Morocco has begun enforcing a mandatory national standard for smoke-free nicotine items, including e-cigarettes, muassel, and nicotine pouches. Developed by the Moroccan Institute of Standardization (IMANOR), the rules establish baseline consumer protections across an import-reliant market that previously operated without dedicated technical controls.
Prioritizing Product Transparency and Traceability
The framework centers on strict product traceability and comprehensive packaging disclosures. Ouadi Madih, president of the National Federation of Consumer Associations (FNAC), noted that market oversight provides better protection than outright prohibition.
“Consumers cannot simply be prevented from accessing these products,” Madih said. “Even if you make them illegal, people will still obtain them. It is better to regulate them and show consumers what they are using through clear labeling.”
Under the standard, product packaging must include 11 mandatory elements, such as:
- Manufacturer and distributor identity
- Exact ingredient composition and nicotine strength
- Country of origin and batch numbers
- Manufacturing and expiration dates
Madih described accurate labeling as the first line of consumer defense, enabling buyers to verify product origin and avoid counterfeit goods.
Enforcing Controls on Imported Nicotine Products
Because Morocco has no domestic production facilities for e-cigarettes or nicotine pouches, IMANOR’s requirements apply directly to the import supply chain. Customs authorities and commercial inspectors will block any non-compliant shipments from entering Moroccan borders.
This technical standard builds on earlier updates to national tobacco legislation. Morocco previously passed Law 66-20 (amending Law 46-02) to incorporate heated tobacco products into its legal code, adapting state oversight to newer consumption formats.
FNAC emphasized that standardizing these products does not constitute a state endorsement. Instead, the focus remains on accountability, traceability, and ensuring consumers have the factual information needed to make informed choices.
