Why Marrakeche Covers US Customs Duties: Your Guide to Transparent, Hassle-Free Moroccan Shopping
You’ve found the perfect hand-knotted Berber rug. The colors sing, the craftsmanship is impeccable, and the price fits your budget. You click “buy now”—and then, two weeks later, a surprise customs bill arrives that adds hundreds of dollars to your “deal.”
We’ve heard this story too many times. That’s precisely why Marrakeche Crafts made a foundational commitment from day one: we cover all US import duties and customs fees. What you see at checkout is what you pay—no surprises, no hidden fees, no customs paperwork headaches.
In this guide, we’re pulling back the curtain on our DDP (Delivered Duty Paid) shipping policy, explaining exactly how it works, why it matters, and how it transforms your experience of bringing authentic Moroccan handmade treasures into your American home.
What Is DDP Shipping and Why Did We Choose It?
DDP stands for “Delivered Duty Paid”—a shipping arrangement where the seller (that’s us) covers all customs duties, import taxes, and clearance fees before your package reaches your door.
The Problem We Solved
International shopping traditionally operates under DDU (Delivered Duty Unpaid) terms. You order a $500 rug, pay for shipping, and assume you’re done. Then customs holds your package, calculates duties based on complex tariff codes, adds processing fees, and suddenly you owe another $75-$150 before they’ll release your order.
Beyond the financial surprise, there’s the hassle: confusing customs forms, unclear payment methods, delivery delays while packages sit in customs limbo, and the nagging worry that you might have miscalculated something.
We built Marrakeche to eliminate all of that.
Our DDP Commitment
When you shop at Marrakeche Crafts:
✅ The price you see includes everything – Product cost, worldwide shipping, US customs duties, import taxes, and clearance fees
✅ Zero surprise charges – No bills upon delivery, no customs holds, no unexpected fees
✅ We handle all paperwork – Customs declarations, tariff classifications, duty payments—completely managed by our team
✅ Faster delivery – No customs delays waiting for your payment; packages clear immediately
✅ Free worldwide shipping – No minimum order, no geographic restrictions within the US
✅ Carbon-neutral delivery – We offset shipping emissions because ethical sourcing extends to environmental responsibility
How Marrakeche’s DDP Shipping Works: Behind the Scenes
Understanding our process helps you appreciate the care we put into every order—and why transparent pricing matters so much to us.
Step 1: Intelligent Pricing
Before any product goes live on our site, we calculate its complete landed cost to the US:
- Base artisan cost – Fair compensation to Moroccan craftspeople and cooperatives
- Quality control – Inspection and authentication of handmade quality
- International shipping – Reliable carriers (DHL, FedEx, UPS) with tracking
- Customs duties – Calculated using HS tariff codes and current US import rates
- Import taxes and fees – All applicable charges including customs processing
- Carbon offset – Environmental impact mitigation for international transport
This complete calculation becomes your price. We don’t hide costs in fine print or surprise you at checkout.
Step 2: Order Fulfillment
When you place an order:
- 90% of orders ship within 72 hours – We maintain ready inventory of popular items and work closely with artisan partners for custom pieces
- Careful packaging – Each item is wrapped to protect intricate craftsmanship during international transit
- Complete customs documentation – We prepare all required paperwork with accurate tariff classifications
Step 3: Customs Clearance
Here’s where DDP makes your life dramatically easier:
- We’re the importer of record – Marrakeche takes legal responsibility for customs compliance
- We pay all duties upfront – Before your package even reaches US customs
- Immediate clearance – No holds, no delays, no waiting for payment
- Professional customs brokers – We work with experienced brokers who handle thousands of shipments
Step 4: Delivery to Your Door
Your package arrives via express international carrier:
- 3-10 business day delivery – Typical timeframe from Morocco to anywhere in the US
- Real-time tracking – Monitor your shipment every step of the way
- No signature required for most orders – Convenient doorstep delivery
- No additional charges – The delivery driver hands you your package; you don’t hand them a credit card
The Morocco-US Trade Advantage: How MAFTA Helps
The Morocco Free Trade Agreement (MAFTA), in effect since January 2006, provides preferential trade terms between Morocco and the United States. Many authentic Moroccan artisan products qualify for duty-free or reduced-tariff entry.
