Morocco introduces new regulations for importing animal meal for pet food

MOROCCO – Morocco has established new regulations for importing animal meal intended for pet food production, marking the first time such a framework has been implemented in the country. 

According to a USDA GAINS report, these rules specifically address rendered products used as dog and cat food ingredients. USDA experts believe this regulatory change opens up opportunities for utilizing these byproducts in other animal feeds.

The National Office for Food Safety (ONSSA) in Morocco has outlined procedures to manage the risks of importing and using animal meals. Before any imports are approved, an ONSSA technical committee will review the country of origin. 

This review includes verifying the production and certification conditions of the byproducts by the originating country’s health authority. 

The committee will also ensure that the producer is authorized to export these meals to Morocco and will require a health certificate detailing the conditions for importing such products.

The ONSSA website lists the countries and producers authorized to export animal meals to Morocco. Companies approved to make food for dogs and cats exclusively must submit their import applications to the local ONSSA office. 

These companies must also create a health control plan based on risk analysis, using the Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) method, and a traceability procedure for the imported rendered products. These plans must receive approval from the veterinary service.

ONSSA has stated that any non-compliance with the set conditions for using animal meals could result in the withdrawal of the establishment’s authorization.

Changing market trends 

Economic challenges and declining disposable incomes are impacting purchasing habits in Morocco, leading customers to switch from readymade pet food products to homemade alternatives. 

Despite this, cat ownership is expected to grow, particularly among single-person households. The report suggests that urbanization and the influence of Western lifestyles will drive this trend. 

However, the economic recession might cause many pet owners to trade down or cut back on prepared cat food, opting instead for leftovers.

The unit price of cat food in Morocco is expected to increase marginally despite rising distribution and global costs. 

This is due to the popularity of affordable local brands like Odace and Happy Cat and the influx of economical products from Turkey, such as Avenal, Divinus, Reflex, and Cat Plus.

Dog food, on the other hand, is expected to grow slowly. As demand declines, manufacturers will likely maintain low prices by reducing their margins and occasionally offering discounts to boost sales volume. 

Dry dog food is considered more convenient and cost-effective than wet dog food in Morocco.

According to Euromonitor, pet shops and superstores will remain the leading distribution channels for pet food in 2024.

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