Classification
Product TypeRaw Material
Product FormDried
Industry PositionPrimary Agricultural Product
Raw Material
Market
Dried cassava (HS 071410) appears to be a niche, import-dependent product category in Morocco rather than a domestically produced staple. UN Comtrade-based WITS data shows Morocco imported 6,029 kg in 2021 (trade value 2.31 in 1000 USD), indicating small volumes typically aligned with specialty food channels and/or limited feed-use demand. Morocco also shows very small exports in the same HS line (1,953 kg in 2021), consistent with minor re-export or irregular trade. Market access and clearance are shaped by ONSSA import controls for plant/vegetable-origin products, including documentary, identity/physical, and potentially laboratory checks. The most critical trade blocker risk is non-compliance on cyanide (HCN) safety expectations for cassava products, which can trigger rejection or consumer/feed safety concerns.
Market RoleImport-dependent consumer and feed-input market (niche volumes)
Domestic RoleNiche imported product used by specialty food channels and potentially limited feed uses; domestic production not established in this record
Market GrowthNot Mentioned
SeasonalityAvailability is driven by import logistics rather than domestic harvest seasonality.
Specification
Physical Attributes- Common traded forms under HS 071410 include dried roots/tubers, chips, or pellets; products should be free from visible mold and excessive foreign matter (buyer/authority inspection focus).
- Moisture control is a key handling attribute for dried cassava to prevent mold growth during storage and transport.
Compositional Metrics- Hydrogen cyanide (HCN) is the key safety metric for cassava products; FAO references Codex Alimentarius safety limits for cassava food at 10 mg/kg (dry weight) and notes feed-use chips/pellets are often managed at higher but controlled thresholds (e.g., <100 ppm cited for EU feed imports).
Packaging- Moisture-protective bagging (e.g., jute or polyethylene) and clean, dry storage conditions are commonly used for dried cassava chips/pellets to protect quality during transport and warehousing.
Supply Chain
Value Chain- Origin processing/drying → bagging/palletization → sea freight to Morocco → ONSSA import control (documentary + identity/physical; lab analysis when required) → importer storage in an approved/authorized facility → distribution to specialty food channels and/or limited feed users
Temperature- No cold chain typically required; priority is keeping product dry and protected from humidity to reduce mold and quality loss.
Atmosphere Control- Ventilation and moisture control during storage are important to prevent condensation and mold in dried product shipments.
Shelf Life- Shelf life is largely determined by moisture content, packaging integrity, and storage humidity; breaks in moisture protection can rapidly reduce usability due to mold or off-odors.
Freight IntensityHigh
Transport ModeSea
Risks
Food Safety HighCyanide (HCN) content is a critical safety risk for cassava products; insufficiently processed or poorly specified dried cassava can exceed safety expectations, leading to border rejection, recalls, or human/animal health risk. FAO references Codex Alimentarius safety limits for cyanide in cassava foods (10 mg/kg dry weight) and notes controlled thresholds are used for chips/pellets in feed contexts.Contract on HCN test limits by intended use (food vs feed), require pre-shipment COA from an accredited lab, and verify processing controls that reduce cyanide (e.g., appropriate drying/processing steps).
Regulatory Compliance MediumONSSA import control for plant/vegetable-origin products requires a defined import-control dossier and can include documentary, identity/physical, and laboratory checks; missing or inconsistent documentation (invoice, packing list, transport document, official certificates, storage-facility identification) can trigger delays or non-admission.Pre-align an ONSSA-focused document checklist with the broker/importer and ensure certificates are issued by the competent authority in the exporting country and match shipment identifiers.
Phytosanitary MediumMorocco’s ONSSA phytosanitary control framework targets prevention of quarantine pest introduction via imported plant products; consignments can be subject to inspection/testing and emergency measures if risks are identified.Confirm whether a phytosanitary certificate is required for the specific product form and intended use; implement origin-side cleanliness controls and pest inspection prior to stuffing containers.
Logistics MediumAs a bulky dried commodity, cassava is sensitive to sea-freight volatility and to humidity exposure during transit and port storage; moisture ingress can cause mold and quality loss, increasing rejection risk at inspection.Use moisture-barrier packaging/liners and desiccants where appropriate; specify max moisture at loading; ensure dry, covered storage at destination pending clearance.
FAQ
Does Morocco import meaningful volumes of dried cassava (HS 071410)?Imports appear small and niche. UN Comtrade-based WITS data reports Morocco imported 6,029 kg in 2021 (trade value 2.31 in 1000 USD) under HS 071410 (manioc/cassava, fresh or dried).
What is the biggest compliance risk for dried cassava shipments into Morocco?The main deal-breaker risk is food/feed safety related to cyanide (HCN) in cassava products. FAO notes cyanide is a known safety concern for cassava and references Codex Alimentarius safety limits for cyanide in cassava foods (10 mg/kg on a dry-weight basis), so shipments without clear HCN control and testing face elevated rejection and safety risk.
Which documents are typically needed for ONSSA import control of plant/vegetable-origin products in Morocco?ONSSA’s import control procedure for plant and vegetable-origin products lists a core dossier including a copy of the import declaration, commercial invoice, packing list, transport document (e.g., bill of lading/air waybill), and official sanitary/phytosanitary certificates or equivalent documents issued by the competent authority in the exporting country, plus documents identifying the approved/authorized storage facility when required.