Morocco Customs Recovers 730 Million Dirhams Using AI

Morocco's customs control services, under the General Administration of Customs and Indirect Taxes (ADII), have recovered 730 million dirhams (73 billion centimes) from dozens of importers after using artificial intelligence and data analysis to detect gaps between the declared values of imported goods and available trade data on similar imports. The importers involved operate mainly in Casablanca, Tangier and Agadir.

According to well-informed sources cited by Hespress, customs auditors used advanced information systems that process large volumes of data linked to commercial invoices, customs declarations and supply sources, to identify import operations whose declared value needed review. These technologies detected indicators of under-declared value for some goods by comparing prices across different periods and between importers dealing in similar categories of goods. The checks extended to examining original invoices, shipping documents, payment records and bank transfers, to verify whether the value declared at customs clearance matched the prices actually paid to foreign suppliers, before starting settlement procedures and collecting additional duties and taxes.

The sources stressed that the price gaps identified were not, on their own, conclusive proof of intentional customs fraud, since import prices can be affected by contract terms, quantities purchased, quality levels, and transport and insurance costs; these indicators required document verification before any decision on revaluation or settling a customs case. Controls also extended to checking suspicions of collusion between some importers and foreign exporters over invoicing, with those concerned asked to provide additional explanations about the terms of their deals with suppliers abroad.

Using these smart-analysis tools lets customs services speed up the selection of files for review and direct controls toward declarations showing high-risk indicators, instead of relying solely on traditional audit methods that require examining large numbers of files separately. The sources said these reviews took place without disrupting the movement of goods at border crossings and ports, while maintaining the distinction between cases that led to financial settlements and those still under investigation to verify suspected customs violations.