New Inspection Procedures Confuse Dahab Oum Importers and Raise Concerns Over Price Increases
The Dahab Oum market in Casablanca, one of Morocco’s largest commercial distribution centers, is experiencing tension among major importers following the authorities’ decision to enforce Moroccan compliance certificates (COC) instead of those issued by the goods’ country of origin. Industry professionals assert that this new procedure has disrupted the entry of goods and caused significant financial losses, especially with the accumulation of products in ports.
Fouad Amhouche, an importer dealing in school supplies, explained that the sudden requirement for a compliance certificate from Moroccan laboratories has bewildered stakeholders in the sector, stating, “Goods are not allowed to pass into the national market before obtaining local approval, which has led to delivery delays and incurred additional losses.”
Professionals say the obligation to carry out inspections within Morocco instead of relying on international compliance certificates from the country of origin has increased import costs and prolonged the marketing timelines for products. This could, according to their estimates, lead to shortages of certain consumer goods in the upcoming months, especially school supplies, toys, and household products.
For his part, Said Farah, General Secretary of the Union of Traders and Professionals of Dahab Oum, noted that the limited number of nationally accredited laboratories and the difficulty of issuing certificates in reasonable timeframes have made the process burdensome and impractical. He added that “the new procedures weigh heavily on traders with complex documentation and conditions, delaying the flow of goods in the market.”
Farah believes these requirements may reduce the pace of imports and negatively affect the availability of various products in the local market, potentially driving up prices due to limited supply. He called on the Ministry of Commerce to open channels for dialogue with professional representatives to find balanced solutions that ensure consumer protection without harming traders and importers.
Meanwhile, sources from the sector assert that the aim of implementing Moroccan compliance standards is to ensure the quality of goods and protect consumers from non-compliant products. However, the lack of prior coordination with professionals has led to the abrupt application of these procedures, exacerbating the crisis.
