Morocco Tightens Rules on Vehicle Transfers for Expats: New Customs Guide Shakes Up Common Practices

A new framework that is likely to disrupt some common practices.

Transferring a vehicle under AT: now regulated
It often happens that an MRE wishes to temporarily leave their vehicle with a relative (brother, cousin, friend) who is also a resident abroad, to avoid having to drive from Europe with their own vehicle. What could be tolerated in the past is now regulated in black and white.

According to the new version of the customs guide, the transfer of a vehicle admitted temporarily between two MREs is only possible if three conditions are met.

• Condition No. 1: the vehicle must not have been imported via proxy
If the vehicle was introduced into Morocco by an MRE other than its owner, via proxy, the transfer is prohibited.

In other words, the transfer of an AT is only possible if the vehicle was introduced by its direct owner, not by a proxy.

• Condition No. 2: the beneficiary must not have another unregularized AT
The MRE to whom you wish to transfer the vehicle must not already be involved in another ongoing temporary admission.

If they already have a vehicle admitted under AT and not yet re-exported or cleared, the transfer is blocked.

• Condition No. 3: the presence of both parties is mandatory
The 2025 guide requires that the two people (transferor and beneficiary) be physically present at the customs office to validate the transfer.

An exception is provided only if the initial owner (the transferor) is not in Morocco, in which case a delegated procedure is possible subject to supporting documents.

Why this tightening?
This new framework aims to:

• Fight against informal transfers, often disguised as donations, loans or sales without clearance,
• Prevent circumvention of the 180-day rule by artificially changing the driver,
• Ensure complete traceability of the AT regime.

What are the risks in case of non-compliance?
A transfer carried out outside the rules results in:

• Loss of the benefit of the AT for the new driver,
• Reclassification as irregular importation,
• Fines, or even seizure of the vehicle.

The transfer of a vehicle between two MREs under the AT regime is no longer a simple exchange between relatives. It is now a formal, controlled act, strictly regulated by customs.
Before leaving your car to another MRE, it is imperative to:

• Verify that you are the registered owner,
• Go to the customs office together,
• Ensure that the beneficiary is eligible.