The rules apply to rendered products imported specifically as ingredients for making dog and cat food, according to a USDA GAINS report.
However, USDA experts believe this change could also create opportunities for using these byproducts in other types of animal feeds.
Risk management
Morocco's food safety authority, ONSSA, has set out procedures for managing the risks of importing and using animal meals.
Before any imports can happen, an ONSSA technical committee will review the country of origin. This review will include checking the production and certification conditions of these byproducts by that country's health authority. The committee will also confirm that the producer is authorized to export the meals to Morocco and will need 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 by the food safety authority to exclusively make food for dogs and cats 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 HACCP method, and a traceability procedure for the imported rendered products. These plans must be approved by the veterinary service.
ONSSA says that in the event of it discovering non-compliance with the conditions of use of animal meals, as set, the establishment's authorization may be withdrawn.
Morocco’s pet food market
Pet ownership is increasing in Morocco, particularly among younger people and middle- and upper-income households, according to a Euromonitor review.
However, challenging economic conditions and declining disposable incomes are affecting purchasing habits. The weaker economy is leading customers to switch from readymade pet food products to homemade alternatives.
Cat ownership is expected to continue growing, especially among single-person households, the report states.
“Unlike dogs, cat ownership will be driven by rising urbanization and the influence of Western lifestyles in Morocco. With more people staying single, the number of single-person households is expected to increase, which in turn will boost cat ownership.
“The biggest challenge for cat food growth will be the ongoing economic recession. This will likely cause many pet owners to trade down or cut back on prepared cat food, opting instead for leftovers.”
Despite the rising cost of distribution and global prices, cat food's unit price in that country is expected to increase marginally. This is due to the popularity of affordable local brands like Odace and Happy Cat, as well as the influx of economical products from Turkey, such as Avenal, Divinus, Reflex, and Cat Plus.
Dog food is expected to grow slowly, notes Euromonitor.
“As demand for dog food declines, manufacturers are unlikely to raise prices. Instead, they will reduce their margins to keep prices low, occasionally offering discounts to boost sales volume.”
Dry dog food is seen as a more convenient and cost-effective option compared to wet dog food in Morocco, according to the market intelligence firm.
Pet shops and superstores remain the leading distribution channels in 2024, the review finds.
