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.
Frequently asked questions
No. You need a company, such as a SARL or EURL, registered in the trade register with an import activity.
20% at the standard rate, calculated on the CIF value plus duties and taxes. Some products benefit from a reduced rate or an exemption.
Because no payment or shipment can happen without it, and it now requires an approved import forecast programme.
Usually 25 to 50 days depending on the port of arrival, often with transhipment in the Mediterranean.