What This Means for You
- Lower or zero duties on qualifying handmade goods like textiles, pottery, and leather products
- Simplified customs procedures for Moroccan imports
- Faster clearance due to established trade protocols
Why DDP Still Matters
Even with MAFTA benefits, customs can be complex:
- Tariff classification requires expertise—misclassification can trigger audits or delays
- Documentation requirements vary by product category
- Duty rates depend on materials, construction methods, and intended use
- Processing fees apply regardless of duty-free status
Our DDP policy means you benefit from MAFTA advantages without navigating any complexity. We leverage trade agreement benefits while ensuring you never worry about classifications, paperwork, or unexpected charges.
What Marrakeche’s DDP Shipping Covers: The Complete List
Let’s be crystal clear about what’s included in your Marrakeche purchase price:
✅ Included in Your Price
Customs Duties – All applicable import duties based on product classification and value
Import Taxes – Federal taxes on imported goods
Customs Processing Fees – Administrative charges for customs clearance
Customs Broker Fees – Professional broker services for documentation and clearance
International Shipping – Express carrier service from Morocco to your US address
Shipping Insurance – Protection against loss or damage in transit
Carbon Offset – Environmental impact mitigation for your shipment
Tracking Services – Real-time shipment monitoring
❌ Not Included (Because They Don’t Apply)
State/Local Sales Tax – Moroccan imports typically aren’t subject to state sales tax, but check your local regulations
Customs Holds or Delays – Won’t happen because we’ve prepaid everything
Surprise Delivery Fees – Never; the carrier delivers without collecting payment
Real Customer Stories: How DDP Changed Their Experience
Sarah, Interior Designer – Los Angeles, CA
“I was sourcing Moroccan rugs for three client projects and dreading the customs nightmare. I’d been burned before with a $200 surprise fee on a rug from another seller. With Marrakeche, I ordered five rugs totaling $3,800, and the price at checkout was my final cost. They arrived in 8 days, no customs hold, no extra fees. Now I exclusively source through Marrakeche because I can give clients accurate budgets.”
Michael & Jennifer, Homeowners – Austin, TX
“We fell in love with a brass lamp and leather pouf set but hesitated because of customs horror stories from friends. Marrakeche’s website clearly stated all duties were covered, so we took the chance. True to their word—no surprise charges, smooth delivery, and the pieces are even more beautiful in person. We’ve since ordered tea sets and pillow covers, always with the same transparent experience.”
Rebecca, Boutique Owner – Portland, OR
“As a small business owner, I need to know my exact costs to price products correctly. Marrakeche’s DDP shipping gives me true landed costs, which is essential for maintaining margins. I’ve built a reliable supply relationship with them, ordering Moroccan accessories quarterly. The consistency and transparency make them a trusted partner, not just a supplier.”
Product Categories Available with DDP Shipping
Every single item in our collection ships with DDP terms—no exceptions, no minimum orders. Here’s what you can shop with complete price transparency:
Moroccan Rugs & Carpets
Hand-knotted by Berber women in the Atlas Mountains, our rug collection spans traditional and contemporary styles:
- Beni Ourain – Iconic cream wool with geometric black diamonds
- Boujad – Vibrant, expressive designs in bold colors
- Azilal – Playful, abstract patterns with symbolic motifs
- Beni Mrirt – Plush, high-pile rugs in natural tones
- Vintage Berber – One-of-a-kind antique pieces with patina and history
- Kilim Rugs – Flat-woven textiles in tribal patterns
Every rug ships with DDP coverage, so you know your exact investment in these statement floor pieces.
Browse our complete Moroccan Rugs collection →
Moroccan Poufs & Ottomans
Versatile seating and footrests handcrafted in traditional styles:
- Leather Poufs – Buttery soft leather in round and square shapes, hand-stitched with intricate embroidery
- Kilim Poufs – Woven textile poufs featuring tribal patterns and natural dyes
- Straw Poufs – Lightweight, textured poufs woven from natural palm fibers
Perfect for adding flexible seating, a pop of texture, or a bohemian accent to any room.
Shop Moroccan Poufs & Ottomans →
Lighting: Lamps, Lanterns & Lampshades
Transform your space with Moroccan lighting that casts mesmerizing patterns:
- Brass Lamps – Hand-hammered and pierced metal table and floor lamps
- Brass Lanterns – Traditional hanging lanterns with intricate cutwork
- Straw Lampshades – Woven natural fiber shades in organic shapes
Each piece is handcrafted by metalworkers in Fez using centuries-old techniques.
