{"id":153244,"date":"2026-11-04T10:38:36","date_gmt":"2026-11-04T10:38:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.legal500.com\/guides\/?post_type=comparative_guide&#038;p=153244"},"modified":"2026-11-04T12:46:56","modified_gmt":"2026-11-04T12:46:56","slug":"morocco-international-arbitration","status":"publish","type":"comparative_guide","link":"https:\/\/www.legal500.com\/guides\/chapter\/morocco-international-arbitration\/","title":{"rendered":"Morocco: International Arbitration"},"content":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"template":"","class_list":["post-153244","comparative_guide","type-comparative_guide","status-publish","hentry","guides-international-arbitration","jurisdictions-morocco"],"acf":[],"appp":{"post_list":{"below_title":"<div class=\"guide-author-details\"><span class=\"guide-author\">Lafrouji Avocats<\/span><span class=\"guide-author-logo\"><img src=\"https:\/\/www.legal500.com\/guides\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/1\/2026\/10\/Lafrouji-Av-Logo.jpg\"\/><\/span><\/div>"},"post_detail":{"above_title":"<div class=\"guide-author-details\"><span class=\"guide-author\">Lafrouji Avocats<\/span><span class=\"guide-author-logo\"><img src=\"https:\/\/www.legal500.com\/guides\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/1\/2026\/10\/Lafrouji-Av-Logo.jpg\"\/><\/span><\/div>","below_title":"<span class=\"guide-intro\">This country specific Q&amp;A provides an overview of International Arbitration laws and regulations applicable in Morocco<\/span><div class=\"guide-content\"><div class=\"filter\">\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t<input type=\"text\" placeholder=\"Search questions and answers...\" class=\"filter-container__search-field\">\r\n\t\t\t<\/div>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t<ol class=\"custom-counter\">\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">What legislation applies to arbitration in your country? Are there any mandatory laws?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>Arbitration in Morocco is primarily governed by Law No. 95-17 on Arbitration and Conventional Mediation, promulgated by Dahir No. 1-22-34 of 24 May 2022 and published in the Official Bulletin on 13 June 2022.<\/p>\n<p>Law No. 95-17 establishes distinct regimes for domestic and international arbitration and replaces the arbitration provisions previously contained in the Moroccan Code of Civil Procedure under Law No. 08-05, subject to transitional provisions.<\/p>\n<p>The framework is supplemented by the Moroccan Code of Obligations and Contracts, the Code of Civil Procedure and applicable international conventions.<\/p>\n<p>Although Moroccan arbitration law recognises party autonomy, several mandatory principles must be respected, including arbitrability, equality of the parties, due process, the independence and impartiality of arbitrators, and Moroccan national and international public policy.<\/p>\n<p>Certain disputes, particularly those relating to personal status, legal capacity, public authority and matters involving rights not freely disposable by the parties, are excluded from arbitration.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">Is your country a signatory to the New York Convention? Are there any reservations to the general obligations of the Convention?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>Yes. Morocco acceded to the 1958 New York Convention on the Recognition and Enforcement of Foreign Arbitral Awards on 12 February 1959. The Convention entered into force for Morocco on 7 June 1959.<\/p>\n<p>Morocco applies the reciprocity reservation, under which the Convention applies to awards made in the territory of another Contracting State.<\/p>\n<p>Morocco has not entered a commercial reservation.<\/p>\n<p>The Convention constitutes an essential component of Morocco&#8217;s framework for recognising and enforcing foreign arbitral awards, alongside Law No. 95-17.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">What other arbitration-related treaties and conventions is your country a party to?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>Morocco is a Contracting State to the Convention on the Settlement of Investment Disputes between States and Nationals of Other States (ICSID Convention), which entered into force for Morocco on 10 June 1967.<\/p>\n<p>Morocco is also party to the Riyadh Arab Agreement for Judicial Cooperation and the Arab Convention on Commercial Arbitration.<\/p>\n<p>In addition, Morocco has concluded an extensive network of bilateral investment treaties and investment-related agreements, several of which provide for investor-State arbitration, including arbitration under the ICSID Convention or UNCITRAL Rules.<\/p>\n<p>The applicability of any particular treaty depends on its entry into force, substantive coverage and relevant dispute resolution provisions.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">Is the law governing international arbitration in your country based on the UNCITRAL Model Law? Are there significant differences between the two? Are there any impending plans to reform the arbitration laws in your country? Has your jurisdiction adopted, or is it considering adopting, the amendments of 6 July 2026 regarding electronic awards and communications?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>Law No. 95-17 is substantially inspired by the UNCITRAL Model Law, although Morocco has not adopted the Model Law verbatim.<\/p>\n<p>The Moroccan framework contains specific provisions governing the appointment of arbitrators, judicial assistance, challenges to awards and recognition and enforcement proceedings. It also distinguishes between domestic and international arbitration.<\/p>\n<p>The adoption of Law No. 95-17 in 2022 represented a significant modernisation of Moroccan arbitration law, strengthening procedural flexibility and judicial support for arbitration.