Short answer: The easiest way to ship a car to Morocco is by RoRo via ports such as Casablanca or Tangier Med. Transit times are short from the Mediterranean region, but correspondingly longer from Northern Europe. The key factors are the documentation and customs procedures: Morocco imposes strict regulations on the import of second-hand vehicles. You should therefore check in advance with Moroccan customs and your freight forwarder to ensure your vehicle is eligible for import.
The key points in 5 points
- RoRo is the standard for roadworthy vehicles bound for Morocco.
- Major ports: Casablanca and Tangier Med.
- Short durations from the Mediterranean region; longer ones from Northern Europe.
- Import of second-hand cars is subject to regulations – check each case individually in advance.
- Documents and customs are key to ensuring that everything runs smoothly.
How do I ship a car to Morocco?
The usual method is Ro-Ro shipping: your vehicle is driven onto the ship under its own power at the port of loading, secured, and then driven off again at the port of destination. From Germany, the journey usually begins in Bremerhaven or Hamburg; alternatively, short routes from the western Mediterranean are possible. Our guide to Shipment to Algeria.
Which ports in Morocco are of relevance?
- Casablanca: the most important transhipment port on the Atlantic coast.
- Tanger Med: one of Africa’s largest ports, with excellent links to Europe.
The most suitable port of call depends on the destination within the country and the chosen route – it’s best to discuss this with your freight forwarder.
Am I allowed to import a second-hand car into Morocco?
Morocco regulates the import of second-hand vehicles. Special rules apply in certain circumstances – such as for returnees or household effects – whilst the general import of second-hand cars may be subject to restrictions and age limits. The best way to find out whether your vehicle is eligible for import is to before the booking with Moroccan customs and your freight forwarder.
What documents do you need?
- Commercial invoice or proof of purchase
- Bill of Lading
- Vehicle documents and proof of export from the EU
- Customs and import documents for Morocco
Exports from Germany are channelled through the ATLAS customs export declaration. We explain how the key RoRo documents work together at Customs and documents for RoRo.
How do you plan the transport step by step?
- Check import eligibility – including customs and freight forwarding costs, before you book.
- Set the destination port and route – suitable for the destination.
- Compile documents – Invoice, vehicle documents, proof of export.
- Lead time and cut-off time organise.
- Book RoRo shipping and fine-tune the tracking.
FAQ
Which port is best suited for Morocco?
Casablanca and Tanger Med are the main ports of call. Which one is best depends on your destination and route.
How long does it take for a shipment to reach Morocco?
Journey times are short from the western Mediterranean, but considerably longer from Northern Europe. Exact journey times depend on the route and timetable.
Can I ship a second-hand car to Morocco?
The import of second-hand vehicles is subject to regulations and must be assessed on a case-by-case basis. Check with Moroccan customs in advance to confirm whether the vehicle is eligible for import.
Which documents are absolutely essential?
Commercial invoice, bill of lading, vehicle documents, proof of export and the Moroccan import documents.
Is it worth taking out transport insurance?
Yes. As the shipping company’s liability is limited, transport insurance is strongly recommended.
All the information in this article has been carefully researched, but is subject to change at any time. ODS Orient accepts no liability for the timeliness, accuracy or completeness of the information provided. Please contact us directly for a no-obligation quote.