Morocco Introduces Temporary Measures to Regulate Eid Al-Adha Livestock Markets

Agadir – Morocco’s Head of Government, Aziz Akhannouch, has established a set of temporary regulatory measures aimed at organizing the supply and sale of sacrificial animals ahead of Eid Al-Adha.

The initiative seeks to protect consumers’ purchasing power and ensure fair and transparent market conditions.

The decision comes within the framework of reinforcing free and healthy competition in livestock markets designated for Eid sacrifices, while preventing unjustified price increases and speculative practices. 

It is grounded in Morocco’s legal framework, including Law 104.12 on freedom of prices and competition and Law 113.14 relating to local authorities, following consultation with the Competition Council of Morocco.

According to the government’s statement, the measures aim to strengthen transparency in commercial transactions and curb monopolistic behavior, artificial scarcity, and other practices that may distort the livestock market during the Eid Al-Adha period.

Key measures introduced

The new regulatory framework includes several provisions designed to ensure orderly market operations. These include restricting the sale of sacrificial animals to officially authorized markets, with limited exceptions for regulated direct sales on farms.

Sellers will also be required to declare their identity in advance to local authorities, along with details on the number of animals for sale and their origin, prior to entering designated markets.

In addition, the decision prohibits the purchase of livestock within markets for resale purposes, a practice considered harmful to fair competition. It also bans any form of price manipulation, including coordinated bidding practices or explicit or implicit agreements intended to artificially raise prices.

The measures further forbid the storage of sacrificial animals outside regular commercial channels when intended to create artificial scarcity or influence market prices.

Enforcement and penalties

The government has emphasized strict enforcement of the new provisions. Violators may face administrative sanctions, including fines and custodial penalties as provided for under current legislation. 

Authorities may also order the temporary closure of non-compliant sales points and seize animals or equipment used in violations.

Local authorities will be responsible for ensuring the rigorous and fair application of these measures across all relevant markets.