Key points
- Morocco: import duty from 2.5% to 30% depending on the product, a 0.25% parafiscal tax and 20% standard VAT.
- Algeria: an approved import forecast programme and bank domiciliation are mandatory before shipment, 19% VAT, and possible extra duties on locally made products.
- Tunisia: 19% standard VAT, duties that vary widely by product, and technical inspection at import for many categories.
- In all three countries, labelling and standards are checked before production, not when the goods reach the port.
Morocco: a simplified tariff, targeted checks
Since the 2026 finance law, the maximum import duty rate has fallen from 40% to 30%. Depending on the product's tariff code, import duty ranges from 2.5% to 30% of the CIF value. On top come a 0.25% parafiscal import tax and VAT at the standard rate of 20%, calculated on the CIF value plus duties and taxes. Some products benefit from a reduced rate or an exemption.
- Formalities: the importer is a registered company. The single goods declaration is filed online, on the PortNet platform, by a licensed customs broker.
- Compliance: for regulated industrial products (electrical, electronics, toys, textiles, cosmetics…), a certificate of conformity may be required before shipment. Food falls under ONSSA, telecom equipment under ANRT.
- Inspection: customs route each declaration to a green, blue (document check) or red (physical inspection) channel.
Algeria: a strict and shifting framework
Algeria tightly controls imports, and the rules change often. At the time of writing, the main points are:
- Status: you need a company (SARL, EURL…) registered in the trade register with an import activity. Self-employed status does not allow importing.
- Import forecast programme: since July 2025, importers must have their purchase forecasts approved by the Ministry of Foreign Trade, on a dedicated platform, before any bank domiciliation.
- Bank domiciliation: each operation must be domiciled with a bank before the supplier ships the goods.
- Duties and taxes: customs duties from 0% to 30% depending on the product, standard VAT of 19%, and a provisional additional safeguard duty (DAPS) of 30% to 120% on products already made locally.
- Labelling: Arabic labelling is mandatory for products intended for resale.
Before placing an order in China, confirm the timeline with your bank and freight forwarder: goods shipped before domiciliation can end up blocked.
Tunisia: technical inspection and authorisations
- VAT: 19% standard rate, with reduced rates for some products.
- Customs duties: vary widely by product; consumer goods are often taxed far more than raw materials and equipment.
- Technical inspection: many products are subject to systematic technical inspection at import, with samples taken by approved laboratories before release for sale.
- Authorisations: products outside the free import regime require authorisation from the Ministry of Trade.
- Payments: payments abroad go through a bank, under foreign exchange regulations.
Importing into Morocco, Algeria or Tunisia? Let's validate compliance, labelling and the banking timeline before production.
Qualify my projectThe three countries at a glance
| Country | Customs duties | VAT (standard rate) | What to watch |
|---|---|---|---|
| Morocco | 2.5% to 30%, plus 0.25% parafiscal tax | 20% | Certificate of conformity for regulated products |
| Algeria | 0% to 30%, plus DAPS of 30% to 120% on some products | 19% | Forecast programme and bank domiciliation before shipment |
| Tunisia | Vary widely by product | 19% | Technical inspection at import |
The documents to gather
- Detailed commercial invoice, in French or Arabic depending on the country.
- Bill of lading or air waybill, and packing list.
- Certificate of origin.
- Conformity certificates and test reports depending on the product category.
- Banking documents: domiciliation in Algeria, payment records in Tunisia and Morocco.
Shipping and lead times
As a guide, allow 25 to 40 days at sea to Tanger Med or Casablanca, and 30 to 50 days to Algiers or Radès, often with transhipment in a Mediterranean port. The CBM calculator helps you choose between LCL and a full container.
Our role: check compliance and labelling before production, have the factory prepare documents consistent with banking and customs requirements, and coordinate shipping with your freight forwarder. Rules change often, especially in Algeria: we re-check them for every order.