A touring production, a film crew or an exhibitor coming to Morocco brings in equipment that will leave again a few days or weeks later. Paying import duties and VAT on that equipment would make no sense — and the customs system provides for this through temporary admission, most conveniently with an ATA Carnet.
What an ATA Carnet is
The ATA Carnet is an international customs document — often called a "passport for goods" — that allows the temporary, duty-free and tax-free import of goods into member countries for up to one year. It replaces the national customs declarations and the security deposit that would otherwise be required at each border. The system is governed by international customs conventions and run through a worldwide chain of chambers of commerce coordinated by the ICC’s World Chambers Federation.
ATA Carnets in Morocco
- Morocco accepts ATA Carnets for goods intended for exhibitions, trade fairs, conferences and similar events, as well as professional, scientific and pedagogic equipment covered by the conventions it applies.
- The national issuing and guaranteeing association is the Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Services of Casablanca–Settat.
- Carnets are processed at a list of designated customs offices, including the main ports and airports such as Casablanca, Tangier and Marrakech.
- Carnets should be completed in French or English; customs may ask for a translation otherwise.
- Morocco does not accept replacement carnets, but customs may extend the stay of the goods at the request of the issuing organisation abroad.
Rules can change and some categories of goods may be excluded, so always confirm with the issuing chamber before you travel.
What the carnet does not cover
- Goods intended for sale or to be given away (merchandise, consumables, catering supplies);
- goods that will be transformed or used up during the event;
- anything that will not be re-exported — goods that stay in Morocco must be regularised and duties paid.
How to prepare a temporary import
- Build a precise list of every item: description, quantity, weight, value, and serial numbers for equipment.
- Apply for the carnet in your home country through the national chamber of commerce, well before departure — and provide the security it requires.
- Plan the routing through a customs office that processes ATA Carnets.
- Present the carnet and the goods on arrival: customs checks and stamps the importation voucher.
- Re-export within the deadline and have the re-exportation voucher stamped. An unstamped carnet can lead to a claim against the guarantee months later.
When a carnet is not possible, temporary admission can sometimes be arranged under a national procedure with a guarantee. Your customs broker will tell you which option fits.
Event logistics with DAS Logistics
We move stage equipment, backline, film gear and exhibition stands into and out of Morocco on fixed show dates, and handle carnets and temporary admission with customs. See our live events & touring logistics and tell us your dates — ideally three to four weeks ahead.
