Exporting from Syria to Morocco
The agreement that applies, the expected duty, and what each side asks for — for factories in Syria selling to buyers in Morocco.
Send a certificate of origin with the shipment to claim the preference.
VAT — Morocco: 20% VAT (reduced 10%)
Greater Arab Free Trade Area (GAFTA / PAFTA)
- 0% customs duty
Arab-origin goods traded between members are fully exempt from customs duties and charges with equivalent effect, for both industrial and agricultural products.
Source ↗ - No non-tariff barriers, with set exceptions
Members may not apply non-tariff barriers to each other's goods, except for religious, health, security and environmental reasons. A few farm products can also be excluded temporarily during local harvest seasons (the agricultural calendar).
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Exceptions
- Syria: suspended 2011–2023
Syria's Arab League membership was suspended in 2011 and restored in May 2023, and trade with Syria was badly disrupted in between. Check Syria's current tariffs, payment channels and any sanctions before relying on GAFTA treatment.
Source ↗ - Algeria–Morocco land border closed
The Algeria–Morocco land border has been closed since 1994 and Algeria cut diplomatic relations in 2021, so goods cannot move overland between them even though both are GAFTA members.
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⚠ Before you trade
- No land route to Algeria
The Morocco–Algeria border has been closed since 1994 and diplomatic relations remain cut (2026). Goods between the two countries must move via third countries or by sea, and buyers may face extra scrutiny.
Source ↗ - Sanctions mostly lifted – some limits remain
The UK (April 2025) and EU (May 2025) lifted most economic sanctions; the US ended its Syria sanctions programme from 1 July 2025, repealed the Caesar Act in December 2025 and removed the terrorism-sponsor listing on 24 August 2026. Sanctions on listed persons remain, and some US-origin items still need export licences.
Source ↗ - Banking and payments are still difficult
Syrian banks are cautious: expect delays, extra due-diligence questions and transfer limits, and correspondent banking is limited. Screen your buyer against sanctions lists, use secure payment terms, and consider euro or regional-currency channels.
Source ↗ - Rules change often
Customs law, tariff, import lists and the authorities themselves changed in 2025–2026 and are still being updated. Always confirm current requirements with a licensed Syrian clearing agent before shipping.
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Importing into Morocco
- Import title via PortNet and BADR
Importers subscribe to PortNet to file the import title electronically: an import commitment (engagement d'importation) for free goods or an import licence for restricted goods, domiciled with a bank. Customs declarations are lodged in the BADR system.
Source ↗ - Industrial product conformity (Ministry of Industry)
Since February 2020 some industrial products are checked in the exporting country by approved inspection bodies (VoC), while others are checked on arrival. The ministry publishes and updates both lists (latest February 2026). Low-voltage electrical goods and toys must carry the C م mark.
Source ↗ - Food: ONSSA control and Arabic labels
ONSSA checks food and feed at entry: health certificates from the exporting country, halal certificates for animal products and storage in authorised facilities. Labels must be in Arabic; Arabic stickers may be allowed with ONSSA approval.
Source ↗ - Invoice and customs declaration
The commercial invoice should be on supplier letterhead, describe the goods in French, show the HS code, value, payment currency and buyer address, with dates in dd/mm/yyyy. Goods are cleared on a single goods declaration (DUM).
Source ↗ - Proof of origin for duty-free entry
To get FTA rates the importer must present the right origin proof: EUR.1/EUR-MED or an origin declaration for EU and Turkey, and the Arab certificate of origin for GAFTA and Agadir partners. Without it the full MFN duty applies.
Source ↗ - Extra duties on Turkish goods
A 2020 amendment to the Morocco–Turkey FTA lets Morocco charge up to 90% of the MFN duty on about 1,200 Turkish products (mainly textiles, clothing, leather, autos, metals, wood) for five years, renewable. Check the current status before quoting.
Source ↗ - Banned and restricted goods
Restricted or banned imports include firearms, explosives, used clothing, used tyres, pornography and rugs similar to those made in Morocco.
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