Exporting to Morocco
Question
Hi,
I am new to trading business but I have built a network of friends and (their friends) in Morocco which I believe I can tap into for exporting.
I am looking to start with exporting TV units(initially) to Morocco. Can someone please tell me if I (or my Moroccan partners) need a special license from the Moroccan government?
Is there any other advice or ‘insider’ knowledge about exporting specifically to Morocco?
Many thanks in advance.
Harris.
Answer
Hi Haris.
If you are new to international trading, there are two main areas which you and your contacts need to be aware of:
1) Export regulations governing you exporting products from the UK, and
2) Import regulations which govern your clients importing products into Morocco.
In your case, you will need to register with HM Revenue & Customs, and obtain an Economic Operator Registration & Identification number (EORI) to start exporting. see http://customs.hmrc.gov.uk/channelsPortalWebApp/channelsPortalWebApp.portal?_nfpb=true&_pageLabel=pageVAT_ShowContent&id=HMCE_PROD1_028517&propertyType=document
When you start exporting, You will need to check that any products you export are not subject to export licencing controls or restrictions. In the case of TV sets, this should not be a problem, but you can find this out by checking the customs commodity code for your product – to find your commodity code and check whether there are any export licence issues, go to https://www.gov.uk/trade-tariff/sections .
All goods exported from the UK must undergo export customs clearance; this can usually be done for you by a freight company or customs agent.
With regard to importing into Morocco, I believe that any importers need to have a engagement d’importation (from a bank) and possibly a licence d’importation (import licence) from the MInistry of Foreign Trade.
I am not aware of any restrictions on importation of TV sets into Morocco, but your clients / contacts should check locally.
Normally import customs duties are charged when goods are imported into a country. There is a trade agreement .between Morocco and the EU, which allows goods of EU origin to be imported into Morocco without duty, if accompanied by either a certificate, called an EUR1 form, or a declaration on a sales invoice. Check with the documentation department of your local Chamber of commerce about whether your good qualify for this.
Answer
Hello Harris
I would just add that most electrical products do have to meet standards set by the importing country. This is not just the obvious electrical safety and voltage compatibility but also things such as electrical interference with other products.
If your televisions incorporate ‘smart’ features such as set top boxes, digital receivers, decoders, ability to interface with the internet etc. this will also have to meet the required standards.
It is often the case that labels will need to be affixed to evidence that these standards have been met.
Regards,
Susan
Answer
Thank you Mike and Susan. Those replies help!
I have come to understand that although there aren’t any restrictions on importing TVs into Morocco, I will need a local party there to ‘receive’ the goods. There are currently two options: a) have a retailer/wholesaler import the lot, b) I register a company there through my contacts and have it import the goods.
Can either of you (or anyone else) help me find out what is the best way to register a company in Morocco? Can I use a ‘shell’ company to import the goods?
Lastly, will it be simpler to create a ‘branch’ of my trading company here in the UK to facilitate the export/import process?
Many thanks for helping a rookie exporter 🙂
Harris