<\/p>\n<p>A further procedural reform took effect on 24 August 2026, with the entry into force of Law No. 58-25 establishing a new Code of Civil Procedure. This reform modernises civil litigation and judicial procedures, including aspects relevant to the enforcement of judicial decisions.<\/p>\n<p>On 6 July 2026, UNCITRAL adopted amendments to the Model Law facilitating the issuance, recognition and enforcement of electronic arbitral awards.<\/p>\n<p>As of October 2026, Morocco has not formally incorporated these specific amendments into Law No. 95-17, and no official legislative initiative to that effect has been identified.<\/p>\n<p>However, Article 51 of Law No. 95-17 already expressly permits arbitral awards to be issued in electronic form. Although this provision primarily concerns domestic arbitration, Article 75 allows its application to international arbitration, subject to the parties&#8217; agreement and applicable procedural rules. The 2026 UNCITRAL amendments are therefore broadly consistent with Morocco&#8217;s existing legislative framework. The validity of electronic documents and signatures remains governed by Articles 417-1 et seq. of the Moroccan Code of Obligations and Contracts, while the recognition and enforcement of electronic awards remain subject to the specific requirements of Law No. 95-17.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">What arbitral institutions (if any) exist in your country? When were their rules last amended? Are any amendments being considered?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>Morocco has several arbitration institutions, including:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>The Casablanca International Mediation and Arbitration Centre (CIMAC).<\/li>\n<li>The Casablanca Mediation and Arbitration Centre (CMAC).<\/li>\n<li>The Moroccan Court of Arbitration operating within the ICC Morocco framework.<\/li>\n<li>Other regional and professional arbitration centres.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>CIMAC is one of the principal institutions active in international commercial arbitration in Morocco. Its published Arbitration Rules entered into force on 4 May 2018.<\/p>\n<p>Moroccan parties also frequently select established international institutions, particularly the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC), for cross-border commercial disputes.<\/p>\n<p>Institutional rules and proposed amendments should be assessed by reference to the relevant institution&#8217;s latest official publications. No comprehensive reform of Moroccan institutional arbitration rules has been identified as of October 2026<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">Is there a specialist arbitration court in your country?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>No. Morocco does not have a standalone specialist arbitration court.<\/p>\n<p>Judicial matters relating to arbitration are handled by the competent ordinary, commercial or administrative courts, depending on the nature of the dispute and the relief requested.<\/p>\n<p>Commercial courts and commercial courts of appeal play a particularly important role in international arbitration, including the recognition and enforcement of foreign awards and proceedings seeking to set aside awards rendered in Morocco.<\/p>\n<p>The Court of Cassation may review decisions of lower courts within the limits of its jurisdiction.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">What are the validity requirements for an arbitration agreement under the laws of your country?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>Under Law No. 95-17, an arbitration agreement must be in writing and must reflect the parties&#8217; clear and unequivocal consent to submit disputes to arbitration.<\/p>\n<p>An arbitration agreement may take the form of an arbitration clause contained in a contract or a separate submission agreement concluded after a dispute has arisen.<\/p>\n<p>The writing requirement may be satisfied through signed documents, exchanges of correspondence or electronic communications meeting the statutory requirements.<\/p>\n<p>The parties must possess the legal capacity and authority to enter into the agreement, and the dispute must concern rights that are legally capable of being submitted to arbitration.<\/p>\n<p>Additional requirements may apply where public entities are involved.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">Are arbitration clauses considered separable from the main contract?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>Yes. Article 8 of Law No. 95-17 expressly recognises the principle of separability.<\/p>\n<p>An arbitration clause is legally independent from the contract in which it is contained. Consequently, the nullity, termination, rescission or expiration of the underlying contract does not automatically affect the validity of the arbitration clause.<\/p>\n<p>This principle allows an arbitral tribunal to determine disputes concerning the validity or termination of the underlying contract without necessarily losing jurisdiction.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">Do the courts of your country apply a validation principle under which an arbitration agreement should be considered valid and enforceable if it would be so considered under at least one of the national laws potentially applicable to it?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>Moroccan arbitration law generally favours the effectiveness of arbitration agreements and recognises party autonomy and the principle of separability.<\/p>\n<p>However, Law No. 95-17 does not expressly establish a general validation principle requiring courts to uphold an arbitration agreement whenever it is valid under any potentially applicable national law.