Dirtbike to Morocco

[edlaurence]

Hi all,

I'm planning on driving to Morocco from the UK in a few weeks time with my bike (CRF450) on the back of an old Defender. As it's an unregistered dirtbike, I'm wondering if I can expect some problems at the border?

Would really appreciate any advice!

Thanks,

Ed

[Tim Cullis]

Yes. The Moroccan temporary import system works around VIN and registration plate.

If you don't have ownership papers (V5C/carte gris) there will be problems. Import taxes into Morocco are very high and the customs people would be suspicious.

Form here for the temporary import.

Tim

[edlaurence]

Thanks for the reply, Tim. Its unregistered so I don't have a V5. The only proof of ownership I have is a receipt from the seller (signed with VIN, but not the most official looking document).

I might be being a little naive, but if the bike has a VIN then they'd just want to make sure you have that bike/VIN with you on the way out?

[Tim Cullis]

Your question, which I responded "yes" to, was can you expect any problems at the border.

You're dealing with officialdom in a country that's not reknowned for outside of the box thinking. I've got through without a V5C (new vehicle, documents not ready in time) but at least I had a registration number and a purchase receipt.

Ultimately I reckon you'll get through, but don't hold me to it.

[edlaurence]

Only one way to find out I guess! I'll make sure everything else is in order and see how I get on.

Cheers!

[macfisto]

Hi Tim,


I'm shipping my bike to Casa from the UK and would like to know if I'll be liable for paying import duties if I'm going to ride it back to the UK within 6 months of import? The plan is to collect it at customs with the V5 form, passport and my proof of temporary Moroccan residency.

I will keep the UK reg on the bike during its use in Morocco. Any advice on insurance; local or UK?

Cheers

Dan

[Tim Cullis]

When you pick the bike up at Casa you will at that stage be personally importing it into Morocco and the six months in any year 'temporary imporation' starts from then. If I remember correctly the 'year' gets reset shortly before Christmas.

However... I was under the impression that if you have residency you can't bring in a foreign registered vehicle. Hopefully I'm wrong. It would be a good idea to check first.

[macfisto]

Thanks Tim will check with our fixer