The reopening of Melilla's commercial customs with Morocco marks a significant moment in the recent Spain-Morocco relations, as the first truck loaded with approximately 600 kilograms of household appliances successfully crossed the border at Beni Enzar this Wednesday, according to those familiar with the operation.

This event comes after the unexpected and unilateral closure by Morocco in August 2018, and signals a potential thaw in logistical ties between the two nations.

The successful crossing occurred just after eight in the evening, following the completion of requisite customs procedures.

While present in Beirut on an official visit, Spain's Foreign Minister, José Manuel Albares, confirmed the reopening's success.

He noted, 'This is the first step of the first phase towards achieving a normalized customs operation.

It demonstrates the commitment outlined in Spain's roadmap with Morocco, highlighting an unprecedented period of bilateral relationship.'

Though Albares refrained from disclosing the next steps openly—repeating, 'when there's something to announce, I'll announce it,'—plans are in motion to attempt a similar operation in Ceuta, where no customs previously existed, on Thursday.

Concurrently, a second transfer from Melilla is anticipated.

Unlike earlier attempts, these movements are part of commencing regular commercial traffic across Spain's two North African enclaves, although initially restricted to one truck per direction daily, as per the bilateral agreement.

This reopening follows a failed attempt on January 8, when two vehicles loaded with electronics and hygiene products were forced to return to Spain, thwarted by Moroccan authorities who cited technical issues.

The reopening of these customs offices had been pending since April 7, 2022, when both governments reached a reconciliation agreement, incorporating land exchange of goods into their bilateral future relationship roadmap.

This reconciliation notably followed Spain's diplomatic pivot in support of Morocco’s autonomy plan for Western Sahara, moving away from its traditional neutrality.

Foreign Minister Albares acknowledged on Monday that both countries expected to reopen the commercial customs on January 8. He noted, however, 'there’s still work to be done by both customs to resolve any technical issues.' Despite extensive negotiations, pilot tests, and numerous technical and political meetings, the expected formal initiation of trade did not materialize until this latest successful attempt.

Informed sources expressed frustration over the previous failures, pointing out that, according to the agreement, Moroccan authorities had been provided all necessary documentation—including details of exported merchandise and transport vehicles—prior to clearance.

Nevertheless, plans were derailed until this latest operational attempt.

The end-of-year agreement between Spain and Morocco outlines that, initially, only non-articulated trucks (without trailers) without accepting vans or containers, will operate in both directions daily.

Customs will operate from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., excluding holidays in either country.

The agreement lists products for trade through these two commercial customs.

Spain will import fresh Moroccan produce such as fruits, vegetables, and fish, alongside aggregates, while exporting hygiene and cleaning products, appliances, and electronics.

However, the terms affecting travelers remain ambiguous, as current Moroccan regulations block individuals from carrying goods purchased from the other side upon crossing borders.

During a joint press conference in Rabat last December, Foreign Minister Albares asserted that there was no longer a need for 'more pilot tests,' indicating Spain’s readiness.

Similarly, Spanish President Pedro Sánchez, on a February visit to Rabat, stated that once technical issues were resolved, the customs would be opened, though further obstructions by Moroccan authorities delayed this.

Simultaneously, in Ceuta, Government Delegate Cristina Pérez pledged to communicate the agreements reached within the Social Dialogue Roundtable to involved ministries, focusing on the commercial customs opening as a primary topic.

This meeting included Ceuta city president Juan Vivas, his counselors, and representatives of labor and business associations, as reported by Europa Press.