NM Product certification

 

What is NM product certification?

 

NM product certification is the formal recognition by the Ministry of Industry that an agro-food or industrial product conforms to the specific characteristics set out in the relevant moroccan standards. This certification complies with the international ISO/CEI 65 standards guide, and gives the certified product the right to display the NM mark.

 

Certification is awarded after :

 

  • Tests are carried out succefully by an independent laboratory.
  • The quality system shows that product conformity is garanted in a way.

 

What is the NM mark?

 

The NM mark is a national voluntary certification seal delivered by the Ministry of Industry (MCI). This mark on a product attests that it has been evaluated and certified as conforming to applicable Moroccan standards. It can be used on all products and concerns service providers as well.

 

What does the NM mark give you?

 

It provides your clients an indisputable proof that your product can satisfy their needs and conform to national safety and quality standards. The NM mark is a major asset for businesses, consumers and legislators. It offers the following advantages:

 

Selling more: The NM mark provides a commercial advantage, giving an objective proof that a product has the characteristics and abilities defined by recognized standards. In this way, it helps to improve and maintain market position.

 

Buying better: The NM mark guarantees product quality for consumers.

 

Regulating better: Product certification can be used by public bodies as a way to avoid repetitive inspections and to facilitate accordance between commercial practices and regulatory constraints.

 

Who can apply for the NM mark?

 

This section is intended for companies that want to benefit from the right to use the NM seal on all or some of their products.

 

The NM seal is applicable to all manufacturers or producers who:

 

  • Want to benefit from the right to use the NM mark on all or some of their products.
  • Offer a product that complies with the corresponding standards.
  • Want to be able to demonstrate that they perform regular quality inspections on their products that comply with the NM standards.

 

What are the certification requirements?

 

For a given product, the NM mark must be granted in conformance to the following references :

 

  • The general circular setting the usage rights for Moroccan standards conformity mark;
  • The individual circular relevant to the product in question that sets self inspection provisions;
  • The specifications and tests standards of the aforesaid product.

 

Who are the participants?

 

  • Certification body: The Ministry of Industry and the national certifying organization that, through SNIMA, provides certification of products’ compliance with corresponding Moroccan standards and to the relevant general and individual circulars upon request. After granting the right to use the NM mark, it carries out a follow up to assure the continued conformity of the product to the corresponding standards.
  • SNIMA: Service de la Normalisation Industrielle Marocaine (SNIMA) instituted under MCI’s Direction de la Normalisation et de la Promotion de la Qualité (DQN). It manages the national certification system in conformance with international-level standards (ISO CEI /65 guide) in addition to its duties set out in decree n°2.70.314 (October 8, 1970).
  • Technical certification committees. Committees instituted by decree of the Ministry(s) responsible for the products in questions. Each committee is made up of representatives from all involved parties (manufacturers, product users, government departments and test laboratories). They are chosen with the goal of guaranteeing impartiality by balancing the opposing interests represented in the committee. Each committee is charged with examining test reports in their respective fields and making recommendations to SNIMA.
  • Verification agents: Certifying agents are quality auditors who meet international standards and possess technical competence in the field in question. They are charged with carrying our verification and surveillance visits.
  • Test laboratories: Test laboratories involved in the certification process must be accredited by a national accreditation body. Otherwise, they are selected and designated on the basis of the criteria laid out in standard NM ISO 17025.

 

What is the product certification process?

 

The process of granting the right to use the NM seal observes the following steps:

 

1. Request submission
The certification request must contain the requested information.

 

2. Request admissibility review

 

Upon the receipt of this request, SNIMA carries out an admissibility study wherein it examines the submitted technical files to judge whether or not to pursue the certification process.

 

3. Designating verification team
If the request is admissible, SNIMA designates a competent verification team, principally made up of a verification manager and another verification agent.

 

4. Verification visit
The verification team carries out a an assessment in conformance with the relevant general and individual circulars and the procedures defined by the SNIMA.

 

5. Verification of product conformity
At the end of the visit, the verification team takes the necessary samples from the plant or the sales locations to submitt to laboratory tests designated by SNIMA.

 

Tests on the characteristics required by the corresponding standards are performed. They must be carried out with the minimum number of trials specified by the relevant standards or failing that, the number of samples specified by the relevant individual circular.

 

After reading the verification and test reports, the technical committee recommends or denies NM certification. It can also propose carrying out additional visits or asking the requestor to improve specific manufacturing or inspection issues.

 

The requestor is notified of the final decision. If the decision is favorable, the certificate of the right to use the NM mark of conformity is delivered to the requestor and the decision is published in the Official Bulletin.

 

Product certification licensing fees

 

  • Inspection and surveillance visit fees, paid directly by the requestor or its licensee to the verification agent or, if needed, to his/her employer.
  • Test fees, paid directly by the requestor or its licensee to the test laboratory.

 

More information:

 

  • The Ministry of Industry through SNIMA offers product certification to businesses. It is the only Moroccan organization that guarantees product conformity to Moroccan standards;
  • The requestors or their licensees that have certified their quality management systems through MCI’s NM ISO 9001 standard are exempt from verification visits.
  • Test laboratories and verification agent lists can be obtained from SNIMA;
  • Test and verification / surveillance visit prices can be obtained from SNIMA.