Ministry renews WTO challenge to Morocco’s steel certification rules

Turkey is renewing its objections to Morocco’s mandatory certification requirements for imported steel products, arguing that the rules impose excessive costs and create barriers to trade. The issue is expected to return to the World Trade Organization’s (WTO) Technical Barriers to Trade Committee on November 11-13 in Geneva.

The requirements, in force since August 2024, make 16 Moroccan standards mandatory for products including rebar, wire rod and coated steel, and sandwich panels. Covered products must carry the Moroccan NM marking to enter the market.

While the rules apply to both domestic and imported products, foreign producers face additional requirements, including appointing a legal representative in Morocco, arranging factory inspections by an organization authorized by the Moroccan Institute for Standardization (IMANOR), and implementing a compliant self-inspection system.

Turkey first raised the issue at the WTO in June 2025 and has continued to challenge the requirements at subsequent meetings. Ankara argues that the certification procedures are excessively burdensome and costly, and has called for greater clarity, bilateral consultations and suspension of the measures. Previous attempts to initiate discussions with Moroccan authorities have reportedly failed to produce progress.

Morocco rejects claims that the requirements are protectionist, maintaining that they are necessary to ensure construction quality and public safety, particularly given the importance of steel products in buildings and infrastructure. Moroccan officials have indicated a willingness to discuss streamlining procedures, provided safety standards are maintained, but have ruled out suspending the system.

The issue is significant for Turkish steel exporters seeking access to the Moroccan market. The requirements cover both long and flat steel products, while Morocco also maintains safeguard duties on hot-rolled steel imports from all origins. The latest extension, effective from June 19, 2026, provides for additional duties of 19pct in the first year, 18pct in the second and 17pct in the third.

If bilateral discussions fail to resolve the certification issue, Turkey could pursue formal WTO dispute settlement proceedings. For now, the matter remains under discussion at the committee level