Importing Cosmetics from Morocco: COA, SDS, Labels and Shipping Explained

Ordering cosmetics from another country raises practical questions. Which documents do I need? Who pays duties? How long does shipping take? This guide explains the essentials in plain language, so you know what to ask for before your first order.

This guide gives general information. Rules change and depend on your country, so check with your customs broker or a regulatory consultant for your specific case.

Product documents

These documents describe the product itself. Importers, marketplaces and inspectors may ask for them.

Certificate of Analysis (COA)

A COA shows test results for a specific batch: for an oil, values like acidity and appearance. It proves the batch matches its specification. Ask for the COA of the exact batch you receive, not a generic one.

Safety Data Sheet (SDS)

An SDS describes the product's composition, handling, storage and safety information. Some freight companies, warehouses and online marketplaces require it, especially for oils.

Ingredient list (INCI)

The official names of all ingredients, used on your labels. For example, argan oil is Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil and black soap is usually Potassium Olivate.

Shipping documents

These documents travel with the goods and are used for customs.

• Commercial invoice: what you bought, quantities, prices and the terms of sale.
• Packing list: how the goods are packed (cartons, weights, dimensions).
• Certificate of origin: proves the goods were made in Morocco. Morocco has trade agreements with several partners, including the European Union, the UK and the United States, which can reduce or remove import duties on eligible products. Ask your broker which certificate applies (for example, EUR.1 for the EU).
• Air waybill or bill of lading: the transport document issued by the carrier.

Label rules in your market

Products must be labelled according to the rules of the country where they are sold, not where they are made. In general, labels include the product name, ingredients (INCI), net content, batch number, durability information, instructions and the responsible company.

Some markets also require registration before sale. The EU requires a Responsible Person and a notification on the CPNP portal. The UK has a similar system. In the US, the Modernization of Cosmetics Regulation Act (MoCRA) introduced product listing and safety requirements. If you sell under your own brand, see our private label guide.

Shipping options

The right option depends on the size and urgency of your order:

• Express courier: best for samples and small orders. Fast and door-to-door, but the most expensive per kilo.
• Air freight: for medium orders that need to arrive quickly. Usually delivered to an airport, then cleared and delivered by your broker.
• Sea freight: the most economical for large orders, but slower. You can share a container (LCL) or book a full one (FCL).

Who pays what: Incoterms

Incoterms are standard terms that say who pays for transport, insurance and duties. The most common:

• EXW (Ex Works): you collect the goods at the supplier and handle everything after.
• FOB (Free on Board): the supplier delivers to the port in Morocco; you pay from there.
• DAP (Delivered at Place): the supplier pays transport to your address; you pay import duties and taxes.
• DDP (Delivered Duty Paid): the supplier pays everything, including duties.

Agree on the Incoterm before you pay, so there are no surprises at delivery.

A simple checklist before ordering

1. Ask for the COA, SDS and INCI list for each product.
2. Check the label and registration rules in your market.
3. Choose express, air or sea freight based on size and urgency.
4. Agree on the Incoterm and who handles customs.
5. Confirm the certificate of origin that applies to your country.