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Motor Transport — Four Options & Rider Preparation

Clear, practical instructions for riders preparing motorcycles for UNTAMED Rally Roadbook Training (Erfoud & Merzouga). Read the option that applies to you and follow the checklists precisely. Tone: practical, professional, safety-first.

Contents

  1. Option A — Rider rides their own motorcycle across the border
  2. Option B — Rider transports own registered motorcycle on a trailer (owner present)
  3. Option C — Organizer transports the rider’s motorcycle (owner not present)
  4. Option D — Rider rents a motorcycle from the organizer (organizer handles import)
  5. Templates & Forms (POA, Handover)
  6. Contacts & Next Steps

1. Option A — Rider rides their own motorcycle across the border

Short summary

You ride your own, registered motorcycle into Morocco. This is the least paperwork-intensive option for the organizer and often the fastest at customs. The rider is treated as the vehicle operator, not cargo.

Key points — what you must know & prepare

  • No ATA Carnet is normally required when the owner/operator crosses the border on the bike – Morocco uses a temporary import procedure (local form/D16 or TVIP).
  • You must personally present original motorcycle registration and passport to customs and obtain the temporary import permit / stamp.
  • Ensure international motor insurance for Morocco (Green Card or local short-term policy). Some ports sell short-term cover on arrival – check ahead.
  • Keep fuel at reserve level when travelling to/from ferry; batteries may need to be secured according to ferry rules.
  • Plan arrival times and follow organizer instructions for rendezvous at the port and event base.

Documents to carry (originals)

  • Passport (valid)
  • Vehicle registration document for the motorcycle (original)
  • Driving licence valid for the motorcycle
  • Proof of ownership (if registration is not clearly in your name)
  • International insurance / Green Card or plan to purchase cover at port
  • Photographs of VIN and pre-trip condition (recommended)

On-border procedure — practical steps

  1. Approach customs with motorcycle and present passport + registration.
  2. Ask for the temporary import permit (D16 / TVIP or local equivalent) and ensure the officer stamps/records the permit.
  3. If exiting EU via ferry port, obtain exit/export stamp from departure-side customs where possible.
  4. Keep all stamped documents safely — required for exit from Morocco on return.
  5. If unsure, ask: “I am temporarily importing this private motorcycle for tourism — which form do you need?” (English or French works at most ports.)

Bike preparation checklist (before travel)

  • Fuel at reserve level only.
  • Secure or disconnect battery if the bike will be stored (optional; agree with organizer if applicable).
  • Remove loose luggage; carry small spares in your flight luggage.
  • Photograph VIN plate and overall condition; send copies to the organizer.
  • Check tyres and basic service (no leaks, secure parts).

Quick border phrases (English / French)

EN: "Hello - I am the owner and rider. I am temporarily importing my motorcycle for private use. Here are my passport and registration."
FR: "Bonjour - je suis le propriétaire et conducteur. J'entre temporairement avec ma moto pour un séjour privé. Voici mon passeport et les papiers du véhicule."

2. Option B — Rider transports own registered motorcycle on a trailer (owner present)

Short summary

You tow your own trailer with your registered motorcycle(s) aboard and you are present at the border. Customs treat this as private transport by the owner/operator – usually no ATA Carnet is required, but correct procedures must be followed.

Key points — what you must know & prepare

  • Because the owner is present and the motorcycles are private property being transported by their owner, the temporary import procedure typically applies (D16/TVIP).
  • You must present registration for the motorcycle(s), registration for the towing vehicle and trailer registration (if registered separately), plus passport.
  • If you carry motorcycles belonging to other owners on the same trailer, each non-present owner will need a signed POA and the organizer/shipper may require Carnet or bank guarantee – this complicates customs.
  • Ferry operators require accurate loaded dimensions and GTW; confirm before booking.

Documents to carry (originals)

  • Passport (driver/owner)
  • Vehicle registration for the towing vehicle
  • Registration / ownership documents for each motorcycle on the trailer (originals)
  • Trailer registration (if applicable)
  • International insurance (Green Card) covering Morocco for the towing vehicle and, if applicable, the motorcycles
  • Photos of bikes and VINs; carry a simple handover sheet if any bikes belong to third parties

On-border procedure — practical steps

  1. Before boarding the ferry at the departure port: visit outbound customs to request exit stamp / manifest as required by the ferry (some ports require this).
  2. At Moroccan arrival: present passports, registrations and request temporary import entries for the motorcycles.
  3. If carrying multiple ownerships on one trailer: present POAs or ownership confirmations for any bikes not owned by the driver.
  4. Keep all stamped permits and return them at re-export; EU re-entry will require proof of prior exit.

Trailer & bike securement notes

  • Use at least 4 rated straps per bike and wheel chocks.
  • Distribute weight centrally over axles and avoid a rear-heavy load.
  • Protect plastics and tanks with edge protectors under straps.
  • Re-check all straps after the first 10–20 km and again before ferry loading.

Owner checklist (send to organizer)

  • Send scans of documents to the organizer at least 7 days prior (registration, passport, VIN photos).
  • Confirm ferry booking with exact vehicle + trailer dimensions and loaded gross weight.
  • Prepare original documents for border staff at handover.
  • Ensure insurance is valid for Morocco.

3. Option C — Organizer transports the rider’s motorcycle (owner not present)

Short summary

The organizer or a contracted freight forwarder acts as the shipper and imports the motorcycle as cargo. This is convenient for owners flying separately, but it requires a signed Power of Attorney (POA) and typically an ATA Carnet or bank guarantee for Moroccan customs.

