The imminent entry into force of the new conformity certificate management platform is causing concern among importers. Between tight deadlines, additional logistical costs, seasonal constraints and technical problems, operators are questioning the relevance and timetable of this reform, which is supposed to streamline and secure the control of industrial products upon importation.
The new platform for managing certificates of conformity (COCs), intended to improve the control system for industrial products upon import, is creating controversy. Accessible via the Portnet.ma website, this platform was set up to streamline the processing of products controllable at origin, and to facilitate the management of COCs, licenses, as well as registrations granted to importers.
In a recent communication addressed to economic operators, the Ministry of Industry and Commerce, at the origin of this initiative, announces that the entry into force of this application will take place on January 15, 2025, the date from which the request and obtaining COCs must be carried out in this way.
Insufficient time
However, this deadline is considered very short by operators, particularly fabric importers. The latter believe that it could harm them. Although this deadline has already been extended – operators were originally required to comply with it by December 15 at the latest – they consider this new deadline to be too early. To obtain an additional reprieve, the National Association of Fabric Importers (ANIT) sent a letter to the ministry, requesting an extension of six months, i.e. until June 2025. The ministry indicated its agreement to do so, without however fully satisfy importers.
“We do not deny the importance of this approach for transparency and good governance, but the fact that the decision was taken at such short notice, without prior consultation with the parties concerned, creates tensions. Certain parameters have not been taken into account, which is restrictive for importers, especially since the current period is not the most conducive to such changes,” criticizes Younès Moufti, president of ANIT.
Indeed, in China and Europe, which are among Morocco's main suppliers, this period coincides with the end-of-year holidays, during which factories are often shut down. The president of ANIT also underlines that in China, goods are already being transported, but that they have the old certificate of conformity. Keeping these containers stranded results in demurrage, entirely borne by the importer. Another sticking point concerns the technical incidents encountered on the Portnet.ma platform.
“Currently, these technical problems are slowing down the smooth running of operations, even though the platform is supposed to simplify administrative procedures. Sometimes the system remains blocked for several days. At this rate, delays can be very expensive,” points out Moufti.
However, in the ministry's notification, it is specified that only certificates of conformity issued via the platform will be accepted from January 15. During this transition period, economic operators have the choice of using the platform or resorting to approved inspection bodies. The ministry also says it is willing to hold clarification meetings with operators experiencing difficulties. It is in this context that ANIT held, a few days ago, a meeting with the competent services of the ministry, during which importers reiterated their grievances and reported the technical problems encountered in the use of the platform.
Sluggish demand
It should also be noted that the current season is hardly favorable for fabric importers. Given the late cold weather, demand for warm fabrics has collapsed.
“We usually work with small industrial textile companies, to whom we supply fabric for making, particularly pajamas and bathrobes. However, this season, we find ourselves with a lot of unsold goods, due to the absence of cold and the drop in purchasing power,” explains Moufti.
Since the surge in inflation, purchasing power has been significantly impacted, leading to a drop in sales volume among retailers.
However, professionals ensure that prices remain affordable. Those of medium quality pajamas vary between 70 and 90 dirhams, while for superior quality, they range from 140 to 150 dirhams. As for unsold items, it is difficult to sell them the following season, due to changing trends.
Younes Mofti
President of ANIT
“We do not deny the importance of this approach for transparency and good governance, but the fact that the decision was taken at such short notice, without prior consultation with the parties concerned, creates tensions. Certain parameters have not been taken into account, which is restrictive for importers, especially since the current period is not the most conducive to such changes.”
Maryem Ouazzani / ECO Inspirations
