In 2024, Moroccan authorities seized contraband goods valued at 284 million dirhams—a moderate increase on paper, but one that masks a broader slowdown in smuggling activity. Behind this shift lies a more aggressive and coordinated enforcement strategy that appears to be paying off.
The decline in smuggling isn’t a coincidence. It’s the result of a multi-pronged approach: sharper intelligence gathering, expanded deployment of mobile units, tighter inspections, and closer cooperation among operational teams. Customs officials relied heavily on the National Brigade and specialized risk analysis units to target illegal trade more effectively and anticipate threats before they materialized.
When it comes to counterfeit goods, the trend is more nuanced. In 2024, authorities received 746 suspension requests—a noticeable rise from 682 the previous year. This uptick suggests a growing awareness and use of customs protections tied to intellectual property rights. Simplified procedures and greater outreach to rights holders have also helped drive this increase in activity.
Yet despite more frequent suspension requests, the actual number of enforced suspensions fell. Only 82 cases were confirmed this year, down from 97 in 2023. The total number of items seized also dropped sharply—from nearly two million to just over one million units. Officials attribute this decline to stronger deterrents that are dissuading importers from attempting to move fake goods in the first place, as well as improved information sharing with partner agencies.
This evolving landscape suggests a shift in how authorities are tackling illicit trade: fewer dramatic busts, but more strategic pressure that’s forcing smugglers and counterfeiters to think twice.
