A. General Information
Morocco –Dematerialization of certificates of origin, Blockchain Technology
B. Lessons Learned
Electronic Certificate of Origin System is a web-based application that provides an integrated, electronic process for faster online Certificate of Origin (CO) application and certification. It also allows the immediate transmission of certified COs to designated third party recipients in a secure electronic environment.
In Morocco, certificates of origin are issued by the Customs Administration. Exporters apply for a certificate when drawing up the export declaration. The computer system then collects the data already entered on the declaration and requests that the exporter input only the outstanding information needed for it to process the application. This process reduces the risk of error.
The electronic certificate created in this way is registered on the Internet portal of Moroccan Customs. Any administration seeking to verify the authenticity of a certificate issued by Morocco therefore has only to consult the Customs website.
The procedure was phased in and completed in January 2021 against a backdrop of important discussions and intense negotiations between the teams at Moroccan Customs and their counterparts in the other countries parties to bilateral or multilateral agreements. The objective has been to bring those partner countries on board this project and to remove any obstacle to its successful conclusion (whether technical, procedural or agreement-related). At the same time, major IT-development work has commenced. One application has been developed to facilitate the remote authentication of certificates of origin, providing assurances to the operator that those certificates would not be rejected for reasons still connected with such authentication.
In 2020, Moroccan Customs launched a cooperation project with a view to developing a platform relying on blockchain technology for collecting the data of each party to an international transaction (traders, express mail service, Customs, other stakeholders) and sharing it. Rooted in this ecosystem, procedures will be open to simplification and risk management will be enhanced, in particular as regards Customs valuation.
To address the risks arising when using paper documentation.
To enhance risk management procedures, effectively share data
Exporters apply for a certificate when drawing up the export declaration. The computer system then collects the data already entered on the declaration and requests that the exporter input only the outstanding information needed for it to process the application. This process reduces the risk of error.
The electronic certificate created in this way is registered on the Internet portal of Moroccan Customs. Any administration seeking to verify the authenticity of a certificate issued by Morocco therefore has only to consult the Customs website.
Exchange of electronic certificated of origin
Electronic certificates come with safeguard systems that include optical watermarking technology, and online verification of the authenticity of the electronic certificate of origin. They provide better transparency which saves time and reduces the costs forimporters, exporters, customs administrations among other stakeholders.
The project aimed at developing a platform relying on blockchain technology for collecting the data of each party to an international transaction and sharing data, was conducted with the help of GIZ.
By means of the projects for dematerializing the foreign trade procedures, Morocco is setting its sights on becoming an indispensable logistics hub for the region, especially as regards the North-South flows of good.
C. Relevant Standards
Morocco is a member of various regional trade agreements such as the Arab Maghreb Union (AMU), the Greater Arab Free Trade Area (GAFTA), and the Arab-Mediterranean Free Trade Agreement known as the Agadir Agreement. The Kingdom has signed bilateral Free Trade Agreements with regional groupings such as the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) and the European Community (EC), the United States. Discussions are ongoing with other countries including Canada.