Morocco · Country watch

New Notarial Law, Fuel Tax Hike, Garlic Import Tensions

Morocco enacts a new notarial law, plans to increase fuel taxes, and faces tensions over garlic imports, impacting business operations.

Florent Kalfon · 7 November 2026 · 7 articles read

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Business conditions in Morocco are deteriorating due to a new notarial law impacting legal services, planned fuel tax hikes affecting energy investments, and tensions over garlic imports challenging local producers.

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In this briefing Moroccan Ministry of Justice · Moroccan Ministry of Agriculture · Moroccan Ministry of Finance

Regulation

New notarial law takes effect in Morocco

a large building with a fountain in front of it — Thales Botelho de Sousa / Unsplash

A new notarial law, Law No. 051.26, will take effect in Morocco on Monday, 9 November 2026. The law introduces electronic endorsements for contracts and certificates, regulates the 'Shahada Al-Lafif', and mandates civil liability insurance for notaries. It also opens the profession to new entrants. The law was published in the Official Gazette on 10 August 2026, and its implementation marks a significant shift in the legal framework for documentation and notarial services, according to Alyaoum24.

Impact Legal professionals and businesses relying on notarial services must adapt to new electronic processes and insurance requirements.

Sources: Alyaoum24 ↗

Trade

Agriculture

Garlic imports spark tensions among Moroccan producers

The arrival of foreign garlic shipments in Morocco has caused unrest among local traders and producers, Hespress reports. The Moroccan government had previously decided to subject garlic imports to prior licensing to protect domestic production. However, recent shipments entered the market without such restrictions, prompting calls from industry professionals for the government to halt the imports to safeguard local producers.

Impact Moroccan garlic producers face increased competition from foreign imports, affecting local market dynamics.

Sources: Hespress ↗

Politics

Energy

Morocco plans fuel tax hike amid investment concerns

The Moroccan government plans to increase the tax on large fuel companies from 35% to 40% as part of the 2027 Finance Bill, Akhbarona reports. This move has raised concerns among industry experts who warn it may deter investment in the energy sector. The tax hike is seen as a measure to boost state revenues but could potentially impact the profitability of fuel companies operating in Morocco.

Impact Fuel companies face higher tax burdens, potentially affecting their investment decisions and profitability.

Sources: Akhbarona ↗

Nothing significant reported today in Disruption · Internal tension · Safety & health · Companies · Markets.