<\/p>\n<p>The validity of an arbitration agreement is assessed in light of the relevant statutory requirements, applicable law and mandatory principles of Moroccan public policy.<\/p>\n<p>There is no sufficiently established line of published Moroccan decisions recognising a broad in <em>favorem validitatis<\/em> rule equivalent to that applied in certain other jurisdictions.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">Are asymmetric arbitration clauses \u2013 for instance, where one party has the right to choose between arbitration or litigation while the other party does not have this option \u2013 valid in your jurisdiction?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>Moroccan legislation does not expressly prohibit asymmetric arbitration clauses granting one party a choice between arbitration and litigation while restricting the other party to arbitration.<\/p>\n<p>Their enforceability nevertheless remains subject to general contractual requirements, including clear and unequivocal consent, contractual validity and compliance with mandatory law and public policy.<\/p>\n<p>Given the absence of settled Moroccan jurisprudence specifically addressing unilateral arbitration options, their validity cannot be considered conclusively established.<\/p>\n<p>For drafting purposes, symmetrical dispute resolution clauses remain preferable to minimise jurisdictional challenges.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">In what instances can third parties or non-signatories be bound by an arbitration agreement? Are there any recent court decisions on these issues?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>As a general principle, an arbitration agreement binds the parties that have consented to it.<\/p>\n<p>Non-signatories may potentially be bound in circumstances involving assignment, succession, subrogation, agency or other legally recognised mechanisms through which contractual rights and obligations are transferred or assumed.<\/p>\n<p>However, Moroccan law does not establish a general rule automatically extending arbitration agreements to affiliated companies, shareholders or other entities within the same corporate group.<\/p>\n<p>The extension of an arbitration agreement to a non-signatory requires a legally recognised basis establishing that party&#8217;s consent or the transfer of the relevant rights and obligations.<\/p>\n<p>No recent authoritative published Moroccan decision establishing a general extension doctrine has been identified.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">Are there any recent court decisions and\/or legislative reform in your country concerning the choice of law applicable to an arbitration agreement where no such law has been specified by the Parties?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>Law No. 95-17 does not establish an express general rule that the law of the arbitral seat automatically governs the arbitration agreement in the absence of a choice by the parties.<\/p>\n<p>Moroccan law recognises the autonomy of the arbitration agreement and the parties&#8217; freedom to determine the applicable legal framework.<\/p>\n<p>Where the governing law of the arbitration agreement has not been expressly identified, its determination requires consideration of the relevant contractual arrangements, applicable conflict-of-laws principles and the legal framework governing the arbitration.<\/p>\n<p>As of October 2026, no legislative reform equivalent to the default rule introduced by the UK&#8217;s Arbitration Act 2025 has been identified in Morocco.<\/p>\n<p>For international contracts, expressly specifying the governing law of the arbitration agreement remains advisable.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">How is the law applicable to the substance determined? Is there a specific set of choice of law rules in your country?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>Moroccan arbitration law recognises the parties&#8217; freedom to select the substantive law governing their dispute.<\/p>\n<p>Under Law No. 95-17, the arbitral tribunal must apply the legal rules chosen by the parties.<\/p>\n<p>In the absence of an express choice, the tribunal may determine the legal rules it considers most appropriate, taking into account the contractual provisions, relevant commercial usages and circumstances of the dispute.<\/p>\n<p>The tribunal may decide as <em>amiable compositeur<\/em> only where expressly authorised by the parties.<\/p>\n<p>Moroccan courts do not ordinarily revisit an arbitral tribunal&#8217;s interpretation or application of substantive law when considering recognition, enforcement or annulment, except where the statutory grounds for judicial intervention are established.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">In your country, are there any particular requirements for and\/or restrictions in the appointment of arbitrators?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>Under Article 11 of Law No. 95-17, arbitrators must be natural persons possessing full legal capacity, appropriate qualifications and sufficient competence to discharge their duties.<\/p>\n<p>Individuals convicted of certain offences affecting honour, integrity or morality, or subject to specified legal disqualifications, may not serve as arbitrators.<\/p>\n<p>Moroccan law also provides for the registration of persons who habitually or professionally act as arbitrators. However, Article 13 permits parties to appoint arbitrators outside the relevant official list.<\/p>\n<p>Foreign nationals may serve as arbitrators in Morocco. There is no general requirement that an arbitrator be a Moroccan national or a member of the Moroccan Bar.<\/p>\n<p>Arbitrators must remain independent and impartial throughout the proceedings.