Classification
Product TypeIngredient
Product FormPowder (Dried)
Industry PositionFood Ingredient
Market
Onion powder (dried onion in powder form, typically classified under HS 071220) is used in Morocco mainly as a shelf-stable flavor ingredient for food manufacturing and foodservice, with additional demand from retail spice/seasoning channels. Trade data for HS 071220 show Morocco importing dried onions worth about USD 0.78 million (223,389 kg) in 2023, supplied mainly by Egypt, Spain, France, India and China. Imported lots are subject to ONSSA import control for plant products, including documentary, identity/physical and, when applicable, laboratory analytical checks; missing or non-conforming documentation can lead to non-admission. Morocco’s agro-food processing and distribution infrastructure is concentrated around major hubs such as Grand Casablanca and Souss-Massa (Agadir area), shaping importer warehousing and downstream distribution.
Market RoleNet importer of dried onion products (HS 071220, includes onion powder)
Domestic RolePrimarily a shelf-stable flavoring ingredient for agri-food manufacturing, foodservice, and retail spice/seasoning channels; import supply complements domestic onion availability for processed/ingredient use.
Specification
Physical Attributes- Powdered or fine-granulated dried onion with strong odor control expectations (sealed packaging to prevent aroma loss/absorption).
- Free-flowing condition is sensitive to moisture ingress (caking risk).
Compositional Metrics- Buyer/importer specifications commonly focus on moisture control and particle size consistency; ONSSA may require analytical checks as part of import conformity control.
Packaging- Bulk food-ingredient packs (e.g., cartons or multiwall bags with inner liners) for manufacturers/foodservice distribution.
- Smaller retail packs (jars/sachets) for consumer spice channels.
Supply Chain
Value Chain- Overseas dehydrator/miller → export dispatch → sea freight → ONSSA border inspection (documentary + identity/physical; sampling when required) → importer warehousing (approved/authorized storage) → distribution to manufacturers/foodservice/retail packers
Temperature- Ambient shipment and storage are typical; keep dry and protected from heat/humidity to reduce caking and aroma loss.
Shelf Life- Shelf life is driven mainly by moisture control, packaging integrity, and odor exposure rather than cold-chain performance.
Freight IntensityMedium
Transport ModeSea
Risks
Regulatory Compliance HighONSSA import control can result in non-admission/refusal when the import dossier is incomplete or when documentary/identity/analytical checks identify non-conformity; this can block market entry and create demurrage/storage exposure.Align HS classification and product description across all documents; prepare the ONSSA dossier (DUM/DO, invoice, packing list, transport document, official sanitary certificate, approved storage identification) and run a pre-shipment document and label review with the importer.
Logistics MediumBorder inspection steps (including possible sampling and laboratory analysis) can extend clearance timelines, increasing port dwell time and landed-cost uncertainty for time-sensitive production schedules.Build lead-time buffers for inspections, use experienced customs brokers, and confirm the importer’s approved storage arrangements for any hold periods.
Climate MediumMorocco’s drought and water-scarcity context can contribute to volatility in fresh onion availability and prices, indirectly affecting local dehydration/packing economics and substitution demand for imported dried onion powder.Diversify supply origins and contract terms, and monitor drought/water-management developments that influence agricultural input costs.
Food Safety MediumIf analytical controls identify contamination risks (e.g., microbiological or other safety parameters), shipments may be delayed, rejected, or require corrective actions, disrupting downstream manufacturing supply.Use validated supplier QA programs, obtain pre-shipment certificates of analysis where commercially standard, and ensure packaging integrity to prevent contamination and moisture uptake.
Sustainability- Structural water stress and recurrent drought conditions affecting Morocco’s agricultural water management, with implications for vegetable value chains and input price volatility.
FAQ
Which documents are typically required to request ONSSA import control for dried onion powder (plant product) in Morocco?ONSSA’s plant-product import control procedure lists key dossier elements such as a copy of the customs declaration (DUM/DO), commercial invoice, packing list, transport document, and an official sanitary certificate (or equivalent) from the competent authority in the exporting country. It also requires documents identifying the approved/authorized storage location and any additional product-specific authorizations when applicable.
Which countries supplied most of Morocco’s dried onion (HS 071220) imports in 2023?For HS 071220 (dried onions, which includes powder form), Morocco’s 2023 import data show the largest reported suppliers by value as Egypt, Spain, France, India, and China, with total imports of about USD 0.78 million and 223,389 kg.
Where can importers check customs duties/taxes and required documents before shipping onion powder to Morocco?Morocco’s ADIL platform is presented as a place to check customs duties and taxes, mandatory documents, applicable standards, and tariff advantages prior to a transaction, while BADR is the electronic system used for customs clearance formalities.