Morocco Details Customs Measures In 2013 Budget

The Moroccan finance ministry has recently published a circular issued by the customs and indirect tax administration detailing the customs measures provided for within the framework of the country’s 2013 finance law.

Morocco’s 2013 finance law provides notably for a number of modifications to existing import duty tariffs, as well as for plans to reform the excise tax applicable to manufactured tobacco.

As part of efforts to consolidate general state budget revenues, the government aims to progressively reform over a period of three years the system of taxing manufactured tobacco in Morocco, replacing the proportional tax currently in force with a specific levy. It intends to ensure a minimum level of collection to preserve state revenues and to determine a minimum level of taxation on cigarettes.

The 2013 finance law also provides for certain changes to the country’s VAT regime. The budget extends the provision exempting equipment and material used exclusively by micro-credit associations from import VAT until December 31, 2016. The law extends the 7% import VAT rate to include simple foodstuffs used in cattle and animal feed, for example pulp, grains, and corn fibres, and extends the 10% import VAT rate applicable to veal to December 31, 2014.

Finally, within the framework of efforts to improve customs revenues and to regularize taxpayers’ situation vis-à-vis any arrears, the budget provides for the waiver of surcharges, fines, late payment penalties, and recovery costs relating to duties and taxes owed to the administration and outstanding as at December 31, 2012, provided that the taxpayers concerned settle their bill before December 31, 2013.

 
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