Sourcing Alibaba & 1688 Morocco: 2026 Guide
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Sourcing Alibaba & 1688 Morocco: 2026 Guide

Master importing from China via Alibaba and 1688. Avoid scams, negotiate MOQs, and secure your logistics to Morocco in 2026.

Equipe Casa Horizon

Transitaire agréé

February 8, 2026

The World's Factory

In 2026, China remains unavoidable. But between "too good to be true" photos and fraud risks, sourcing on Alibaba can turn into a nightmare. This guide gives you the methodology to secure your purchases from A to Z.

Many Moroccan importers lose money not because of customs, but because of a bad supplier. Whether you are on Alibaba (International) or 1688 (Domestic), the key is methodology.

🏗️ 1. Alibaba vs 1688: Which Platform?

Alibaba.com

International Showcase (English).

  • ✅ Easy, Trade Assurance.
  • ❌ Higher prices (export margin).

1688.com

Local Market (Chinese).

  • ✅ Factory prices (-30%).
  • ❌ Requires a sourcing agent.

Casa Horizon Strategy: Test on Alibaba, then scale on 1688 via an agent to maximize margins.

🛡️ 2. Avoiding Scams: The 3 Filters

Never trust a simple "Gold Supplier" logo.

  • Trade Assurance: Alibaba's escrow service. NEVER pay outside the platform (Western Union = Danger).
  • Verified Supplier: Factory physically audited (SGS/TUV).
  • History: Prefer > 3-5 years.

Pro Tip

Check the seller's catalog. If they sell shoes AND toothbrushes, they are a Trading Co, not a factory.

🗣️ 3. Negotiating like a Pro

The MOQ (Minimum Order Quantity) is negotiable. Say: "We are testing the Moroccan market, if quality is good, we will order more."

The Sample Rule: Never import a container without touching the product. Order 2 samples: one to test, one sealed for dispute reference.

💳 4. Payment and Exchange Office

Critical point for Moroccan entrepreneurs.

  • E-commerce Allowance: For samples (International Credit Card).
  • Bank Transfer (T/T): For large orders via PortNet. Your bank transfers to Alibaba's Trade Assurance account.

🔬 5. Quality Control and Logistics

The fatal error? Discovering the defect in Casablanca. Pay for pre-shipment inspection in China (200-300 USD).

China-Morocco Logistics

Beware of informal "DDP" offered by suppliers. They don't know Moroccan customs (C-Mark, Article 19 bis). Entrust freight to an expert like Casa Horizon to secure your compliance.

Questions Fréquemment Posées

Can I Dropship from Alibaba to Morocco?
Complex and low profitability (delays, individual customs fees). Prefer stock.
Pay via PayPal or WeChat?
NO. High scam risk. Stay on Trade Assurance.
China-Morocco delivery time?
Air: 7-12 days. Sea: 35-45 days. + Customs clearance.
Taxes on samples?
Yes, customs may tax even samples based on estimated value.

Sources & Références

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