Buying a phone abroad to use in Morocco seems simple, but Moroccan regulations require ANRT approval (National Telecommunications Regulatory Agency) for any radio equipment. Without this approval, your smartphone, modem or tablet may be blocked at customs or unusable on Moroccan networks. This guide explains exactly how it works in 2026: what is allowed, what is not, how to obtain approval, and what costs to expect.
Why ANRT approval is mandatory
The ANRT is the telecommunications regulator in Morocco. It ensures that any equipment emitting radio waves (phones, modems, walkie-talkies, drones, WiFi equipment, etc.) complies with national technical standards before being marketed or used.
Why this obligation?
- Protection of the radio spectrum: avoiding interference with frequency bands reserved for Moroccan operators or public safety.
- User safety: compliance with electromagnetic emission standards (SAR).
- Anti-counterfeiting: preventing IMEI cloning phones.
- Traceability: each device is registered in the national registry.
Approval is mandatory for any commercial import. For individuals, there is limited tolerance in personal luggage, which we detail below.
Phone in your personal luggage: what is allowed
If you travel and bring a phone bought abroad, here are the rules in Morocco:
- 1 phone per traveler is generally tolerated for personal use without prior approval, if the traveler can prove it is their personal equipment.
- Beyond (2 or more phones), customs may consider it as commercial import and require complete procedures: BADR declaration, customs duties, VAT, and ANRT approval.
- The phone must be in service or ready to use (not in its original sealed packaging), otherwise it will be treated as new merchandise.
What you risk by exceeding the limits
Customs may seize the equipment, demand payment of duties + fine, or simply block use on Moroccan networks via the IMEI. Some operators (Maroc Telecom, Inwi, Orange) automatically block IMEIs not registered with ANRT after a few days of use.
💡 Good to know
For Moroccans living abroad (MRE), broader tolerance applies for personal effects. Check with our firm for specific cases.
Buying a phone on Amazon, AliExpress, eBay
Online purchase of a phone to ship to Morocco is strongly discouraged without prior procedures. Why:
- The parcel will be systematically checked by customs on arrival.
- Without an ANRT certificate, the phone is blocked until regularized or seized.
- Storage fees in the customs zone accumulate (MAD 50-100/day).
- You will need to assemble an approval file retroactively, or re-export the product.
Alternative: working with a licensed customs broker
For commercial imports (resale or professional use), use a licensed customs broker who handles ANRT procedures alongside customs clearance. Costs to expect:
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Import duty (phones) | 2.5% |
| Import VAT | 20% |
| Parafiscal tax | 0.25% |
| ANRT royalty (per model) | variable, by category |
| Broker fees | by volume |
How to obtain ANRT approval
Approval is mandatory for any radio equipment intended to be marketed in Morocco. Procedure:
- Technical file creation: product sheet, brand, model, IMEI, supported frequencies, manufacturer's declaration of conformity, test reports (CE, FCC or equivalents).
- Submission to ANRT via the online portal. ANRT verifies compliance with Moroccan standards.
- Payment of royalties: variable depending on category (phones, modems, WiFi equipment, drones...).
- Issuance of approval certificate in 2 to 4 weeks.
- Presentation of the certificate to customs at the time of BADR clearance.
For already known brands (Apple, Samsung, Xiaomi, Huawei...), approval can be faster as similar models are already approved. For lesser-known brands or technical products (drones, professional equipment), allow more time. See our complete ANRT approval service.
Practical tips for buyers
- For 1 personal-use phone: buy it during a trip abroad and bring it in your luggage, using it before returning.
- For MRE clients: check specific exemptions with Moroccan customs or a licensed broker.
- For commercial resale: mandatory ANRT approval and licensed broker.
- Avoid exotic brands not approved in Morocco: risk of blockage and unusable on local 4G/5G networks.
- Keep the purchase invoice and original box in case of inspection.
- For used phones, check that the IMEI is not blacklisted (sites like imeiPro or imei24).
- Prefer official Moroccan retailers (Apple, Samsung, Xiaomi, Marjane Phone, iSmile, Best Mobile) for local warranty and no customs hassles.
For any specific question on importing phones or telecom equipment, our team of ANRT approval experts is at your disposal.