Operation Marhaba: A series of customs measures

After a break that lasted two years, a period coin­ciding with the restrictions linked to the health crisis, Operation Crossing the Strait is resuming. The Moroccan-Spanish joint commission for the transit of Moroccans residing Abroad (M.R.A) during the sum­mer holidays met a few days ago, defining the measures intended to improve the crossing (of the Straits of Gibraltar) by Moroccan nationals, including the registration of more than thirty ferries that will connect Morocco to the main Spanish, French, and Italian ports through nearly 570 weekly connections.

Customs issued a circular on Tues­day, May 31 on measures dedica­ted to M.R.As. Among these is the extension until December 31, 2022 of the temporary admission (T.A.) of vehicles blocked in Morocco due to restrictions on international travel due to Covid. The system concerns vehicles whose car registration ex­pires at the end of the years 2020, 2021, and 2022. People wishing to collect a new T.A. card are asked to contact the Customs services of their choice. Customs also autho­rizes the transfer of motor vehicles imported for temporary admission between non-residents living in dif­ferent countries if the beneficiary of the transfer (seller) is the owner of the vehicle.

This year, the Customs administra­tion also abolished the authorization to drive abroad a vehicle imported under the admission procedure for the benefit of the spouse, descendant, or ascendant of the holder of the AT card. In the event of loss of it, the hol­der can obtain a duplicate on the basis of a simple sworn statement made by the holder without being obliged to present a declaration of loss or theft issued by the competent authorities.

All customs measures have been included in the “Moroccans of the World 2022” guide. A vade mecum which can be downloaded from the www.douane.gov.ma website. All the entities of the Customs administra­tion have been invited to respect the application of these measures and to pay particular attention to the grie­vances and claims of users.

H.E.