Key points — what you must know & prepare

  • A signed POA is mandatory to allow the organizer to act on your behalf at customs (issuing Carnet, signing documents, collecting stamps).
  • The organizer will usually act as Carnet holder or arrange a bank guarantee. This must be agreed before shipping.
  • All original documents must accompany the bike at handover; high-quality scans must be provided in advance.
  • Missing or incorrect documentation can cause customs delays, additional fees or temporary seizure until resolved.
  • Owners remain financially responsible for duties/fines resulting from incorrect info or missing stamps.

Documents & authorizations required

  • Original motorcycle registration (handed in at handover)
  • Copy of owner’s passport and contact details
  • Signed POA (template provided) — notarize if your country requires it
  • Keys (1 set) and photos of VIN and pre-existing condition
  • Agreement on customs deposit handling and payment terms

Handover & shipping process (summary)

  1. Owner sends scans at least 7 days before handover and signs POA.
  2. Owner delivers the bike + originals to the consolidation hub, or the bike is collected by courier (arranged in advance).
  3. Organizer prepares Carnet or bank guarantee and finalises the export manifest.
  4. At Moroccan arrival, the clearing agent presents documents and seeks entry stamps; the owner may be asked to present ID in Morocco if requested by local customs.
  5. On return, the organizer obtains exit stamps and closes the Carnet/guarantee to release the deposit.

Risks & owner responsibilities

  • If POA is incomplete / not notarised (if required) customs may refuse release or demand owner presence.
  • If Carnet is used and stamps are missed, the issuing body may hold the security deposit until the issue is resolved.
  • Provide accurate VIN, engine numbers and declared values — inaccuracies cause delays and possible fines.

4. Option D — Rider rents a motorcycle from the organizer (organizer handles import)

Short summary

The organizer imports their rental fleet into Morocco and handles all import / Carnet / customs procedures. This is the simplest option for riders — minimal paperwork except ID and rental agreement.

What the renter must provide / know

  • Bring passport and valid driving licence; ID will be checked and a rental agreement signed on arrival.
  • Confirm insurance arrangements: the rental agreement will state organizer-provided cover and renter liability/excess.
  • No Carnet or import paperwork required from the renter — the organizer handles fleet import and re-export.
  • Inspect the bike at handover and sign the condition report; take photos.
  • Follow rider briefing and safety rules; the organizer provides mechanical support for the rental fleet.

Renter checklist (minimal)

  • Passport and driving licence on arrival
  • Credit card or deposit for rental security as per rental agreement
  • Personal riding insurance if you want cover beyond organizer policy
  • Inspect and photograph the rental bike at handover

Templates & Forms

Power of Attorney (POA) — use when owner is not present

Copy, paste and print. Notarize if your country requires notarisation for POAs.

POWER OF ATTORNEY (POA) - Temporary Export/Import and Customs Clearance

Owner:
Name: _________________________
Address: _______________________
Passport / ID no.: ______________
Phone: ________________________
Email: ________________________

Motorcycle:
Make / Model: ___________________
VIN / chassis no.: ________________
Engine no.: ______________________
Registration no.: _________________
Estimated value: _________________

I hereby authorize:
Organizer / Agent: Perica Matijević - Sport Club UNTAMED
Email: [email protected]
Phone: +385 95 906 1237

To act on my behalf for the temporary export, transport, customs formalities, import and repatriation of the motorcycle described above, including representation before customs authorities, signing of documents, obtaining required customs stamps and receiving/delivering the vehicle in Morocco.

This authority is valid from __/__/____ to __/__/____.

Owner signature: ____________________   Date: __/__/____
(If required by local rules, please notarize)

Organizer acceptance:
Representative name: __________________
Signature: ____________________________  Date: __/__/____

Handover & Condition Report (print & use at consolidation hub)

HANDOVER CHECKLIST & CONDITION REPORT

Owner name: ________________________________
Bike: Make/Model: ____________________________
VIN: ____________________ Engine no.: ____________
Registration no.: ____________________________
Odometer: _______________ Colour: ______________
Pre-existing damage notes: ________________________________________________________________
Photos taken: (front) (rear) (left) (right) (VIN close-up) - filenames: ___________________________

Keys handed: Yes / No    Spare parts handed: Yes / No
Owner contact (phone/email): ____________________________________________

Handover signature (owner): ___________________   Date: __/__/____
Organizer signature: ___________________________   Date: __/__/____

Contacts & Next Steps

Organizer (documentation & logistics):

Organizer / Agent: Perica Matijević – Sport Club UNTAMED
Email: [email protected]
Phone: +385 95 906 1237

Consolidation hub (default):
Fabrikstraße 8, 79361 Sasbach am Kaiserstuhl, Germany

Quick next steps (what we expect from owners)

  1. Decide which transport option you choose (A, B, C or D) and inform the organizer immediately.
  2. If Option C: complete and return the POA at least 7 days before handover; send scanned documents in advance.
  3. If Option B: confirm ferry booking with exact overall length and gross weight and notify the organizer of your arrival slot for customs checks.
  4. Send clear scans/photos of registration, VIN and passport to the organizer 7+ days before the drop-off date.
  5. Bring originals to handover (Options A & B) or ensure originals are delivered with the bike (Options B & C).

Notes & reminders

  • Always keep copies (digital and printed) of documents that you hand over.
  • Missing or incorrect VIN/registration details are the most common cause of customs delays — double-check everything.
  • We recommend photographing each bike carefully (VIN close-up + 4 sides) before handover — these photos are used for insurance and condition reports.
  • If you are unsure which option to pick, contact the organizer with a short description of how you plan to travel (drive your bike / tow / hand over / rent).