Strategic Customs Reforms to Enhance Trade Relations
In a strategic move aimed at deepening economic ties and capitalizing on investment opportunities in the post-Brexit landscape, the agreement signed between the Partnership Council of the Kingdom of Morocco and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland has come into effect. This agreement introduces substantial amendments to Protocol No. 4, which defines the concept of "products of origin." These modifications, officially revealed through a circular from the Moroccan Customs and Indirect Taxes Administration, reflect the shared desire of both Rabat and London to maintain and enhance preferential trade conditions.
The primary goal of this update is to streamline the flow of goods by simplifying the criteria under which products qualify as locally produced and eligible for customs exemptions. Among the most notable aspects of this decision is the adoption of the "accumulation" principle, which allows manufacturers in both countries to incorporate raw materials and components sourced from major regional partners without losing preferential customs advantages. This principle includes the possibility of integrating industrial inputs from the European Union, Tunisia, Algeria, Switzerland, and Turkey, thereby contributing to the creation of more flexible and efficient regional value chains.
New Regulations and Impact on Trade Dynamics
To ensure the correct application of these regulations, the agreement imposes strict conditions concerning "added value"; a final product cannot be considered as having local origin if the value of manufacturing and transformation conducted within Morocco or the UK does not exceed the value of the foreign materials used. The amendment further emphasizes that processing activities must surpass simple tasks and dry packaging to guarantee genuine manufacturing.
Moreover, the amendment has redefined the clauses related to "direct transport," mandating that goods be shipped directly between the ports and airports of both countries. However, the new law permits shipments to transit through customs territories of other nations or to be temporarily stored therein, provided they remain under stringent supervision by customs authorities during transit and are not subjected to any operations except those necessary for their preservation or division.
On the administrative and documentation front, the agreement allows for two methods of proving origin: either through official movement certificates (EUR.1 or EUR-MED) issued by customs authorities upon request from the exporter, or through the "invoice declaration" that grants accredited exporters, or shipments valued under 6,000 euros, the flexibility to self-declare the origin and note it on commercial documents.
These legal and procedural transformations mark a significant leap in the bilateral trade relations, as official data from the UK Department for Business and Trade indicates that the total trade volume between Morocco and the UK reached approximately £4.7 billion (around $5.9 billion) in 2025. This figure represents a notable increase of 10.4% compared to the previous year. The trade balance for 2025 showed a remarkable surplus for Morocco, with British exports to the kingdom stabilizing at around £2.1 billion, primarily driven by refined oil, minerals, and machinery. In contrast, British imports from Moroccan markets surged to £2.6 billion, largely supported by agricultural products such as fresh fruits and vegetables, electronic systems, alongside the rapid growth of the services and tourism sectors.
As reported by hespress.com.
