Morocco’s Ministry of Industry and Trade has issued more than 100 warnings to online commercial platforms following an extensive inspection campaign targeting e-commerce websites, sources familiar with the matter told Hespress AR.
The investigation, led by the department’s consumer protection unit, uncovered multiple infractions, including vague contractual terms, failure to provide Arabic translations of sales conditions, lack of information on withdrawal rights, and insufficient details about suppliers and their contact information. Several well-known online retailers were found to have engaged in misleading contracts with customers.
The campaign covered dozens of domestic and foreign e-commerce websites operating in Morocco, with some sites being re-examined after receiving prior warnings. Inspectors relied on Law 31-08, which governs consumer protection, to document violations such as misleading advertisements, failure to specify the competent court in case of disputes, and inadequate disclosure of contract terms before purchase confirmation. Other breaches included the absence of clearly visible sales terms on homepages and difficulty accessing contractual conditions.
Further infractions included failure to refund customers within the legally mandated 15-day period when products were unavailable, non-compliance with discount sales regulations, and failure to display prices in Moroccan dirhams. Authorities noted that the intensifying competition among e-commerce platforms, coupled with aggressive pricing strategies, has led to increased risks of fraud, deception, and cyber threats.
The Ministry of Industry and Trade has urged consumers to remain vigilant when shopping online, advising them to avoid prepayments before receiving goods, verify product quality, and ensure sellers provide multiple contact methods, including phone numbers. Consumers were also encouraged to check supplier details such as company names, business addresses, and commercial registry numbers to facilitate dispute resolution if needed. Additionally, the ministry stressed the importance of reviewing product prices and delivery timelines before making purchases.
In collaboration with the Customs and Indirect Tax Administration, authorities have also expanded their oversight to identify counterfeit goods sold online. Inspectors uncovered several e-commerce sites marketing low-quality counterfeit products, including clothing, perfumes, and accessories, at significantly reduced prices. These fake items, often accompanied by delivery services and cash-on-delivery options, pose risks to consumer safety and undermine local industries.
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