In brief: Any goods import into Morocco must be subject to bank domiciliation via PortNet before customs clearance. The importer has 360 days to pay the foreign supplier and 60 days after customs imputation to clear the file. The IGOC 2026 (Art. 42-77) strictly regulates these transactions. Upsilon Consulting supports you in managing your import files.
Goods importation is one of the most common exchange transactions for Moroccan companies. Exchange control regulations impose a rigorous framework to ensure the traceability of financial flows and the effective repatriation of corresponding goods.
This article details the exchange obligations applicable to importers, from file domiciliation through to clearance, based on the provisions of Chapter III, Section 1 of the IGOC 2026 (Art. 42 to 77).
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Definition and Scope (Art. 42-44)
What Constitutes a Goods Import
Under exchange control regulations, goods importation covers any purchase of goods from abroad giving rise to a payment in foreign currency or a transfer of funds abroad. This includes:
- Purchases of raw materials, semi-finished and finished products
- Imports of capital goods
- Purchases of goods intended for resale
- Temporary imports giving rise to a payment
Imports carried out within export free zones are subject to specific rules provided by the IGOC.
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Bank Domiciliation via PortNet (Art. 45-52)
Prior Domiciliation Requirement
Before any customs clearance, the importer must domicile the transaction with an authorized bank via the PortNet platform. Domiciliation consists of opening an import file linked to an import commitment or an import license.
Documents Required 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 nature of the product
- Transport documents (bill of lading, air waybill, CMR)
- The certificate of origin where applicable
- Any specific document required by sector-specific regulations
The domiciliary bank verifies the file’s compliance and assigns a domiciliation number that will be referenced in the customs declaration.
Customs Imputation (Art. 53-55)
After goods clearance, the single goods declaration (DUM) is imputed to the domiciliation file. This imputation triggers the clearance deadline and allows the bank to process the corresponding payments.
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Settlement Methods and Deadlines (Art. 56-65)
Authorized Settlement Methods
The IGOC 2026 provides for several import settlement methods:
- Bank transfer (free transfer): the most common, carried out by the domiciliary bank on the importer’s instruction
- Documentary credit (letter of credit): irrevocable commitment by the bank to pay the supplier upon submission of compliant documents
- Documentary collection: the bank delivers documents to the drawer against payment or acceptance of a bill of exchange
- Compensation: within the framework of specific bilateral agreements
The 360-Day Deadline (Art. 60)
Import settlement must occur within a maximum of 360 days from the date of customs imputation. This deadline applies to both cash and credit payments.
Advance Payment (Art. 62-65)
Advance payment (before receiving the goods) is authorized in limited cases:
- Operators categorized by the Customs Administration: advance payment within the limit of the assigned category
- Aeronautics sector: advance payment authorized under specific terms
- Deposits: a deposit of maximum 30% may be transferred before goods shipment, subject to supporting documents
Beyond these cases, any advance payment requires prior authorization from the Exchange Office.
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Ancillary Costs (Art. 66-70)
Import-related costs may be transferred in foreign currency subject to justification:
- International transport: maritime, 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)
- Purchasing commissions: remuneration of a foreign commercial intermediary, limited to 5% of FOB value
- Inspection and control fees: costs related to pre-shipment inspections
These costs must be supported by invoices or debit notes and are imputed to the corresponding import file.
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Import File Clearance (Art. 71-75)
The 60-Day Clearance Deadline
The importer is required to clear the import file within 60 days following the last customs imputation or the last financial settlement. Clearance consists of reconciling customs, commercial and financial documents to verify the consistency between goods received and payments made.
Clearance Documents
The domiciliary bank proceeds with clearance based on:
- Imputed customs declarations
- Debit notices relating to payments made
- The final invoice
- Where applicable, supporting documents for discrepancies (credit notes, penalties, price adjustments)
Importer’s Liability (Art. 76-77)
The importer remains personally liable for clearing import files. In case of non-clearance within the deadlines, the domiciliary bank is required to inform the Exchange Office. The importer then faces administrative sanctions that may extend to a ban on domiciling new transactions.
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Derogatory Provisions
Certain imports benefit from derogatory regimes:
- Imports without payment: samples, donations, temporary imports without settlement
- Imports under free trade agreements: simplified procedures under bilateral conventions
- Free zone imports: specific regime provided by the IGOC
To determine the regime applicable to your import activity and secure your exchange files, contact our specialized teams.
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Reference texts: Instruction Générale des Opérations de Change (IGOC) 2026 (PDF)
Frequently Asked Questions
Is bank domiciliation mandatory for all imports?
Yes. Any goods import giving rise to a payment in foreign currency must be domiciled with an authorized bank via the PortNet platform, before customs clearance of the goods. Imports without payment (samples, donations) follow a specific procedure but remain subject to domiciliation.
What happens if the import file is not cleared within 60 days?
In case of non-clearance within the 60-day deadline, the domiciliary bank informs the Exchange Office. The importer faces administrative sanctions: formal notice, fines, or even a ban on domiciling new import transactions. It is therefore essential to gather clearance documents promptly.
Can an importer pay a supplier before receiving the goods?
Advance payment is possible in limited cases: operators categorized by Customs, the aeronautics sector, or a deposit capped at 30% of the import value. Beyond this, prior authorization from the Exchange Office is required (Art. 62-65 IGOC 2026).
What ancillary costs can be transferred in foreign currency?
International transport costs, insurance (if unavailable in Morocco), purchasing commissions (capped at 5% FOB) and pre-shipment inspection fees may be transferred in foreign currency, subject to supporting documents imputed to the import file (Art. 66-70 IGOC 2026).
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