Customs officials at the Port of Tangier have detained two large trucks carrying imported cattle from Spain, pending the payment of import duties, according to sources familiar with the matter.
The trucks, loaded with livestock and shipped from Spain on Sunday, have reportedly been held at the port for three days as authorities await payment from the importing company.
Importers argue that Moroccan authorities had previously announced exemptions from customs duties and value-added tax (VAT) for companies importing cattle. However, customs officials are reportedly demanding payment of fees amounting to 240% of the invoice value, sources told Hespress AR.
One importer warned that the situation could cause serious financial losses and damage Morocco’s international reputation, especially if European animal rights organizations become involved.
“The risk of calf deaths due to prolonged delays in transport is high, and that could negatively affect the health of the remaining livestock,” the importer said, emphasizing the potential for backlash from animal welfare groups.
According to industry sources, several companies have halted their cattle imports in response to the port detentions, while other trucks that had already reached the Port of Algeciras have returned to Spanish farms to avoid similar complications.
Sources from within the Moroccan Association of Livestock Importers blamed the Ministries of Agriculture and Finance for failing to release the import “quota” promised by the government.
“It was imperative for the government to officially approve and activate the exemption quota of 150,000 head of cattle before the phase ended,” one source said. “Instead, importers have been left in a precarious and costly situation.”
Importers are urging authorities to act swiftly to resolve the issue and avoid further losses or reputational damage.
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