Explore Moroccan Brass Lamp Collection →
Pottery & Ceramics
Artisan ceramics from Morocco’s legendary pottery centers:
- Hand-Painted Ceramics – Plates, bowls, and serving pieces in traditional Fez patterns
- Tamegroute Pottery – Distinctive green-glazed pieces from the Draa Valley
- Ceramic Vases – Statement vessels in various sizes and glazes
- Candle Holders – Rustic and refined ceramic candleholders
- Tagines – Authentic cooking and serving tagines
Kitchen & Tea Accessories
Build your Moroccan tea ritual with authentic accessories:
- Moroccan Tea Sets – Complete sets with engraved teapot, tea glasses, and serving tray
- Teapots – Hand-engraved brass and silver-plated teapots
- Tea Glasses – Colorful handblown and painted tea glasses
- Serving Trays – Ornate brass and silver-plated trays in various sizes
- Ceramics – Functional pottery for everyday use
Bags & Accessories
Handcrafted bags and jewelry celebrating Moroccan artisan traditions:
- Straw Bags – Handwoven market baskets and beach totes
- Leather Bags – Structured totes and crossbody bags in buttery leather
- Crochet Bags – Delicate handmade clutches and small bags
- Jewelry – Berber silver, contemporary artisan pieces, traditional designs
Discover Moroccan Straw Bags →
Home Decor
Curated pieces that bring Moroccan soul to every room:
- Pillow Covers – Embroidered, woven, and kilim cushion covers
- Wall Decor – Carved wooden art, woven wall hangings, mirrors
- Furniture – Handcrafted wooden pieces with traditional joinery
- Antique Items – One-of-a-kind vintage treasures
Browse Home Decor Collection →
Natural Beauty & Hammam Products
Bring Moroccan wellness rituals home:
- Argan Oil – Pure, cold-pressed argan oil for skin and hair
- Black Soap – Traditional beldi soap for hammam rituals
- Ghassoul Clay – Mineral-rich clay for face and hair masks
- Hammam Accessories – Kessa gloves, wooden combs, traditional tools
Specialty Items
Unique offerings that complete the Moroccan experience:
- Moroccan Sweets – Traditional confections and pastries
- Moroccan Snacks – Authentic savory treats
- Leather Footwear – Handcrafted traditional slippers and shoes
Beyond DDP: Other Ways We Make Shopping Easy
Our commitment to transparent, hassle-free shopping extends beyond customs duties:
Fast Fulfillment
90% of orders ship within 72 hours. We maintain inventory of popular items and work closely with artisan partners to minimize wait times for custom pieces.
Wholesale Programs
Interior designers, retailers, and business buyers can access wholesale pricing while maintaining DDP benefits. Contact us about wholesale opportunities to discuss volume pricing and consistent supply.
Custom Design Services
Need a rug in specific dimensions? Want a lamp in a particular finish? Our artisan network can create custom pieces tailored to your vision—still with DDP shipping included.
Responsive Customer Service
Questions about products, shipping, or customs? Our team responds quickly with clear, helpful information. We’re here to make your experience seamless from browsing to delivery.
Carbon-Neutral Shipping
We offset the carbon emissions from every shipment because ethical sourcing means environmental responsibility. Your Moroccan treasures arrive with minimal ecological impact.
The Artisan Story: Who You’re Supporting
When you shop at Marrakeche with DDP shipping, you’re not just avoiding customs fees—you’re supporting Moroccan artisan communities and preserving endangered craft traditions.
Berber Weaving Cooperatives
Our rugs come from women’s weaving cooperatives in the Atlas Mountains, where traditional techniques pass from mother to daughter. Each rug takes weeks or months to complete, with every knot tied by hand. Your purchase provides fair income that keeps these communities thriving and these skills alive.
Fez Metalworkers
The brass lamps and lanterns in our collection are handcrafted in Fez, where metalworking guilds have operated for centuries. Artisans hammer, pierce, and engrave each piece using techniques unchanged for generations. Supporting these craftspeople ensures this heritage continues.
Pottery Villages
Our ceramics come from traditional pottery centers like Fez, Safi, and Tamegroute, where potters shape clay on manual wheels and fire pieces in ancient kilns. The distinctive Tamegroute green glaze, created from natural minerals, exists nowhere else in the world.
Leather Tanners
Moroccan leather goods originate in traditional tanneries where hides are processed using natural materials—salt, pigeon droppings, and plant-based dyes. This medieval process, still practiced today, produces the supple, richly colored leather in our poufs and bags.
Fair Trade Commitment
We work directly with artisan cooperatives and family workshops, ensuring:
- Fair compensation that exceeds local market rates
- Safe working conditions and respect for artisan dignity
- Preservation of traditional techniques through economic support
- Community investment in education and infrastructure
Your DDP purchase supports not just individual artisans but entire communities built around traditional crafts.
Frequently Asked Questions About Our DDP Shipping
Will I really pay no additional fees?