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">Can the local courts intervene in the selection of arbitrators? If so, how?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>Yes. Moroccan courts may assist in constituting an arbitral tribunal where the agreed appointment mechanism fails.<\/p>\n<p>Under Law No. 95-17, judicial assistance may be sought where a party fails to appoint an arbitrator, the party-appointed arbitrators cannot agree on the presiding arbitrator, or another difficulty prevents the tribunal&#8217;s constitution.<\/p>\n<p>For international arbitration, Article 73 provides for judicial assistance in the constitution of the tribunal, subject to the parties&#8217; agreement.<\/p>\n<p>Where the arbitration takes place in Morocco, the competent commercial court may intervene. Where arbitration takes place abroad but Moroccan arbitration law applies, the President of the Commercial Court of Casablanca may have jurisdiction under the statutory conditions.<\/p>\n<p>Judicial intervention is intended to facilitate arbitration rather than replace the appointment mechanism agreed by the parties.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">Can the appointment of an arbitrator be challenged? What are the grounds for such a challenge? What is the procedure for such a challenge?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>Yes. An arbitrator may be challenged where circumstances give rise to legitimate doubts concerning independence or impartiality, or where the arbitrator does not satisfy the qualifications required by law or agreed by the parties.<\/p>\n<p>Article 26 of Law No. 95-17 establishes a challenge procedure.<\/p>\n<p>A party must raise its challenge in writing within eight days of becoming aware of the tribunal&#8217;s constitution or the circumstances justifying the challenge.<\/p>\n<p>Where the arbitrator does not withdraw within three days, the challenge may be referred to the competent court, which determines the matter following an adversarial procedure.<\/p>\n<p>The competent court&#8217;s decision on the challenge is not subject to an ordinary appeal.<\/p>\n<p>The irregular constitution of an arbitral tribunal may also constitute a ground for challenging the resulting award.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">Have there been any recent developments concerning the duty of independence and impartiality of the arbitrators, including the duty of disclosure?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>Article 30 of Law No. 95-17 expressly requires arbitrators to disclose circumstances that may raise doubts concerning their independence or impartiality.<\/p>\n<p>This duty applies when accepting the appointment and remains relevant throughout the proceedings as new circumstances arise.<\/p>\n<p>The introduction of the express statutory disclosure framework in 2022 strengthened the transparency of arbitrator appointments and aligned Moroccan arbitration law more closely with internationally recognised standards.<\/p>\n<p>No subsequent legislative amendment materially modifying these duties has been identified as of October 2026.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">Are arbitrators immune from liability?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>Moroccan arbitration law does not provide arbitrators with absolute immunity from civil or criminal liability.<\/p>\n<p>Article 30 of Law No. 95-17 expressly provides that an arbitrator who withdraws from an accepted appointment without legitimate grounds may incur civil liability.<\/p>\n<p>Article 56 further provides for civil liability where the tribunal or arbitrator fails to address certain requests for correction or interpretation of an award, causing damage to a party.<\/p>\n<p>Arbitrators are also subject to professional secrecy under Article 31, with potential criminal consequences for breaches.<\/p>\n<p>However, an adverse award or alleged error of law does not, in itself, establish personal liability. The statutory procedures for challenging awards remain distinct from any claim against an arbitrator.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">Is the principle of competence-competence recognized in your country?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>Yes. Moroccan arbitration law expressly recognises the principle of competence-competence.<\/p>\n<p>Under Article 32 of Law No. 95-17, an arbitral tribunal must determine, before examining the merits, questions concerning the validity and scope of its jurisdiction and the arbitration agreement.<\/p>\n<p>However, the tribunal&#8217;s jurisdictional ruling is not entirely insulated from judicial review. Article 32 expressly permits a challenge before the President of the competent court within 15 days of the ruling.<\/p>\n<p>The court decides by an order that is not subject to further appeal.<\/p>\n<p>Accordingly, Morocco recognises competence-competence, subject to the specific judicial review mechanism established by its arbitration legislation.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">What is the approach of local courts towards a party commencing litigation in apparent breach of an arbitration agreement?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>Article 18 of Law No. 95-17 requires Moroccan courts to give effect to valid arbitration agreements.<\/p>\n<p>Where a dispute covered by an arbitration agreement is brought before a Moroccan court, the court must decline to entertain the claim under the conditions established by the statute.<\/p>\n<p>The procedural position depends, in particular, on whether the arbitral tribunal has already been seized and whether the arbitration agreement is challenged.<\/p>\n<p>The jurisdictional objection must be raised by the diligent party in accordance with the applicable procedural requirements as local courts cannot raise this inadmissibility of its own motion.