Every day, tens of thousands of goods flow into Morocco, presenting customs authorities with the formidable challenge of identifying potential risks within limited timeframes. Traditional manual inspection methods prove inefficient and prone to oversight. Now, Morocco is harnessing artificial intelligence (AI) to build a smarter, more efficient customs risk management system. Supported by the Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO) and the World Customs Organization's (WCO) Global Trade Facilitation Programme (GTFP), Moroccan customs are undergoing a transformative digital upgrade.
The Dual Challenge: Global Trade Facilitation and Risk Management
The rapid growth of global trade has heightened demands on customs administrations worldwide. Authorities must simultaneously accelerate cargo clearance to facilitate trade while effectively identifying and preventing risks including smuggling, contraband, and intellectual property violations. Conventional risk management approaches relying on experience and human judgment struggle to address increasingly complex and dynamic trade environments. Consequently, adopting advanced technologies—particularly AI and machine learning (ML)—has emerged as a global trend for enhancing customs risk management capabilities.
The SECO-WCO GTFP initiative provides technical assistance and capacity-building to help developing nations implement the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement. The program's second phase in Morocco focuses on leveraging data analytics to elevate risk management standards, achieving better equilibrium between trade facilitation and regulatory compliance.
Morocco's Customs Modernization: Key Initiatives
On May 19, 2025, SECO-WCO GTFP officially launched its second-phase national support project in Rabat. The inauguration ceremony gathered key stakeholders including Switzerland's Ambassador to Morocco, marking a strategic milestone in the country's customs digital transformation.
The project's primary objectives include:
- Enhanced Risk Management: Implementing advanced data analytics to optimize risk assessment processes and improve identification accuracy
- Streamlined Cargo Inspection: Utilizing AI/ML technologies for targeted inspections, reducing unnecessary delays while accelerating clearance
- Strengthened Compliance: Raising business compliance awareness to decrease violations and maintain equitable trade practices
- Intelligent Customs Framework: Establishing a data-driven, smart decision-making system to boost operational efficiency
Technical Implementation: AI-Powered Risk Assessment
Following the launch, GTFP immediately conducted a technical assessment of Morocco's Customs and Indirect Tax Administration (ADII) from May 19-23, 2025. This evaluation focused on:
- Analyzing current risk management, data analytics, and technological applications
- Identifying opportunities and challenges for integrating AI/ML into risk processes
- Providing customized solutions aligned with ADII's operational requirements
A core component was a technical workshop enhancing customs officials' competencies in risk management and data analytics. The curriculum covered:
- Fundamental AI/ML concepts and practical applications
- Data analysis methodologies including predictive modeling and anomaly detection
- Development of AI-based risk assessment models
- International case studies of successful AI implementations in customs operations
Participants developed a preliminary strategic roadmap for phased AI/ML integration, enabling more targeted inspections that balance operational efficiency with trade facilitation.
Strategic Roadmap: Phased AI Adoption
The roadmap outlines Morocco's systematic approach to modernizing customs risk management through AI/ML technologies:
- Establishing clear performance metrics including risk detection rates and clearance times
- Implementing robust data collection and management infrastructure
- Selecting appropriate AI/ML platforms for natural language processing and image recognition
- Developing and optimizing machine learning models for risk prediction
- Integrating AI systems with existing customs platforms
- Conducting comprehensive staff training programs
- Implementing continuous performance evaluation and system refinement
Ongoing WCO Support: Building Future-Ready Customs
The WCO will continue supporting Morocco through:
- Specialized technical consultations on AI implementation challenges
- Sharing global best practices in customs digitalization
- Organizing advanced training programs in AI/ML applications
- Facilitating international cooperation to address transnational trade risks
This sustained collaboration positions Morocco to develop a modernized customs system that enhances both trade security and economic growth.
The Future of Intelligent Customs
Morocco's digital transformation reflects broader trends in global customs administration. As AI/ML technologies advance, future customs operations will become increasingly automated and data-driven. This evolution promises improved efficiency, reduced trade costs, and stronger global commerce networks. For developing economies, Morocco's experience offers valuable insights into harnessing technological innovation while fostering international cooperation to build more secure and sustainable trade ecosystems.