The agri-food sector accounts for a growing share of Moroccan exports, with Europe remaining the primary market. But for a shipment to cross the border, its packaging and labelling must be flawless. Here are the key checks that can make or break an export.
ONSSA approval: a non-negotiable prerequisite
The Office National de Sécurité Sanitaire des produits Alimentaires (ONSSA) requires every production, processing, packing, packaging and labelling facility to obtain sanitary authorisation before it can operate. The list of approved packing stations for export is public and regularly updated. Without this prior approval, even the most carefully designed packaging is worthless.
Labelling: decree 2-12-389
The labelling and presentation of food products are governed by decree 2-12-389, which is aligned with international standards (Codex Alimentarius). The required information includes:
- A clear and non-misleading sales description.
- An ingredient list in descending order of weight, with allergens highlighted.
- A date mark (use-by or best-before) and storage conditions.
- Origin and identification of the manufacturer / packer.
- A manufacturing batch number for traceability.
- Information in the language of the destination market (e.g., French, English, or Arabic).
Food contact: the right board, the right barrier
Primary packaging must be suitable for food contact: certified board, compliant inks and varnishes, and lamination suited to moisture and grease. For fresh or greasy products (such as dates, pastries, or oils), the functional barrier is just as important as the visual design.
Morocco Foodex commercial standard inspections
For exports, Morocco Foodex inspects for compliance with commercial standards: category, size, colour, maturity, presentation, packing, packaging and marking of origin. Inconsistent sizing or a non-compliant marking of origin is enough to have a container held at the border.
Our role
Printivo designs and prints compliant secondary packaging and labels: food-contact approved board, regulatory information, traceability codes, and marking of origin. We work with your quality assurance teams to ensure your packaging passes inspection first time.
