LMorocco will now export products such as construction materials, fruits, vegetables and fish to Melilia, but will impose severe restrictions on items that can enter its territory via the Beni Ensar border. Only certain products specifically approved by the Moroccan authorities may be imported, based on undisclosed criteria.
According to the same source, this strategy was received with surprise and concern by the local business community, particularly due to the lack of adequate infrastructure for the inspection of Moroccan agricultural products in Melilia. A border inspection point (PIF) has been installed at the port, but is not yet operational.
The new customs policy appears to be in line with Morocco’s regional aspirations, limiting imports to products manufactured specifically in Melilia. This restriction had already been mentioned in 2022, sparking mixed reactions among local politicians, including Juan José Imbroda, regional president of the Partido Popular (PP) and senator for Melilia.
Imbroda had expressed his dissatisfaction with a policy he considers restrictive and harmful to Melilia’s economic interests, advocating instead a wider opening of trade.
