Morocco Tightens Drone Import Regulations: Over 600 Authorized for Airspace Use

Responding to a written question submitted by the Party of Progress and Socialism (PPS) in Parliament on the import of drones in Morocco, the Minister of the Interior reported that the import of drones was subject to obtaining a license in advance and that permanent import requests are recorded on the portal (Pornet) of the Ministry of Industry, reports Al Ahdath Al Maghribia. The latter requests the opinion of the Ministry of the Interior, which makes the final decision. What about the requests for temporary import of these remote-controlled aircraft? They are filed with the customs department. The latter also collects the opinion of the same ministry, which approves the request after verifying that these drones will be used exclusively for professional purposes.

Drones imported or used without prior authorization are subject to seizure, said Abdelouafi Laftit. Since 2015, the Ministry of the Interior has validated 329 applications for permanent import of drones used for professional purposes and granted 287 authorizations for temporary import of these devices, he said. Only administrations, companies and public bodies can make these requests.

In February 2015, the Ministry of Commerce had issued Order No. 386-15 subjecting the import of unmanned flying objects to obtaining a license in advance. A decision justified by the "security risks and infringement of property and privacy" related to the use of drones.