The short answer
Morocco exports argan oil, canned sardines, olive oil, spices, dates and citrus to the U.S. Argan oil is the product that confuses exporters most — the FDA rules depend on whether it is sold for eating or for skin and hair.
What Moroccan exporters should watch for
🌰 Argan oil
Culinary argan oil is a food: the facility registers as a food facility and the label needs Nutrition Facts. Cosmetic argan oil for skin or hair is a cosmetic: the facility registers under MoCRA and lists the product. Bulk oil sold to manufacturers as an ingredient is not a finished cosmetic.
🐟 Canned sardines
Canneries need FDA facility registration, FCE registration and SID process filings, and must follow seafood HACCP with histamine control.
🫒 Olive oil and olives
Olive oil is watched for economic adulteration (Import Alert 99-47). Jarred or canned olives may need FCE/SID filings depending on acidity.
🌶️ Spices and citrus
Cumin, paprika and other spices are tested for Salmonella (99-19). Fresh citrus needs USDA APHIS approval as well as FDA produce rules.
Common reasons Moroccan shipments are stopped
- Canned fish without FCE/SID or HACCP
- Histamine in sardines
- Salmonella in spices
- Argan oil sold under the wrong category
- Labeling — French or Arabic only
🏢 No U.S. company to act as FSVP importer? Orionex offers an FSVP importer service for food and dietary supplements — from $80 per shipment, with the program and Qualified Individual included.
What you need to register — and what it costs
| Product type | FDA requirement | Orionex price |
|---|---|---|
| Food, beverages, supplements | Food facility registration + U.S. Agent, renewed every 2 years; Prior Notice for each shipment | $300/year or $450 for 2 years |
| Cosmetics | MoCRA facility registration (every 2 years) + product listing + U.S. Agent | $300/year or $450 for 2 years; listing $150/product |
| Medical devices | Establishment registration (yearly, FDA fee paid separately) + device listing; 510(k) for many Class II devices | $550/year; listing $50/device |
| Drugs (incl. OTC) | Drug establishment registration (yearly) + NDC labeler code + drug listing | $550/year; listing $350/product |
Every Orionex registration includes the U.S. Agent service, D-U-N-S number set-up where needed and a Certificate of Registration. All prices →
Tell us your products — we’ll confirm what you need to register, in writing, by email.
Frequently asked questions
Does argan oil need FDA registration?
It depends on the use. Culinary argan oil is a food, so the facility needs food facility registration and a U.S. Agent. Argan oil sold for skin or hair is a cosmetic, so the facility needs MoCRA registration and the product must be listed. Bulk oil sold only as an ingredient is not a finished cosmetic product.
Do Moroccan sardine canneries need FCE and SID?
Yes. Canned sardines are low-acid canned foods, so the cannery needs FCE registration and an SID filing for each product and container size, plus seafood HACCP with histamine control.
Sources
- FDA — Acidified & Low-Acid Canned Foods (LACF) registration
- FDA — Registration & Listing of Cosmetic Product Facilities and Products
- FDA Import Alert 99-19 — Salmonella (notes separate alerts for black pepper from India and Brazil)
Checked against FDA and other official sources on November 11, 2026. This guide is general information, not legal advice.