Simplification of foreign trade procedures : electronic exchange of ONSSA's control results via PORTNET

International Trade has a key place in the work of the National Committee for Business Environment; this can be illustrated by the importance given to this component in the different action plans of the latter.

In fact, all the structural reforms undertaken by Morocco such as : the cancellation of subscription of the foreign exchange commitment,  the electronic payment of customs duties, the dematerialisation of import and export documents, as well as the establishment of the National Single Window for the facilitation of foreign trade procedures (PORTNET) are the result of a strong commitment of many stakeholders from both the public and private sectors.

Similarly, The creation of PORTNET has contributed to the implementation of several projects such the dematerialisation of the import control system launched by the Ministry of Industry, Investment, Trade and Digital Economy or that of the National Office of Food Safety (ONSSA), which is under way.

This project comes within the framework of the agreement signed on 12 December 2017, between the National Office of Food Safety (ONSSA), the Administration of Customs and Indirect Taxes and the National Single Window for the facilitation of foreign trade procedures.In addition, the electronic exchange of ONSSA's control results via PortNet was successfully deployed in the ports of Casablanca and Agadir, prior to its  generalization to other ports, airports and MEADs.

The partnership through this agreement forms part of the joint efforts of the stakeholders to cooperate in an inclusive manner, with the aim of contributing to simplifying cross-border trade procedures through the computerised exchange of data via the PortNet Single Window, improving the conditions for customs clearance of products subject to ONSSA control, strengthening consumer protection, introducing coordinated and efficient import and export controls, and fighting unfair competition.

It also contributes to improving the quality of public service, the business climate, the competitiveness of economic operators and Morocco’s attractiveness to foreign investment.