How to Ship from the US to Morocco: Complete 2026 Guide

Shipping to Morocco from the US is becoming increasingly viable thanks to ongoing improvements in Moroccan logistics and a growing interest in e-commerce. Whether you're a small business owner aiming to expand your market or an individual sending gifts to family abroad, understanding the options, costs, and customs procedures is crucial. This guide covers everything you need to know about shipping to Morocco, from carrier options and transit times to customs duties and packaging recommendations.

Why Ship to Morocco?

Morocco presents a promising opportunity for businesses and individuals looking to expand their reach. With a youthful and tech-savvy population, there is a burgeoning demand for American products, particularly in sectors such as technology, fashion, and beauty. This growing consumer base, combined with Morocco's strategic location and modernizing infrastructure, makes it an attractive destination for US exporters.

Key Facts

Shipping to Morocco involves navigating a few logistical details:

• Distance from US: Approximately 3,800 miles from the East Coast.
• Time Zone: UTC+1, which has been permanent since 2018.
• Currency: Moroccan Dirham (MAD).
• Language: Arabic, French, and Berber are widely spoken.
• Import Duty Threshold: Goods valued under MAD 1,250 (approximately $125 USD) qualify for simplified customs clearance.

Carrier Options & Transit Times

Choosing the right carrier is essential for balancing cost and delivery speed. Here are the primary options available:

Express Shipping (3-6 Business Days)

For urgent shipments, express services offer the fastest delivery times. Major carriers like DHL, FedEx, UPS, and USPS provide express options ranging from 3 to 6 business days. Costs generally start around $52 and can go up to $82 for a 1-pound package, depending on the carrier and specific service level chosen.

Standard Shipping (10-21 Business Days)

Standard shipping offers a good balance between cost and speed, typically taking between 10 and 21 business days. USPS, FedEx, and UPS are reliable choices, with rates starting at approximately $36 for a 1-pound package. This option is ideal for less time-sensitive shipments.

Economy Shipping (21-45 Business Days)

For the most budget-friendly shipping, economy services are available, with delivery times ranging from 21 to 45 business days. USPS's First-Class Package International Service is a prevalent choice, especially for lightweight items, with rates between $16 and $28 for a 1-pound package.

Customs & Duties

Understanding Morocco's customs requirements is critical to avoid unexpected costs and delays.

Import Thresholds

Moroccan customs processes shipments based on their value:

• Under MAD 1,250: Eligible for simplified clearance, which is faster and involves less paperwork.
• MAD 1,250 or more: Subject to full customs processing, which can be more time-consuming and may require additional documentation.

Moroccan Duty Rates

Morocco imposes relatively high import duties on many consumer goods:

• Electronics: 2.5-25%
• Clothing and Footwear: 25-40%
• Cosmetics: 25%
• Supplements: 10-25%
• Books: 0-2.5%
• Toys: 25%

Moroccan VAT

The Value Added Tax (VAT) in Morocco also affects import costs:

• Standard Rate: 20%
• Reduced Rate: 7-10% for basic necessities
• Zero-rated: Some food items

Additional Import Charges

• Parafiscal Tax: 0.25% of the CIF (Cost, Insurance, and Freight) value.
• Import Surcharge: Varies by product and may apply to certain categories.

Required Documentation

Proper documentation helps ensure smooth customs clearance:

• Commercial Invoice: Must be provided in French or Arabic to declare the value of the goods.
• Packing List: Details the contents of the shipment.
• CN22/CN23 Forms: Required for USPS shipments.
• Certificate of Origin: Necessary for some products.
• Import License: Required for restricted goods.

Prohibited & Restricted Items

When shipping to Morocco, it’s important to be aware of items that are either prohibited or restricted:

• Prohibited: Narcotics, pornography, counterfeit goods, and weapons.
• Restricted: Pork products, alcohol (requires a license), used clothing (commercial quantities), medications, and religious materials, which are sensitive and may require special permits.

Packaging Recommendations

Proper packaging ensures that your shipment arrives safely and intact:

• Box Quality: Use heavy-duty boxes to withstand long transit times.
• Cushioning: Add extra padding to protect contents during handling.
• Heat Protection: Important during summer months when temperatures can exceed 40°C.
• Moisture Protection: Essential for shipments to coastal cities to prevent damage from humidity.
• Labeling: Include French translations to facilitate easier handling and customs processing.

DIM Weight Calculations

Dimensional (DIM) weight is used by carriers to calculate shipping costs based on package size:

• FedEx/UPS/DHL: Calculate by dividing the product of the package dimensions (L x W x H in inches) by 139.
• USPS: Calculate by dividing the product of the package dimensions by 166.

The billed weight is the greater of the actual weight or the DIM weight.

Cost-Saving Tips

Reducing shipping costs is crucial for maintaining profitability:

• atoship Discounted Rates: Offers savings of up to 89% compared to standard rates.
• USPS for Lightweight Items: Generally the most affordable option for small packages.
• DHL for Reliability: Provides the most robust network coverage in Morocco.
• Proper Customs Documentation: Avoids clearance delays and potential penalties.
• Accurate Declarations: Prevents fines and ensures compliance.
• Economy Shipping for Non-Urgent Items: Can save up to 40-60% compared to express services.

Morocco-Specific Tips

Navigating Moroccan logistics can be smoother with these insights:

French is Key: Use French on customs forms for smoother processing.

High Duties: Inform recipients about potential duties of 25-40% on clothing and shoes.

Barid Al-Maghrib: Moroccan postal service handles USPS deliveries.

Postal Codes: Consist of 5 digits (e.g., 10000 for Rabat).

Phone Number: Include a Moroccan phone number (+212) for delivery and customs contact.

Ramadan: Expect slower customs and delivery processes during this period.

Rural Delivery: May require recipients to pick up packages from the nearest post office.

Arabic/French Addressing: Include both languages if possible to minimize delivery issues.

Address Format

Use the following format for addressing shipments to Morocco:

Recipient Name
Street Number, Street Name
Postal Code City
MOROCCO
Phone: +212 XXX XXX XXX

Tracking & Delivery

Tracking your shipment provides peace of mind:

• DHL and FedEx: Offer the best tracking visibility throughout the delivery process.
• UPS: Provides reliable tracking up to delivery.
• USPS: May lose detailed tracking information after handoff to local carriers.
• Delivery Attempts: Typically 1-2 attempts before a package is held for pickup.
• Pickup: USPS parcels might need to be picked up from a local post office.

Ship to Morocco with atoship

Atoship simplifies the process of shipping to Morocco:

Compare Carriers: Easily find the best rate and service for your needs.

Discounted Pricing: Enjoy savings of up to 89% on shipping costs.

Customs Forms: Automatically generated with necessary translations.

Tracking: Access the best available tracking services for Morocco.

Expert Support: Receive help with Morocco-specific shipping challenges.

Shipping to Morocco offers exciting opportunities for expanding your business or staying connected with loved ones. With a solid understanding of the logistics, customs, and costs involved, you can navigate this market successfully. Use atoship to streamline your shipping process and take advantage of competitive rates and expert guidance.