Import Seeds & Fertilizers Morocco: 2026 Guide

🏗️ 1. Regulatory Framework: ONSSA, Guardian of Green Borders

In 2026, importation is governed by Law No. 1-69-169. The goal? Protect national plant heritage against diseases and pests.

Importer Approval

Before any operation, your company must hold an approval issued by ONSSA. This is not automatic: you must prove you have compliant storage facilities (temperature, humidity) and the required technical skills. It is also crucial to verify foreign partners via a prior audit.

📜 2. The Official Catalog: The List of Life or Death

This is the golden rule. You cannot import just any variety. It must appear in the Official Catalog of species and varieties.

• DHS & VAT Tests: To be registered, a variety undergoes Distinction, Homogeneity, Stability (DHS) and Agronomic Value (VAT) tests on Moroccan soil.
• Delay: If not registered, the procedure can take 2 to 3 years.

🌿 3. The Phytosanitary Certificate: Non-Negotiable

Each lot must be accompanied by an original Phytosanitary Certificate issued by the authority of the country of origin (e.g., USDA). It must attest to the absence of quarantine organisms (viruses, bacteria, fungi) listed by ONSSA.

⚠️ A scratch or a Latin name error on this document leads to systematic rejection of the file.

🧪 4. Importing Fertilizers: Between Nutrition and Safety

For fertilizers (NPK, Urea, DAP), the issue is chemical composition and public safety.

4.1 Compliance with NM Standards

Labeling must precisely indicate N-P-K dosages. Samples are taken to verify the bag content matches the label.

4.2 The Critical Case of Ammonium Nitrate

Due to its explosive potential, ammonium nitrate is under high surveillance. Besides ONSSA, National Security intervenes to escort convoys. Authorization from the Ministry of Interior is required before the ship arrives.

💰 5. Customs and Taxation: Strategic Rates

To encourage agriculture, Morocco applies advantageous taxation. Most basic seeds (wheat, barley, vegetable) enjoy a reduced import duty of 2.5%.

🚢 6. Logistics: Do Not Break the Life Cycle

The seed is alive. Its logistics allow no errors.

• Temperature: For delicate seeds, transport in Reefer (+5°C / +10°C) is mandatory to preserve germination rates.
• Humidity: Enemy #1 is mold. Use of high-performance desiccant bags.
• Transit Time: Casa Horizon prefers direct lines. The shorter the transit, the better the quality.

💻 7. PortNet and PIF Control

The procedure is 100% digital on PortNet. As soon as the ship departs, you upload the phyto certificate.

Upon arrival at the Border Inspection Post (PIF), ONSSA takes a sample sent to the lab (LOARC). Goods remain blocked, often in MEAD, until results (48h-72h).