Sending bridal gold sets from Germany to Morocco: customs procedures and required declarations

Sending bridal gold sets from Germany to Morocco is an important part of family and cultural wedding traditions. However, when shipping gold internationally – especially between the European Union and non-EU countries such as Morocco – both German and Moroccan authorities apply strict regulations to ensure legal compliance and avoid customs problems.

In this article, we explain the key steps required to send bridal gold sets from Germany to Morocco, including German formalities and the Moroccan customs declaration (Déclaration en Douane).

1. Legal status of international gold shipments

• Gold is classified as a high-value commodity subject to strict customs control.

• Clear information must be provided regarding:

  • the value of the gold,

  • its origin,

  • and the purpose of shipment (gift, wedding, trade, investment, etc.).

• The sender must comply with all relevant customs regulations in both Germany and Morocco.

2. Declaration procedures in Germany before shipment

German customs declaration

• When shipping bridal gold sets from Germany by post or via courier services (DHL, FedEx, UPS, etc.), a customs declaration (Zolldeklaration) must be completed.

• For high-value consignments, the CN23 form is usually required. It should include:

  • a precise description of the contents
    (e.g. bridal gold sets, weight of each piece, gold carat/fineness),

  • the actual value of the gold (supported by an invoice or an official appraisal),

  • full sender and recipient details,

  • the purpose of the shipment (gift, personal use).

• If the shipment is genuinely a personal gift (e.g. for a wedding), the sender should clearly declare that it is not intended for commercial resale, in order to reduce the risk of it being treated as a commercial import and attracting extra charges.

3. Moroccan customs declaration (Déclaration en Douane)

Once the parcel arrives in Morocco, the recipient must normally complete a Moroccan customs declaration (Déclaration en Douane). This typically includes:

• sender and recipient details,

• a detailed description of the goods and their value,

• the invoice number, if available,

• the purpose of the shipment (gift, personal use, trade).

The recipient may also attach a document certifying the value of the gold, such as:

• an official valuation report, or

• a formal purchase invoice.

In Morocco, gold is generally subject to customs duties and taxes, including:

• Value Added Tax (TVA),

• customs duties, depending on the type and value of the gold.

4. Possible duties and taxes in Morocco

• In practice, gold is often subject to relatively high duties and charges in Morocco, especially if it is not clearly a limited-value personal gift.

• All applicable duties and taxes must be paid before the parcel is released; otherwise, the shipment may be held by customs until payment and clearance are completed.

5. Practical tips for sending bridal gold sets from Germany to Morocco

• Make sure all forms are completed carefully, preferably in French or standard Arabic.

• Attach an invoice or recognised valuation certificate that clearly states the value of the gold.

• Indicate in the documentation that the shipment is a personal wedding gift (e.g. bridal set for the bride), which may help to ease the customs process.

• Choose reputable shipping companies that have experience handling high-value items and offer customs clearance support.

• Avoid sending very large quantities or packages that look clearly commercial, as this increases the likelihood of high duties, taxes, and stricter scrutiny.

6. Summary

The editorial team of this website strives to provide accurate information based on in-depth research and consultation of multiple sources. However, errors or incomplete details may still occur. For that reason, the information in this article should be treated only as an initial, non-binding reference, and you should always consult the competent customs and official authorities in Germany and Morocco for definitive, up-to-date legal guidance.