the first time we went to Morocco. We bought a few perfumes, some clothes and even a bag," confides her friend, a little embarrassed. "Honestly, I didn’t even ask myself the question. Over there, it’s normal to buy imitations," she adds.

They didn’t know they were taking a big risk. Other travelers are in the same situation. "Can it cost me the price of a real pair of shoes, plus a fine? That’s a lot anyway," fumes Léa, 27 years old. Her partner, with a "Guchi" cap firmly on his head, expresses his relief: "I bought it there, I didn’t think it was serious. Fortunately, we weren’t checked."

Counterfeit goods abound in Marrakech to the point of attracting vacationers. "We got football jerseys for the little ones. Over there, it seems authorized. I didn’t know we were risking something. We’re not informed enough," regrets Élodie, mother of two children. "Honestly, it’s too tempting," admits Lola, 32 years old. The one who is returning from two weeks of vacation in the Moroccan city with a well-filled suitcase explains that there are "fake stores everywhere, but right next to them there are real stores, with well-kept displays. In the end, we don’t know where to turn."

In the past, he had brought in prohibited items. "When you see a bag for 50 euros that looks like a 300 euro model, it’s hard to resist. And I know I’m not the only one taking this risk," she confides. Some travelers like Aziz, 56, avoid returning to France with prohibited items. "You shouldn’t do that. It’s too risky. I prefer to buy something handmade, which has meaning and will be even more appreciated," he advised. "No need to go abroad to find counterfeits, there are some here too," added this forty-year-old who is used to traveling between France and Morocco.