Havocscope, the global illicit market index, puts Morocco’s counterfeit market value at $226 million with music and software constituting the prime counterfeit markets.
Music and software piracy particularly was turning into a major counterfeiting nightmare for Morocco until the instigation of a major crack-down on the behalf of the Moroccan authorities. The Fourth Annual BSA and IDC Global Software Piracy Study, highlighted the significant progress made in this area by Morocco and some of the other high-piracy countries such as China, Ukraine and Russia. From 2003 to 2006 Morocco achieved a 7% drop in its piracy rate; no mean feat given the ever-increasing sophistication of this line of counterfeiting, and the ease of dissemination.
Other counterfeit items such as clothing and footwear continue to be widely available in the labyrinthine ‘souks’ or bazaars of Morocco, especially Casablanca. A steady flow of counterfeit footwear from China has been making its way into the country for a while and lax IPR laws have opened floodgates so wide that closing them again and reducing both the supply and demand for counterfeit products is twice as hard. Excessive import duties on original products have also encouraged manufacturing and imports of counterfeits.
Unsurprisingly a problem with counterfeit drugs and illegal drug distribution has also reared its ugly head in Morocco. Back in 2007 the Moroccan police seized 50,000 boxes of Aspro (aspirin) and effervescent Claradol (a paracetamol-based drug) manufactured by Bayer laboratories. These drugs had been stored illegally and were being sold through shopkeepers and grocery stores in the country’s capital Rabat.
Legislation and action against the counterfeiters
Back in 2004, the US signed a Free Trade Agreement with Morocco, which heralded a new age of tougher IPR enforcement through higher penalties for piracy and counterfeiting. The Agreement required Morocco to provide stronger deterrents by criminalizing end-user piracy, thus making it a crime to purchase as well as sell counterfeit items.
Piracy has recently become punishable by a jail term (of between six months and four years) and fines that can reach $68,000. The holder of a copyright or related right is now able to make a written request to the customs and indirect tax department to suspend the free circulation of goods which are suspected of being counterfeit or pirated and possibly in breach of copyright or related rights.
Moroccan Copyright Office (the BMDA) officials also now have the authority to confiscate pirated goods directly without having to seek government authorisation.
The BMDA has launched public information campaigns to raise awareness of the dangers of piracy with television and radio spots on its negative consequences and the risk of imprisonment under a new law. Authorities have started acting more extremely by simply closing down shops and music stands that sell pirated goods; carrying out dawn raids and seizures of counterfeit products. Music vendors have expressed concern that the crackdown could harm their businesses, while the Moroccan Copyright Office has stressed the fact that measures of this kind have been put in place to help domestic production.
In May 2009, Morocco was among nine Mediterranean countries that signed a declaration aiming to reinforce the fight against counterfeiting. The ‘Cannes Declaration’ aims to boost coordination in the fight against counterfeiting, raise consumers' awareness on the issue and reinforce repressive measures against counterfeits and their distributors.
Morocco’s participation in a 2007 Anti-counterfeiting Trade Agreement was another sign of the country’s commitment to appear proactive in global anti-counterfeiting strategies. However, a 2009 Investment Climate Statement from the U.S Department of State highlights that, although significant steps have been taken to stem the flow of counterfeit goods, counterfeit DVDs and CDs remain widely available in Morocco.
Perhaps Morocco’s recent ratification of the World Intellectual Property Organization’s Trademark Law Treaty, entering into force in July 2009, will help it along the road to a cleaner and more impressive counterfeiting profile.
Products to look out for
Counterfeit software, music and movies
With a reported $6 million loss to the country’s economy, at the start of the Millennium, Morocco’s problems with software piracy looked pretty dire. Strategic crackdowns, campaigns and the country signing its free trade agreement with the US have had an impact and improved the situation. Significant cuts in Moroccan software piracy were being reported just four years later and all types of software piracy are now illegal here.
And the video pirates are now receiving prison sentences when their illegal activities are uncovered, which is helping to impede their trade.
Having said this, counterfeit products still abound on the Moroccan music and software market. If you want to avoid buying counterfeit software (remembering that you can land yourself with a world of trouble in the form of spyware, bugs and viruses when you download counterfeit software, plus Morocco’s criminalization of end-user piracy means you are committing a crime!), counterfeit movies or music, don’t buy these items at the souks. There’s plenty of other stuff to buy there that isn’t illegal and you will be making an honest contribution to the country’s economy, rather than lining the pockets of crooks.
