Morocco has taken a major step forward in its fight against industrial pollution by introducing, for the first time, mandatory sector-specific emission thresholds for air pollutants from chemical fertilizer production plants.
The decision, issued by the Ministry of Energy Transition and Sustainable Development and signed by Minister Leïla Benali, sets precise limits for dust, ammonia (NH₃), and hydrogen fluoride (HF) emissions, in line with Decree No. 2.09.631 (2010) on atmospheric pollutants.
The regulation differentiates between facilities based on their commissioning date. For plants built after 2015, the maximum allowed dust concentration is 50 mg/Nm³, compared to 100 mg/Nm³ for older units. Ammonia emissions must not exceed 50 mg/Nm³ in newer installations, and 60 mg/Nm³ in older ones. For hydrogen fluoride, the limit is 5 mg/Nm³ for new units and 10 mg/Nm³ for older facilities.
The new framework also introduces a compliance verification method based on weighted averages. Emissions are deemed compliant if 95% of annual monitoring data fall within the established limits. In addition, monthly and annual averages must fully comply with the thresholds without exception.
The ministry emphasised that this initiative ensures independent, continuous, and science-based monitoring of industrial emissions, in accordance with Articles 5 and 16 of the 2010 decree, which allow for sector-specific standards.
The upcoming publication of the decision in the Official Bulletin will strengthen Morocco’s national strategy for reducing industrial pollution, specifically targeting a high polluter within the country’s industrial landscape.
MK/te/lb/as/APA