Morocco to change vehicle entrance regulations
 

Not sure if this is out there on the net, haven't googled it, but after visiting the Douane (customs) today here in Dakhla, Western Sahara, they told me with 100% certainty, that from 1/1/12, the 'reglement' for vehicles entering Morocco, will be the same as in Senegal! :oops2:
No vehicles older than 5 years allowed.
This is apparently to protect their motor industry (Dacia/Renault and others).

This is going to cause all sorts of shit for overlanders and rallye groups - carnets will be required and selling your car to pay for your trip is over... unless you want to brave Algeria/Niger?
?c?

I'll believe it when I see it. Given the political climate right now I don't see how they can predict anything with 100% certainty 7 months ahead.

Thanks for the tip but I also can't see that happening - well at least the carnet part. The current system to make sure a tourist vehicle leaves the country seems to work fine, AFAIK.
And anyway it has never been viable for the likes of us to sell our vehicles legally in Morocco.

I was talking about selling the vehicle in other countries... like Mauritania, Mali, Burkina Faso, Benin, Nigeria.

It's not about predicting the future, they are telling me that the new law is a 'fait accompli' and IS IN EFFECT from 2012.

So based on the above info, would you travel back in 2012/13, or later this year?

It'll be interesting watching developments.

You mean Morocco is going to protect their vehicle industry -as it may sell vehicles in those other countries- controlling the age of vehicles coming into Morocco, avoiding the possible selling in those other countries ???? ???¿¿??

Too much complicated and nonsense for me, sorry.

This will cost the tourist industry lot's of money.
Certainly not the best way to reach the 10 million visitors they wanted.

And what will all the Moroccans living abroad do, when they return back in summer with lot's of luggage?

further to my post above, awoke friday, and thought; one life live it, and booked ferries back to morocco in october. it's got to br done!

Panic over guys and gals, this new regulation only affects the permanent importation of vehicles.

Tourists and travellers can continue bringing in old bangers.

Ok, thanks Tim ;-)

Praise be!!! I'll be down with another pile of rust directly!! :-)

Roger

Great news.

Cheers, Mark

What's interesting is the impact this will have on vehicles in Morocco. I don't know too much about Mercedes saloons but the models introduced in the early 1980s are only just being introduced as grandes taxis; some of the taxis in use must be around 50 years old.

Changing to a five-year limit will drastically modernise the taxi fleet (in time). I guess the next move will be to gradually outlaw the old taxis.

Good point Tim......
Visiting Morocco every month I have notice the move towards newer taxis, more evident in some towns than others. The new Dacia seems to be the vehicle of choice and newer model Mercy Grande Taxis are more evident.
Like many I have been in a taxi that I would not use a chicken shed.......but there you go :mchappy:.

Me, I will miss the 504 and the 404...and I have a very soft spot for donkeys.