Moroccan customs crack down on alleged smuggling of new clothing disguised as second-hand imports

Morocco’s Customs and Indirect Tax Administration has intensified inspections at border crossings and along major transport routes following intelligence indicating that organized networks are smuggling new clothing into the country by concealing it within shipments of second-hand garments, according to Hespress AR sources familiar with the investigation.

The operation was launched after the administration’s Central Risk Monitoring and Management Unit alerted customs inspection services to suspected trafficking schemes involving imports declared as used clothing, commonly known as bale shipments.

According to Hespress AR sources, customs investigators found that organized networks involving traders, intermediaries and associations operating between Europe and Morocco have been declaring shipments as second-hand clothing or humanitarian aid destined for disadvantaged communities to benefit from customs exemptions granted to such imports.

Investigators allege that once the shipments clear customs, the new garments are separated from the used clothing and sold on the Moroccan market without payment of the applicable customs duties and taxes.

The sources said the networks rely on intermediaries who coordinate with associations operating in Europe and Morocco to collect large quantities of new ready-made clothing, package them together with used garments, and ship them to Morocco before redistributing them through commercial channels.

Authorities also allege that the networks recruited individuals in Morocco with previous experience in smuggling activities. Some reportedly turned to the trade after traditional smuggling routes were closed, taking advantage of regulations allowing limited imports of second-hand clothing.

According to the investigation, some shipments entered Morocco duty-free after being declared as donations intended for vulnerable populations. The merchandise was then allegedly transported to warehouses near Tangier and Tetouan, where the new clothing was sorted, stored and gradually supplied to retailers at reduced prices because no customs duties had been paid.

Customs officials have reportedly been instructed to trace suspicious shipments and inspect warehouses and transport vehicles linked to the trade.

The investigation also suggests the networks take advantage of seasonal sales in Europe, particularly at the end of fashion seasons when new clothing is discounted by up to 80% or more. Investigators believe smugglers purchase large quantities of discounted merchandise and conceal it within shipments of second-hand clothing.

According to the sources, the illicit trade deprives the Moroccan treasury of customs revenue, undermines fair competition, and poses a significant challenge to the country’s textile and apparel industry due to the scale and organization of the alleged networks.

Investigators also found evidence suggesting that some of the networks maintain commercial links with traders in Ceuta and Melilla to acquire clearance stock from previous clothing seasons. These limited-quantity items are then allegedly incorporated into second-hand clothing shipments before being distributed separately in the Moroccan market.