Moroccan customs officers have launched a major investigation into suspected fraud involving imported goods, according to Hespress Ar sources.
The national customs unit is working hard to uncover the names of large import companies accused of giving false technical details about their products in order to pay less in customs duties.
The goods entered the country mainly through the ports of Casablanca and Tangier Med.
By lowering the value or changing the specifications of items like electronics, kitchen tools, and household appliances, some companies managed to reduce the amount of taxes they owed.
Customs teams had already begun checking documents submitted by these companies.
They are now calculating how much money is actually owed and preparing to charge the companies extra duties, along with penalties for fraud and delays.
Much of the suspicious merchandise came from Southeast Asia, especially China and Hong Kong.
Thanks to Morocco’s digital customs system, which uses artificial intelligence and international data-sharing, inspectors were able to spot major inconsistencies.
Items claimed to be basic or low-value turned out to be high-end products.
In one example, a company in Casablanca brought in mobile phones and accessories but declared them as lower-quality goods to avoid paying high taxes.
Once inspectors checked the products in person, they confirmed the devices were much more advanced than claimed.
The company now faces a large fine and will have to pay the full customs difference.
Another case involved used cars. Importers reportedly changed technical details like engine size and production year in the paperwork, again to reduce customs fees.
When inspectors caught on, they demanded corrected documents and issued financial penalties.
The investigation also includes goods brought in under a “temporary admission” system, which allows companies to import materials without taxes, as long as the products are later exported.
But in some cases, these goods were sold directly in Moroccan markets without being processed or exported, giving importers unfair profits and avoiding customs payments.
Early estimates suggest the total financial loss caused by these practices is around MAD 90 million.
Customs teams have started field inspections at warehouses to make sure goods match their declared specifications. They’re also checking documents like certificates of origin and compliance, with help from customs agencies in exporting countries.
Morocco’s new digital customs system has made these investigations faster and more effective. It’s connected to international databases and uses pricing standards to detect false invoices and suspicious activity.
As a result, customs officers can now more easily hold companies accountable and protect the country’s economy from fraud.
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