The Moroccan Accreditation Service (SEMAC) is Morocco’s national accreditation body, tasked with ensuring that conformity assessment bodies (CABs), such as laboratories, certification bodies, and inspection bodies, meet international standards of competence and impartiality. SEMAC, the sole Moroccan accreditation entity, operates under the Ministry of Industry and Commerce, specifically within the Directorate of Consumer Protection, Market Surveillance, and Quality (DPCSMQ), enhancing the quality and safety of products and services to support domestic and international trade. As a non-profit organization, SEMAC’s legal responsibilities are covered by state liability provisions.

SEMAC’s operations are supported by the Moroccan Accreditation Committee (COMAC), a consultative body that provides guidance on accreditation policies and practices. COMAC ensures balanced representation within the accreditation system, safeguarding the impartiality and objectivity of SEMAC’s accreditation decisions.

Legal and Operational Framework

SEMAC’s activities are governed by Law No. 12-06, as outlined in Dahir No. 1-10-15, which regulates standardization, certification, and accreditation. This law also created the Higher Council for Standardization, Certification, and Accreditation (CSNCA) and COMAC to reinforce the national accreditation framework. Decree No. 2-10-252 further specifies SEMAC’s functions within this legislative framework.

SEMAC’s quality management system aligns with national legal provisions and the ISO/IEC 17011 standard for accreditation bodies, establishing robust accreditation practices that support high-quality assessments across industries.

International Collaboration

SEMAC is an associate member of the Arab Accreditation Cooperation (ARAC) and collaborates closely with the International Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation (ILAC) and the International Accreditation Forum (IAF). These partnerships ensure that SEMAC adheres to international best practices, bolstering the global credibility and acceptance of Moroccan accreditations. Previously, SEMAC was also an associate member of the European co-operation for Accreditation (EA). Although its membership was temporarily suspended in 2020 due to non-payment of fees, SEMAC resolved this matter, and membership was restored later that year. In March 2021, however, SEMAC chose to end its association with EA voluntarily.

Scope of Accreditation and Accreditation Process

SEMAC accredits a broad range of CABs, including laboratories involved in testing, analysis, and calibration; medical biology laboratories; inspection organizations; and certification bodies. Each type of CAB is evaluated according to specific international standards, ensuring they meet recognized criteria for competence and quality. CABs seeking accreditation must submit their application with required documentation to SEMAC’s accreditation division. Accreditation is granted for a five-year cycle, during which three surveillance assessments and one renewal assessment are conducted to verify ongoing compliance with quality and technical standards. Procedures A 110 and A 120 outline the specific processes for application and assessment, available through SEMAC’s online documentation system.

Market Impact

By aligning with these international bodies, SEMAC enhances the global competitiveness of Moroccan products, simplifies export processes, and fosters trust in Moroccan goods and services. In addition to its core accreditation services, SEMAC actively promotes a culture of quality through training sessions, seminars, and awareness campaigns, aiming to foster continuous improvement across Moroccan industries.

For more detailed information about SEMAC’s accreditation services and initiatives, please visit their presentation on the Ministry of Industry and Commerce’s website.