Morocco: Technical Requirements for Imported Bovine Semen
This report contains an unofficial translation of Morocco’s “Code of Procedures” for imported bovine semen. According to industry professionals, Morocco’s technical requirements for imported semen unfairly disadvantage imported bovine semen and specifically the United States. In particular, industry has identified that (1) imported semen technical requirements are more rigorous than imported live cattle and domestic semen requirements, (2) a multiple top-100 requirement for dairy disadvantages the United States vis-à-vis countries with smaller cattle populations, and (3) conformity standards unjustifiably restrict the technical process of sorted semen. At its current herd size, Morocco is considered to be a $35 million market for bovine semen, while imports currently represent less than $2 million, with the United States only the fourth largest foreign supplier.
