SGS Marks Three Years Delivering PCA Services in Morocco
The country’s product conformity assessment (PCA) program, launched in 2020 as part of a market surveillance program, has continuously evolved. It now covers over 400 product categories of which 80% are subject to origin control and 20% to destination control.
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We are proud to have been supporting the Ministry of Industry and Trade in its market surveillance program for over three years, with continuous improvement in line with Ministry guidelines and recommendations.
The initiative, through regulatory compliance monitoring, aims to protect consumers from the risks associated with the use of industrial products available on the national market, other than agri-food and pharmaceutical products. It also protects economic operators by creating conditions helpful for fair competition in the local market.
What new products are included in Morocco’s PCA program?
From February 2024, the following products have, and will be, subject to inspection upon arrival:
1. Building hardware - two specific types, inspected in accordance with three applicable Moroccan standards, are:
- Vertical mortise locks known as "simple 150" locks, security warded locks, or cylinder security locks
- Lock cylinders
2. Adhesive tapes - inspection is carried out according to the mandatory Moroccan norme marocaine (NM) standard 03.5.359-2022
3. High-adhesion bars and coils, steel products and sandwich panels: mandatory NM certification against 16 Moroccan standards came into effect on August 2, 2024
4. Gas appliances and equipment: following Ministerial Order No. 1616.22 concerning the safety of gas appliances and equipment, requirements related to the Cم (CMIM) declaration of conformity, the technical dossier and CMIM marking have been included. This mandatory requirement will take effect from December 20, 2024
What advice would you give to new economic operators?
I would recommend all economic operators monitor standards and regulations so that they are up to date with the requirements applicable to their products. They should communicate full information (Moroccan HS code, technical data sheets, certificates of use, etc.) to the inspection offices to facilitate the processing of their files and optimize lead times. And above all, don't hesitate to consult the inspection offices if they have any questions relating to import operations.
SGS is accredited against IEC/ISO 17020. How does this benefit clients?
SGS is committed to playing an active role in improving the quality and conformity of imported industrial products, and to meeting the requirements of our customers around the world. Accreditation has enabled SGS to set up a quality management system that analyzes the risks associated with our activities and implements actions to minimize or eliminate them. It also supports us in implementing an operational process to guarantee a better quality of service.
Learn more about Kingdom of Morocco – Conformity Assessment of Industrial Products Program.
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