Morocco reopens Beni Ansar customs crossing after two month closure

On Monday, September 15, Morocco reopened the Beni Ansar customs crossing after more than two months of closure, which began on July 8 and coincided with the «Marhaba Operation», concluded on the same day.

While there has been no official confirmation from either the government delegation in Melilla or the Moroccan authorities, Jesús Aguilera, a customs agent overseeing import operations since the crossing’s reopening last January after a six-and-a-half-year shutdown, told El Faro de Melilla that Moroccan officials informed him that normal operations have resumed.

However, commercial activity has yet to restart, as no imports are currently scheduled. Aguilera attributed this to a climate of «uncertainty» among importers, who remain wary after months of repeated restrictions imposed by Morocco. He added that although he recently visited Morocco to look for new suppliers and alternative ports have been identified, the revival of import operations, particularly fish, ultimately depends on importers, who have so far shown little willingness to move forward.

Meanwhile, another customs agent, Juan Francisco Quiles, explained that the sole exporter who previously shipped home appliances and kitchenware to Morocco has temporarily suspended his activities, citing a lack of economic viability. Quiles argued that commercial operations through Beni Ansar are «unprofitable», given the limited variety of goods and weak guarantees. He also criticized the process as «chaotic», noting that completing any transaction requires multiple licenses from customs offices in Melilla and Beni Ansar, in addition to approvals from Madrid and coordination with Rabat.