Exporting Cephalopods from Morocco: The International Importer’s Guide

1. Why Morocco? (FAO 34, Quality, Traceability, ROI)

  • FAO 34 provides abundant, stable wild resources → regular supply of premium cephalopods with firm texture and clean flavour.

  • Artisanal & semi-industrial fisheries under regulation → resource respect and consistent quality.

  • Manual grading & strict QC before every shipment.

  • Proven infrastructure & ports (Agadir, Dakhla, Laâyoune, Casablanca, Tanger Med) → competitive transit times and reliable reefer flows.

Bottom line: Moroccan cephalopods are meaty, flavour-forward, well-preserved, and highly valued in international HORECA, retail and processing.

2. Product Range & Export Presentations

Species (Morocco, FAO 34):

  • Octopus — Octopus vulgaris

  • Squid — Loligo vulgaris / Illex

  • Cuttlefish — Sepia officinalis

  • Additional small cephalopods/“encornets” (seasonal)

Presentations & Packaging:

  • IQF or block freezing (−20 °C)

  • Whole cleaned, tubes/rings, tentacles, fillets, custom cuts

  • Vacuum pouches, trays, export cartons, bulk for industry

  • Private label available (design, logos, multilingual)

3. Professional Calibres & Specifications

3.1) Octopus (Octopus vulgaris)

Pro calibre
Weight per piece
Designation
T1
> 4 kg
Extra Large
T2
2–4 kg
Large
T3
1–2 kg
Medium

3.2) Cuttlefish / Sepia (Sepia officinalis)

Pro size
Weight per piece
Typical use
Small
80–150 g
Tapas / frying
Medium
150–300 g
Foodservice
Large
300–600 g
Grilling

3.3) Squid (Loligo / Illex)

Pro calibre
Reference
Indication
U5
Very large
> 500 g per piece
U7
Large
350–500 g per piece
10/20
Large count
10–20 pieces per kg

Need different cuts (tubes, rings, tentacles) or pack sizes for HORECA, retail, or industry? We can tailor SKUs by market.

4. Seasonality & Biological Rest (FAO 34)

Indicative windows — confirm each campaign against current regulations and zones.

Species
Biological rest (typical)
Octopus — Octopus vulgaris
March → June
Cuttlefish — Sepia officinalis
September
Squid — Loligo / Illex
May → June

Buyer best practices:

  • Pre-book 6–8 weeks ahead of closures
  • Lock critical calibres (Octopus T2/T3; Squid 10/20 & 20/40)
  • Build IQF/block buffers
  • Reserve factory slots & vessel space early
  • Plan cross-substitutions (species/formats) for peak demand.

5. Processing & Compliance

  • Partner plants certified: Halal, BRC, IFS, FDA, EU, HACCP

  • IQF or block as needed; optional cleaning/cooking/slicing

  • Cold-chain integrity with recorded temperatures

  • Full quality dossiers and lot-level traceability

6. Documentation for Import & Customs

  • Health & veterinary certificate

  • Halal certificate (if required)

  • EUR.1 / DUM, certificate of origin

  • Packing list, Bill of Lading, pro-forma/commercial invoice

  • Conformity with EU, Asian, African and Arab customs requirements

7. Logistics, Ports & Incoterms

  • Ports of departure: Agadir • Dakhla • Laâyoune • Casablanca • Tanger Med

  • Reefer containers with shipment tracking and proactive updates

  • Incoterms: FOB / CFR / CIF depending on your request and destination

8. Key Markets & Use Cases

Key markets (examples) :
🇪🇸 Spain, 🇮🇹 Italy, 🇫🇷 France, 🇵🇹 Portugal, 🇩🇪 Germany, 🇬🇷 Greece, 🇯🇵 Japan, 🇰🇷 South Korea, 🇨🇳 China, 🇹🇷 Turkey, 🇷🇺 Russia, 🇺🇸 United States, 🇧🇷 Brazil, 🇸🇦 Saudi Arabia, 🇦🇪 United Arab Emirates, 🇸🇳 Senegal, 🇨🇮 Côte d’Ivoire, 🇬🇦 Gabon, 🇨🇬 Republic of the Congo

Use cases : HORECA (fine dining, tapas/frying, grilling), frozen retail, food manufacturing (ready-to-cook, seafood mixes)

9. How to Order (Quote in 72 Hours)

  • Share species, calibres, presentation (IQF/block, tubes/rings/tentacles), quantity, destination port, and Incoterm

  • Receive your quote (≤ 72 h) with pricing, timelines and documentation pack

  • Order preparation (format-dependent) + QC & traceability

  • Reefer shipment with full logistics tracking to your port

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