In major cities like Casablanca, Marrakech, and Rabat, one can find well-equipped rental houses and production facilities that provide cameras, lenses, lighting gear, and other essential equipment with who we have good contacts and with who we can exchange equipment we don’t have in stock and vice versa. However, it is worth noting that some specialized or high-end equipment may not be easily available in Morocco. This includes cutting-edge camera systems, high-resolution drones, and certain specialized lenses or grip equipment.

In such cases, production teams can opt to bring their own equipment or rely on international rental companies to ensure access to the latest technology and specialized gear through temporary importation.

This second option as a service is also provided by CineSouk thanks to ongoing collaborations with rental partners in Belgium, the Netherlands and Spain with who we can arrange deals quickly. The fact that our company is based in Morocco also allows us to quickly ask for the needed permits and temporary special import licenses when needed. We’re also able to obtain quickly ATA carnets that allow us to import the equipment at the airport or port. Both transports by road truck/van or transports by plane are an option here.

Travelling with an ATA carnet to Morocco can be a convenient and efficient way to facilitate the temporary importation of goods. An ATA carnet is an international customs document that allows for the duty-free and tax-free temporary importation of goods into a foreign country. It simplifies the customs procedures and eliminates the need for posting a temporary import bond or paying import duties and taxes.

The importation process itself in Morocco is generally quick and easy when using an ATA carnet. Upon arrival, customs officials will inspect the carnet and verify the goods listed. This process helps to ensure that the goods brought into the country are intended for temporary use and will be re-exported upon departure. When you use an ATA carnet in Morocco however you do need a film or photography permit at the moment of traveling. Do not travel solely with an ATA carnet if you do not have one of these permits.

However, obtaining an ATA carnet in your country of origin may vary in terms of ease and difficulty, depending on the local regulations and policies. Some countries have streamlined processes and readily available services for issuing ATA carnets, making it relatively easy and straightforward to obtain one. These countries understand the benefits of facilitating temporary imports and promoting international trade.

On the other hand, some countries may have more complex procedures or additional requirements for obtaining an ATA carnet. In certain cases, the issuance of ATA carnets may be subject to specific regulations or bureaucratic hurdles, which can make the process more challenging or time-consuming.

The cost of obtaining an ATA carnet also varies depending on the country of origin. In many cases, the application fee for an ATA carnet is relatively inexpensive, serving as a small administrative charge. However, some countries may require a deposit equivalent to the value of the equipment being imported. This deposit is meant to ensure that the goods are re-exported and serves as a form of security for customs authorities.

It’s worth noting that the policies and regulations regarding ATA carnets can differ among global regions. Some regions may have standardized procedures and consistent policies across multiple countries, making it easier to navigate the process. For example, the European Union has a harmonized system for ATA carnets, which facilitates temporary imports within the EU member states.

In contrast, other regions may have varying policies and practices. It’s important to research and familiarize yourself with the specific requirements of both your country of origin and the destination country, such as Morocco, to ensure a smooth process when using an ATA carnet for temporary importation.

In summary, travelling with an ATA carnet to Morocco can simplify the temporary importation process, allowing for duty-free and tax-free entry of goods. While the importation process in Morocco at the airports or ports is quick and easy (customs agents are generally very familiar with the procedure and supportive), the ease of obtaining an ATA carnet in your country of origin may depend on local regulations. Some countries have straightforward procedures, while others may have additional requirements or deposits. Understanding the policies and practices of your country of origin and the destination country is essential for a smooth experience when using an ATA carnet.

When evaluating the cost vs. benefit analysis of equipment rental versus temporary importation for a project in a foreign country, travel and freight costs play a significant role in determining the overall expenses.

Renting equipment locally in the destination country can be advantageous in terms of reduced travel and freight costs. By sourcing equipment locally, you eliminate the need for transportation from your home country, which can be quite expensive. Additionally, rental companies often provide maintenance and support services, ensuring smooth operations during the rental period. However, rental costs can vary based on factors such as availability, demand, and the duration of the rental. Carefully weighing these factors will help you make an informed decision that aligns with your project’s budget and requirements.

At CineSouk we understand this analysis very well and we advice on when to bring in equipment yourself (for example when you already own equipment) vs renting from us as service provider, so explain us your exact situation and we’ll work with you on some calculations to clarify this aspect.

We’ll list here camera’s that are easily obtainable in Morocco: (last update 4th February 2024).

This list may be incomplete, but we tried listing the most commonly requested camera’s in the professional rental industry.

Locally available

• Sony FX3/6/9
• Sony A7s (II/III)
• Sony A7R (III/IV/V)
• Sony Venice
• Canon R6 (Mark II), Canon R5 (Mark II)
• Arri Alexa mini, LF, Alexa mini LF, Alexa 35, Amira
• Red Epic Dragon, Epic-w 8K, Helium 8K, Gemini 5K, Red Komodo-X
• GoPro action cameras
• Panasonic PTZ cameras
• Sony broadcast system cameras
• Blackmagic Design Ursa Broadcast (I/II)

Only abroad

• Arri currently offers no rental service in Morocco for the Alexa 65 and/or it’s other rental only options.  ATA carnet procedure is the only possibility and needs to be discussed with an Arri representative in your area.
• Phantom High speed cameras: some older models are available, but recent models need to found with suppliers outside of Morocco.

Customs Offices : The following Customs offices have been entitled to accept ATA Carnets:
– Tanger – Port, Mohammedia, Tanger Boukhalef, Casablanca Colis-Postaux et Paquets Poste, Oujda Angads – Airport, Casa-Port, Zouj Beghal, Nouasseur, Beni Ensar, Marrakech Ménara Airport, Fès Saïss – Airport, Agadir Al Massira Airport, Rabat-Salé Airport, Ouarzazate, Laayoune, Nador Port.

Professional equipment usage : We get reports from several clients that sometimes their chamber of commerce does not want to hand out an ATA carnet for ‘professional equipment’ for Morocco. The reason for this is that Morocco didn’t fully ratifie the ATA carnet convention.

We would like to clearly mention, that currently, an ATA carnet listing cinematography and photography equipment is accepted at the Moroccan customs in the condition that you have a film or photography permit at the moment of travelling. It can help during your ATA carnet application that instead of opting for “professional equipment” that you list the activity “cinematography activity” or “photography activity” to make sure that your ATA carnet request at your chamber of commerce gets delivered quickly. Please note this issue of possible denial during your ATA carnet application is not present in every country and it depends on your local administration and circular letters of how the ATA carnet convention is legally applied in your country. We advice in case you encounter this issue that you contest the decision of your chamber of commerce. The Moroccan customs does not have to give a special clearency or permission for this temporary importation, the right to use the ATA carnet is granted by the film or photography permit that you requested before travelling to Morocco.