Importing Goods into Morocco: Comprehensive Guide to Exchange Regulations, Bank Domiciliation, and PortNet

Understanding Goods Importation in Morocco

Any importation of goods into Morocco necessitates bank domiciliation via PortNet before customs clearance. Importers have a maximum of 360 days to pay their foreign supplier and 60 days post-customs imputation to settle their file. The General Instruction for Exchange Operations (IGOC 2026), specifically Articles 42-77, rigorously governs these transactions.

Importing goods represents one of the most common exchange operations for Moroccan businesses. Exchange regulations impose a strict framework to ensure financial flow traceability and the effective repatriation of corresponding goods. This article details the exchange obligations applicable to importers, from file domiciliation to its settlement, based on Chapter III, Section 1 of IGOC 2026 (Articles 42 to 77).

Definition and Scope of Goods Importation

What Constitutes an Importation of Goods?

For exchange regulation purposes, goods importation covers any purchase operation of merchandise from abroad leading to payment in foreign currency or a transfer of funds abroad. This includes:

• Purchases of raw materials, semi-finished products, and finished products
• Imports of capital goods
• Purchases of merchandise intended for resale
• Temporary imports resulting in payment

Imports carried out within the framework of export free zones are subject to specific rules provided by the IGOC.

Mandatory Bank Domiciliation via PortNet

Prior Domiciliation Obligation

Before any customs clearance, the importer must domicile their operation with an authorized bank via the PortNet platform. Domiciliation involves opening an import file linked to an import commitment or an import license.

Required Documents for Domiciliation

The import file must include (Art. 48-50):

• The pro forma invoice or commercial contract
• The import commitment or import license, depending on the product type
• Transport documents (bill of lading, air waybill, CMR)
• Certificate of origin, if applicable
• Any specific document required by sectoral regulations

The domiciling bank verifies the file's compliance and assigns a domiciliation number, which will be referenced in the customs declaration. For ongoing compliance and financial oversight, professional accounting services are indispensable.

Customs Imputation Procedures

After customs clearance of the goods, the Single Administrative Document (SAD) is imputed to the domiciliation file. This imputation triggers the settlement period and allows the bank to proceed with the corresponding payments.

Modes and Deadlines for Payment

Authorized Payment Methods

IGOC 2026 provides several payment methods for imports:

• Bank transfer (free transfer): the most common, performed by the domiciling bank on the importer's instruction
• Documentary credit (letter of credit): irrevocable commitment by the bank to pay the supplier against presentation of conforming documents
• Documentary collection: the bank releases documents to the drawer against payment or acceptance of a draft
• Offsetting: within the framework of specific bilateral agreements

The 360-Day Deadline (Art. 60)

Payment for the import must occur within a maximum of 360 days from the date of customs imputation. This deadline applies to both cash and credit payments.

Anticipated Payment (Art. 62-65)

Anticipated payment (before goods receipt) is authorized in limited cases:

• Operators categorized by the Customs Administration: anticipated payment within the assigned category limit
• Aeronautical sector: anticipated payment authorized under specific conditions
• Advances: an advance payment of a maximum of 30% can be transferred before goods shipment, subject to justification

Beyond these cases, any anticipated payment requires prior authorization from the Exchange Office.

Managing Ancillary Costs

Costs related to importation can be transferred in foreign currency, subject to justification:

• International transport: sea, air, or land freight invoiced by a foreign carrier
• Insurance: insurance premium taken out with a foreign insurer (only if no coverage is available in Morocco)
• Purchase commissions: remuneration of a foreign commercial intermediary, limited to 5% of the FOB value
• Control and inspection fees: costs related to pre-shipment inspections

These costs must be justified by invoices or debit notes and are imputed to the corresponding import file.

Settlement of the Import File: Closure and Responsibilities

The 60-Day Settlement Deadline

The importer is required to settle their import file within 60 days following the last customs imputation or the last financial payment. Settlement involves reconciling customs, commercial, and financial documents to verify consistency between goods received and payments made.

Settlement Documents

The domiciling bank proceeds with settlement based on:

• Imputed customs declarations
• Debit advices related to payments made
• The final invoice
• If applicable, justifications for discrepancies (credit notes, penalties, price adjustments)

Importer's Responsibility (Art. 76-77)

The importer remains personally responsible for settling their import files. In case of non-settlement within the deadlines, the domiciling bank is obliged to inform the Exchange Office. The importer then faces administrative sanctions, which may include a prohibition on domiciling new operations. For any complex situations or potential disputes with authorities, seeking legal counsel can provide crucial support and guidance.

Special Provisions and Derogations

Some imports benefit from special regimes:

• Imports without payment: samples, gifts, temporary imports without payment
• Imports under free trade agreements: simplified procedures according to bilateral conventions
• Imports from free zones: specific regime provided by the IGOC