Counterfeit drugs
North Africa has a particular problem with counterfeit Viagra. The souks are inundated with it, and it is also here that an array of other counterfeit medicines will be found. The souks are the sales hubs for a variety of products emanating from Spain, Eastern European countries, Libya and Egypt. Fake Viagra sold here is often easy to spot because it is called Vegra. Neuroleptic medication such as Klonopin, used to treat anxiety, antiseptic products and anti-inflammatory products have also made their way into the markets.
When it comes to illegally distributed drugs, remember that for a drug to remain safe for human consumption it must have been stored at the correct temperature and humidity, level, etc. otherwise the stability of that drug may be compromised. Illegal drug traffickers are unlikely to concern themselves too much with any storage guidelines, so it is wise to avoid buying any drugs in grocery stores, even if you are tempted by a low price. Drugs like the above-named Aspro and Claradol should only be available in pharmacies.
Fake luxury brands
Inevitably the Moroccan souks are bursting at the seams with fake labels such as Chanel, Fendi and Louis Vuitton. The country has earned itself a bit of a reputation amongst undiscerning Europeans who trawl the stalls looking for the perfect fake version of their objects of desire. You can buy a pirated copy of a Levi's for 100DH or $11 bucks, or get a Prada or DG handbag for 200DH or $24 bucks. From Adidas through Marlboro and Rolex to Yves Saint Laurent and Zippo, all the big brand names are here.
Workmanship on any of these ‘luxury brands’ will be poor and, frankly, it will soon be obvious that you are carrying a fake. Add to this the fact that these items have mostly been manufactured in China, where child slavery and human trafficking is heavily involved in counterfeit production, and that should be enough to make you move on without making a purchase.
Fake fossils
Fossil collectors beware – Morocco, known as a rich source for ‘Devonian Trilobites’, has become a marketplace for fake fossils. A whole industry for casting these trilobites has developed and while some sellers are completely above board about this and call their products ‘reproductions’ rather then selling them as authentic fossils, others are not so honest and exploit the naivety of new fossil collectors. Be aware of the difference when purchasing fossils and check out this website , which has a wealth of information for fossil buyers and handy guidelines on how to check for fake trilobites. Click here for another link to information about fossil buying. In a nutshell: play it safe and buy from a reputable dealer, or someone who has been recommended by a trusted friend, rather than a ‘tour guide’. Be especially careful when shopping at the souk.
Fake silver jewellery
Morocco is renowned for its beautiful silver Berber tribal jewellery but beware of cheap, fake Indian imports. And don’t be fooled by pushy sellers who proudly show you a hallmark on the silver to prove its authenticity; much of the silver in Morocco is Berber silver, which is a different grade of silver, 900, as opposed to hallmarked sterling which is 925 grade, so it should not be bearing a hallmark of any kind. Click here for more information on Moroccan jewellery.
Fake tour guides
In Morocco, many of the fakes come in a human form and you end up being just as cheated! In nearly all the major Moroccan cities (except Rabat, see below), you will attract major attention from touts claiming to be tour guides. At best they will take you to places you don’t want to go, stopping off at various uncles’ rug shops along the way where you will be pressured into buying things, at worst they will steal your money and abandon you. Sometimes they will also try to sell you hashish, which should be avoided at all costs as it might be fake, or may lead to them bribing you by threatening to go to the police.
Fake saffron!
Morocco is currently the fourth saffron producer after Greece, India and Iran. Genuine Moroccan saffron comes from the Southern Souss region of Morocco with the main producer of this coveted spice being the village of Taliouine near Taroudant. For a while now saffron has been 'faked' by cutting it with various additives; the powder form being easier to fake than the thread form. Click here to read one traveller's experience of ending up with fake Moroccan saffron.
Shopping tips and good things to buy
Haggling
Before starting to haggle for an item, it is essential that you are aware of its true value. Popping in at one of the fixed-price government shops will give you an approximate idea of this. Haggling should be a friendly and relaxed affair but have your wits about you and never let on how much you like something. Use your acting skills; look casually around at other items, reject them as expensive, then, just as you are walking away, ask about the item you like. You can walk right out and come sauntering by a few minutes later to see if the price has reduced. Don't be shy about making a low offer – remember the traders are well-versed in this pantomime and are relying on your inherent western discomfort and unfamiliarity with the process. Slowly move up to the price you are willing to pay, and then don’t budge. Once you have shaken hands, the deal is binding. At the end of it all you can praise the seller’s goods and his bargaining skills.