Absolutely. The price at checkout is your complete, final cost. We cover all customs duties, import taxes, and clearance fees. You will not receive any additional bills or charges upon delivery.
How long does shipping take?
3-10 business days for most US destinations. We ship 90% of orders within 72 hours, and express international carriers (DHL, FedEx, UPS) typically deliver within a week of shipment.
What if customs tries to charge me?
Contact us immediately. This shouldn’t happen because we’ve prepaid everything, but if any customs issue arises, we’ll resolve it quickly. You’re never responsible for duties or fees on Marrakeche orders.
Is there a minimum order for DDP shipping?
No minimum. Whether you’re ordering a single tea glass or a complete room of furniture, DDP terms and free shipping apply to every order.
Can I track my shipment?
Yes. You’ll receive tracking information as soon as your order ships, allowing you to monitor your package from Morocco to your door.
What about returns?
We want you to love your Marrakeche pieces. If something isn’t right, contact our customer service team within 30 days of delivery to discuss return or exchange options. Note that customs duties we’ve paid are non-refundable, but we’ll work with you to find a solution.
Do you ship to Alaska, Hawaii, or US territories?
Yes. Our DDP shipping and free worldwide shipping cover all US states and territories. The same transparent pricing applies regardless of your location.
Can businesses and designers use DDP shipping?
Absolutely. DDP is ideal for business buyers because it provides true landed costs, essential for accurate pricing and margin calculations. We offer wholesale programs with the same DDP benefits—contact us to learn more.
How do you keep prices competitive while covering duties?
We work directly with artisan cooperatives, eliminating middlemen. We negotiate favorable shipping rates through volume. And we believe transparent pricing builds trust and loyalty—which is worth more than hidden fees.
What makes Marrakeche different from other Moroccan retailers?
Beyond DDP shipping, we offer:
- Comprehensive product range across all categories
- Fast fulfillment (90% within 72 hours)
- Carbon-neutral shipping
- Direct artisan relationships ensuring authenticity and fair trade
- Wholesale programs for business buyers
- Custom design services
- Responsive customer service
We’re not just selling products—we’re building lasting relationships with customers who value transparency, quality, and ethical sourcing.
Start Shopping with Complete Confidence
Now that you understand how Marrakeche’s DDP shipping works, you can shop our complete collection knowing exactly what you’ll pay—with zero surprises, zero customs hassles, and zero hidden fees.
Whether you’re decorating your first apartment, designing a client’s space, or stocking your boutique, our DDP commitment means you can focus on finding the perfect pieces while we handle all the logistics.
Ready to discover authentic Moroccan handmade treasures with transparent pricing?
Shop by Category
- Moroccan Rugs – Hand-knotted Berber rugs in traditional and contemporary styles
- Poufs & Ottomans – Leather, kilim, and straw poufs for versatile seating
- Brass Lamps – Handcrafted lighting that transforms spaces
- Pottery & Ceramics – Artisan pieces from Morocco’s pottery centers
- Tea Accessories – Complete sets for authentic Moroccan tea rituals
- Straw Bags – Handwoven market baskets and beach totes
- Natural Beauty – Argan oil, hammam products, and traditional wellness
- Home Decor – Curated pieces that bring Moroccan soul to every room
Special Programs
Interior Designers & Retailers: Explore our wholesale program for volume pricing with DDP benefits
Custom Projects: Contact us about custom designs tailored to your specific vision
Questions? Reach our customer service team for personalized assistance
The Marrakeche Promise
Every order from Marrakeche Crafts comes with:
✅ Complete price transparency – What you see is what you pay
✅ Free worldwide shipping – No minimums, no geographic restrictions
✅ All US customs duties covered – Zero surprise fees
✅ Fast fulfillment – 90% ship within 72 hours
✅ Carbon-neutral delivery – Environmentally responsible shipping
✅ Authentic handmade quality – Direct from Moroccan artisans
✅ Fair trade practices – Supporting artisan communities
✅ Responsive customer service – We’re here to help
Featured In
Our commitment to transparent DDP shipping and authentic Moroccan craftsmanship has been recognized by design and lifestyle publications. We’ve been featured in Medium’s guide to ethical home decor sourcing, highlighted in Substack’s roundup of artisan marketplaces making international shopping easier, and included in Reddit’s list of retailers revolutionizing cross-border e-commerce. These features reflect our mission to make authentic Moroccan handmade products accessible to US customers without the hassle of surprise customs fees or complicated import procedures.
Shop with confidence. Shop with transparency. Shop Marrakeche.
