France Seeks to Limit Moroccan Agricultural Imports

Moroccan products, particularly tomatoes produced in Morocco, are once again in France’s sights. LR deputy Antoine Vermorel-Marques initiated a bill aimed at introducing “mirror clauses” for agricultural imports from third countries. The bill was submitted on 3 December 2024, then referred to the Economic Affairs Committee, which adopted it unanimously after approving eight of the 43 amendments examined, Les Inspirations Éco reports. The bill also aims to strengthen protection for French farmers against competition deemed unfair.

To read: French farmers angry at Moroccan tomatoes

The law primarily targets imported products that do not meet the standards in force. This reflects the French legislature’s desire to fill a legal gap identified in Article 44 of the EGALIM law, which prohibits the sale of agricultural products that do not comply with European standards, but not their importation. This loophole will be addressed by Article 1 of the bill. The article explicitly prohibits the importation of these products, thereby ensuring strict reciprocity between French products and imported ones, while protecting public health and the environment.

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The bill also provides for administrative and financial sanctions against importers. According to Article 2 of the proposal, importing companies could, for example, face fines of up to €150,000, as well as penalties amounting to 10% of their turnover. This is enough to worry professionals in the sector, particularly the French trade association of fresh fruit and vegetable importers, as well as Moroccan producers and exporters.

This bill will be examined during the public session of 6 February at the French National Assembly.