Morocco customs Marhaba 2026: definitive return allowance raised to MAD 40,000
A circular from Morocco's customs administration issued for Operation Marhaba 2026 raises the duty-free allowance for MRE returning permanently from 30,000 to 40,000 dirhams, to account for inflation. The circular also eases procedures for vehicles under provisional registration, now possible through a proxy. Conditions, limits and pitfalls: the full picture.
The essentials in 30 seconds
- •Morocco's customs administration (ADII) issued a circular with new facilities for MRE on the occasion of Operation Marhaba 2026.
- •The headline measure: the definitive return duty-free allowance rises from 30,000 to 40,000 dirhams for personal effects and non-commercial items. The circular states the increase accounts for inflation.
- •One important safeguard: the 40,000 MAD value cannot be applied to a single item.
- •Another easing: procedures for vehicles under provisional registration can now be handled by a proxy holding a power of attorney.
What the definitive return allowance covers
MRE who move back to Morocco permanently benefit from an exemption from customs duties and import taxes on their furniture, household appliances and personal non-commercial items. The ceiling for this category of items, set at 30,000 dirhams for several years, rises to 40,000 dirhams.
In practice, this leaves more room for household equipment at moving time. The core rules remain unchanged: the goods must have been purchased and used abroad, must not be intended for resale, and the total duty-free value cannot be concentrated on a single 40,000 dirham item.
Do not confuse the two allowances
| Allowance | Who it concerns | Ceiling |
|---|---|---|
| Traveler allowance (holidays) | Any traveler entering Morocco for a stay | MAD 25,000 of effects and gifts |
| Definitive return allowance | MRE transferring their residence to Morocco | MAD 40,000 of non-commercial items, on top of furniture and appliances |
Mixing up the two is one of the most frequent mistakes seen at the border: the holiday allowance does not cover a household move, and the definitive return allowance requires a proper change-of-residence file.
Vehicles under provisional registration: the proxy route
The circular also brings more flexibility to formalities for vehicles registered under a provisional certificate: they can now be completed by a proxy holding a power of attorney, without requiring the owner to be present. A real gain for MRE whose vehicle arrives with a relative or whose schedule does not match administrative timelines.
Our advice before you reach customs
- •Prepare the inventory: a detailed, valued list of your belongings, with photos and invoices for recent items. It is the document that smooths the whole crossing.
- •Build your definitive return file before departure: change-of-residence certificate and proof of residence abroad; the exact documents are detailed in our dedicated guide.
- •If a proxy acts for you, the power of attorney must be in order: our guide covers the accepted forms.
- •Trust the circular, not hearsay: in case of doubt at the border post, only official ADII documentation prevails, and its website douane.gov.ma publishes the applicable texts.
Frequently asked questions
Does the increase to MAD 40,000 apply to returns already underway this summer? The measure was announced as part of Operation Marhaba 2026, which started on June 5. For a file submitted this summer, rely on the circular in force at the time of your crossing and confirm with the customs office handling your file.
Can I use the 40,000 MAD on one large item? No. The circular states that this value cannot be applied to a single item.
Do furniture and appliances count within the 40,000 MAD? Furniture and appliances admitted under the definitive return regime follow their own rules (notably one unit per appliance category), while the 40,000 MAD allowance targets the category of non-commercial items. Details are in our moving guide.
Where can I find the official text? On the ADII website, douane.gov.ma, which publishes circulars and runs its information channels during Operation Marhaba.
To prepare your return
Our guides updated with the new allowance: Moving back for good: the customs allowance, Customs and your vehicle during Operation Marhaba and the complete definitive return guide.
Sources: ADII circular relayed with the document by Médias24 (June 6, 2026), Le360, Bladi, Consonews.
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