Buying leather
Morocco is the place for leather. Satchels and overnight bags are great bargains at the souks but closely scrutinize the stitching and workmanship and find the best version of the item you are after. Different areas of Morocco specialize in different items, for example, the craftsmen of the Rif Mountains make satchels, shoulder bags, belts and leather-covered earthenware, while Marrakech is known for leather clothing and camel saddles. For better quality and good prices in Marrakech, try El Souli, or go into the New Town.
Buying textiles
There is no cotton or silk produced in Morocco, although shopkeepers will try to persuade you that the shawl they want you to buy is made of 'pure silk.' It is probably made of cactus fibre, known locally as 'soie végétale. But there is plenty of sheep, goat and camel wool, which is woven into attractive, rustic blankets and bedcovers, which is worthwhile considering.
Sitting in a carpet shop drinking mint tea, while patiently bargaining over a rug is an experience you have to go through in Morocco. Moroccan rugs are famous for quality, both in workmanship and colours. Prices can vary depending on whether the rug is woven or knotted. Knotted rugs are much more laborious to make, take longer to produce and are therefore much more expensive. Berber carpets are probably the most famous and are made up of big and small tufts. They use a cut pile construction type, and usually contain small flecks of dark colour on lighter shade background colours. Carpets from the High Atlas Mountains are known for their rich, warm colours, while those from south of Meknes have more detailed weavings. Although Moroccan rugs cost less here, it is still quite a major investment so take your time and don’t rush into a purchase. Apply the haggling skills above, accept the proffered glass of sweet mint tea and, if you are having it shipped home, only buy from a reputable dealer and always get a receipt and their business card.
Buying ceramics
Moroccan ceramics are especially beautiful and make a lovely gift or souvenir to take home with you. You will doubtless notice the beautiful tiles that adorn a lot of Moroccan architecture, this is known as Zellige or Zellij and consists of terracotta tile work covered with enamel in the form of chips set into plaster. In the souk you will find market stalls jam-packed with a fantastic array of tiles, tagines, burners, bowls, cups and plenty more.
Each area of the country is known for a certain type of ceramic or colour; Zagoran pottery has a greenish finish, Sale has collared glazing on its decorative pottery, Fez has the most famous pottery that uses many colours with silver inlay and the Berber craftsman near Marrakech make ochre-coloured ware. Ceramic tiles are the origin of the Moroccan mosaics which are famous. Fez is a great centre of production for Zellij and also has the remains of the Roman city of Volubilis close by, with its fantastic mosaic tile work, which is well worth a visit to get a full picture of the heritage of this traditional Moroccan craft.
Rabat
Capital cities often have something different to offer visitors and the same is true of the coastal city of Rabat. Although it definitely retains a distinctive Moroccan flavour, Rabat is unlike other cities in Morocco in that it is not the tourist trade that is the raison d’etre here, but government and office workers. This renders Rabat a rare treat for visitors because it is basically tout-free. You can wander the streets in peace, without having to ward of swarms of ‘tour guides’ or deal with high-pressure sales tactics.
Rabat is an easy and pleasant city to navigate on foot. The medina is divided from the Ville Nouvelle or New Town by Boulevard Hassan II and it stretches north to the sea on one side and north-east to the Oed Bov Regreg on the other. In the medina of Rabat there are lots of traditional shops and cafés that you can visit and explore. Being relatively hassle-free makes Rabat's medina a pleasure to walk around and has lots to offer.
The leather souk has a fantastic array of shoes, bags, wallets and belts and at good, negotiable prices. Craft shops offer a variety of items, such as the well-known Rabat and Berber carpets and embroidered fabrics. Copper items are also good to look out for here, as well as the usual souvenir and curiosity shops selling lamps, fabrics, jewellery, antiques, fossils (see section above on avoiding fake fossils!) and wooden items.
The Rue des Consuls is the place in the souk where you can find every kind of local craft, on sale for tourists but it is also where the locals shop, which means higher quality and better prices.
If after downing so many glasses of the stuff you have become hooked, make for the stalls on Green Street where they sell plastic bags full of mint leaves used to make mint tea.
If you have a car, head out of town to the Vilarmar centre (Vilamar stands for Village des Arts Marocain, on the other side of the Oued Bou Regreg river, take the road to Meknès, drive passed the Dawliz complex (hotel, cinema) and a children’s recreation park until you reach Vilarmar. There is a very wide selection here, though items are priced so not much scope for haggling.