Morocco Tightens Customs on AliExpress and Shein Purchases, Shoppers Face New Taxes

Since July 1st last, all online purchases from abroad, regardless of their amount, are subject to customs duties. The Moroccan government intends to strengthen customs control over merchandise transactions from abroad. Thanks to this measure, the Executive is able to detect fraudulent practices of those who continue to benefit from the exemption from customs duties on transactions valued at less than 1,250 DH provided for in Article 190 of the Customs Code and recently removed.

These practices create a shortfall for the Treasury and distort the competitive landscape, the government had explained. After four months of implementing this reform, hundreds of thousands of Moroccans continue to shop online from abroad, reports Challenge. But Moroccan e-buyers complain about the payment of other superfluous charges after their purchases, in particular customs duties, a very high postal tax and a fuel tax.

Moroccan Internet users share their misadventures on social networks. On the private group "Aliexpress Maroc" on Facebook, they accuse Poste Maroc and Customs. "For three mobile phone accessories worth $1.74, they are asking me for 68.75 DH in tax, divided between customs for 11.13 DH, the post office for 45.6 DH and the postman’s fuel for 12 DH. These taxes represent more than 4 times the purchase price of my merchandise. I then decided not to recover the package," says Amine.

"I ordered a product made by the Chinese who sold it to me practically at cost price, i.e. 5 DH. They shipped it to me for free. For delivery, Poste Maroc is asking me for 45 DH. Let them keep it," Redouane retorts. As a result, Poste Maroc is overwhelmed with uncollected parcels due to the endless customs clearance processes. "Continue not to recover your packages! An agent just confirmed to me that Poste Maroc is overwhelmed with uncollected goods and that the tax has been reduced," comments Reda, calling on e-buyers to maintain the pressure.