Frequently Asked Questions – Moroccan Seafood Export
Find answers here to the most frequently asked questions about our products, services, logistics, and certifications.
1. What types of seafood products do you offer for export?
We offer canned sardines, mackerel, tuna, and anchovies, as well as fresh, frozen, and IQF cephalopods (octopus, cuttlefish, squid). All our products are sourced from FAO Zone 34, off the Moroccan coast, renowned for its rich marine biodiversity.
2. Are your products exclusively sourced from Morocco?
Yes, our seafood is caught and processed in Morocco, ensuring full traceability, strict cold chain compliance, and premium quality.
3. What packaging formats are available?
Our canned products are available in 125g, 155g, 170g, and 400g tins, in olive oil, vegetable oil, tomato sauce, or natural. Cephalopods are offered in IQF frozen format to ensure maximum freshness.
4. How do you ensure cold chain compliance?
We maintain a strict cold chain, with storage at -20°C in cold rooms, refrigerated container transport, and quality control at every logistics step to preserve product integrity.
5. What is IQF and why is it important?
IQF (Individually Quick Frozen) is a rapid freezing method that prevents the formation of large ice crystals, preserving the texture, flavor, and nutritional value of cephalopods.
6. Which Moroccan ports do you use for shipping?
We ship primarily from the strategic ports of Agadir, Laâyoune, and Dakhla, all well-connected to major international sea routes.
7. Which countries do you deliver to?
We export to over 30 countries, including France, Spain, Italy, Germany, Poland, the UK, Russia, China, Japan, the USA, Canada, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, South Africa, and more.
8. Do you have experience in Russian and CIS markets?
Yes, we are familiar with the specific regulations and logistics of Russia, Kazakhstan, Belarus, Ukraine, and other CIS countries.
10. How do you ensure the quality of your canned products?
Every batch undergoes rigorous quality checks throughout all stages: raw material reception, processing, sterilization, packaging, storage, and shipping.
11. Do you offer private label or custom packaging solutions?
Yes, we can supply products under your own brand with fully customized packaging and labeling to comply with your country’s import regulations.
12. Do you work with supermarkets and purchasing groups?
We regularly collaborate with retail chains, wholesalers, and buying groups, adapting formats and volumes to meet their specific needs.
13. Can you supply e-commerce platforms?
Yes, we can supply e-commerce operators with a minimum of one container per month. Terms depend on volume and order frequency.
14. What are the average delivery times?
Depending on the destination, sea freight typically takes 10 to 30 days. Air freight is available upon request for urgent shipments.
15. How can I request a quotation?
Contact us via our form at seaoptima.com or by email with the product type, quantity, destination, and desired purchase frequency.
16. What transport methods do you use?
We mainly use refrigerated sea containers (-20°C) and refrigerated road transport for local distribution.
17. Do you provide guidance for importers on cold chain management?
Yes, we assist our clients with proper cold chain practices: receiving goods, storing at -18°C minimum, and compliant distribution procedures.
18. What guarantees do you offer in case of quality or logistics issues?
We provide dedicated customer service, strict quality monitoring, and appropriate transport insurance. Any claim is handled promptly and professionally.
19. What is FAO Zone 34?
FAO Zone 34 refers to the fishing area off the Moroccan coast, internationally recognized for the quality and diversity of its marine species.
20. Why choose products from FAO Zone 34?
This zone benefits from strict regulations, sustainable fishing practices, and exceptional biodiversity, ensuring fresh, healthy, and high-quality seafood.
21. What documents are required to import canned fish from Morocco?
Standard documents include: commercial invoice, certificate of origin, health certificate issued by Moroccan authorities, packing list, certificate of compliance (e.g. HACCP), and sometimes a phytosanitary certificate depending on the country.
22. What customs procedures should be expected?
Each country has its own customs regulations. We assist our clients with the necessary documentation and can recommend specialized freight forwarders to simplify the process.
23. Do your products comply with European standards?
Yes, our canned and frozen products fully comply with European standards for food safety, quality, and traceability.
24. Do you offer certified organic products?
Currently, our core range does not include organic products, but we are working with partners to develop this offering.
25. What is the shelf life of your canned products?
Our canned seafood typically has a shelf life of 3 to 5 years, provided it is stored under proper conditions, away from heat and humidity.
26. How should frozen products be stored upon arrival?
Frozen products must be stored at a stable temperature of -18°C or lower to ensure their safety and quality.
27. Do you offer samples to test product quality?
Yes, upon request, we can provide samples so importers can evaluate our products before placing an order.
28. What is the minimum order quantity?
The minimum varies by product, but we generally operate based on full container loads for international shipments.
29. What payment methods do you accept?
We accept bank transfers, letters of credit, and other secure payment methods as per the agreed terms.
30. Do you work with international logistics partners?
Yes, we collaborate with specialized cold chain carriers and freight forwarders to ensure safe and efficient delivery.
31. How do you track orders?
We provide full tracking of shipments from factory dispatch to final delivery.
32. What is your monthly production capacity?
We can handle large volumes, tailored to importers’ needs, with the capacity to supply several containers per month.
33. Do you offer training on managing imported seafood?
Yes, we offer support sessions to help our clients optimize storage and distribution of imported seafood
34. What makes products from FAO Zone 34 unique?
These products come from sustainable fisheries, using high-quality local species and benefiting from a preserved marine environment.
35. How do you ensure the authenticity of SeaOptima products?
We ensure full traceability, with upstream and downstream quality checks, and our certifications guarantee product authenticity.
36. What are the advantages of importing from Morocco?
Premium quality, competitive pricing, proximity to Europe, compliance with international standards, and efficient logistics.
37. What is the average shipping time by sea to Europe?
Approximately 10 to 15 days depending on the destination port.
38. Is it possible to import in small quantities?
We prioritize full container loads but can consider specific cases depending on the product and market.
39. What packaging solutions do you offer for retail distribution?
Retail-ready packaging, practical formats, eco-friendly options, and customized designs upon request.
40. What criteria must products meet for large-scale retail distribution?
Consistent quality, full traceability, suitable packaging, and compliance with the importing country’s health and regulatory standards.
41. Do you work with international purchasing groups?
Yes, we regularly supply buying groups and distribution networks in Europe, Africa, and the Middle East.
42. Can you handle the large volumes required by supermarkets?
Absolutely. Our production capacity and logistics are designed to manage high-volume orders consistently and efficiently.
43. Do you offer products with specific certifications required by major retailers?
Yes, we can provide products certified with BRC, IFS, and other internationally recognized quality standards suitable for large retail chains.
44. Do you provide multilingual labeling for major retailers?
Yes, we customize labels according to target market requirements, including multilingual labeling when needed.
45. What is your policy in case of returns or non-compliance?
We have a clear and responsive procedure for handling returns, exchanges, or refunds in case of issues with quality or compliance
46. Do you supply e-commerce businesses?
Yes, we work with e-commerce platforms and online retailers, typically starting from a minimum of one container per month (negotiable based on needs).
47. What are the advantages for e-commerce sellers?
High-quality products, cold chain storage and delivery, packaging customization options, and tailored guidance for online business operations.
48. Do you offer specific support for e-commerce logistics?
Yes, we assist in organizing the entire logistics chain — from Moroccan port to final customer delivery.
49. What packaging types are best suited for e-commerce?
Durable, practical packaging with enhanced protection to prevent damage during shipping.
50. What is the recommended ordering frequency for e-commerce businesses?
We recommend at least one container per month, with flexible terms depending on business growth and sales performance.
Ready to Collaborate ?
Whether you’re looking to import premium seafood or discuss a long-term partnership, our team is here to support you.