<\/p>\n<p>Moroccan courts may nevertheless intervene in support of arbitration, particularly for provisional or conservatory measures, without such intervention constituting a waiver of the arbitration agreement.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">What happens when a respondent fails to participate in the arbitration? Can the local courts compel participation?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>A respondent&#8217;s failure to participate does not necessarily prevent the arbitration from proceeding.<\/p>\n<p>Provided that the respondent has been properly notified and afforded a reasonable opportunity to present its case, the arbitral tribunal may continue the proceedings and render an award.<\/p>\n<p>The claimant remains responsible for establishing the legal and factual basis of its claims. Non-participation does not automatically amount to an admission of liability.<\/p>\n<p>Moroccan courts cannot generally compel a party to participate actively in arbitration. However, they may assist with certain procedural or evidentiary measures within their statutory powers.<\/p>\n<p>Failure to respect due process or the respondent&#8217;s right to be heard may subsequently affect the award&#8217;s enforceability.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">Can third parties voluntarily join arbitration proceedings? If all parties agree to the intervention, is the tribunal bound by this agreement? If all parties do not agree to the intervention, can the tribunal allow for it?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>Moroccan arbitration law does not establish a comprehensive statutory framework for joinder or intervention by third parties comparable to certain international institutional rules.<\/p>\n<p>Voluntary joinder is generally dependent on the relevant parties&#8217; consent, the arbitration agreement and any applicable institutional rules.<\/p>\n<p>Where all relevant parties consent to joinder, the tribunal must assess the request in accordance with its mandate and the applicable procedure. Such consent does not necessarily displace institutional requirements or existing procedural limitations.<\/p>\n<p>In the absence of consent, a tribunal cannot ordinarily impose arbitration on a non-signatory without an independent legal basis establishing that party&#8217;s obligation to arbitrate.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">What interim measures are available? Will local courts issue interim measures pending the constitution of the tribunal? Are anti-suit and\/or anti-arbitration injunctions available and enforceable in your country? What is the approach of local courts in your jurisdiction to anti-arbitration injunctions issued in breach of arbitration agreements?  Have there been any recent decisions on this point?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>Moroccan law permits parties to seek interim and conservatory relief in support of arbitration.<\/p>\n<p>Article 19 of Law No. 95-17 expressly preserves the parties&#8217; right to apply to the competent court for provisional or conservatory measures before or during arbitration.<\/p>\n<p>Depending on the circumstances, these measures may include conservatory attachments, preservation of assets, protection of evidence and other urgent measures available under Moroccan procedural law.<\/p>\n<p>This judicial assistance is particularly important where the respondent holds assets in Morocco or there is a risk of asset dissipation.<\/p>\n<p>The arbitration agreement does not, in itself, prevent the competent Moroccan court from granting such relief.<\/p>\n<p>Anti-suit and anti-arbitration injunctions are not established remedies under Moroccan arbitration law in the same manner as in certain common-law jurisdictions. There is no settled body of Moroccan jurisprudence recognising the routine enforcement of such injunctions.<\/p>\n<p>Accordingly, parties seeking to protect assets in Morocco generally rely on domestic conservatory procedures rather than anti-suit relief.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">Are there particular rules governing evidentiary matters in arbitration? Will the local courts in your jurisdiction play any role in the obtaining of evidence? Can local courts compel witnesses to participate in arbitration proceedings?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>Moroccan arbitration law grant parties considerable flexibility in determining evidentiary procedures. Under Article 74 of Law No. 95-17, parties to international arbitration may agree on the applicable procedural rules. In the absence of an agreement, the arbitral tribunal determines the procedure it considers appropriate.<\/p>\n<p>Articles 37 and 41 empower arbitral tribunals to request the production of evidence, hear witnesses, appoint experts and conduct other investigative measures.<\/p>\n<p>However, arbitral tribunals lack coercive powers to compel the production of documents or the attendance of witnesses. Law No. 95-17 does not provide a specific judicial mechanism for compelling compliance with such requests.<\/p>\n<p>Although Article 19 permits parties to seek provisional or conservatory measures before Moroccan courts, it does not establish a general judicial discovery mechanism or expressly authorise courts to compel witnesses to participate in arbitral proceedings.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">What ethical codes and other professional standards, if any, apply to counsel and arbitrators conducting proceedings in your country? Do these codes and professional standards apply only to counsel and arbitrators having the nationality of your jurisdiction?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>Counsel admitted to the Moroccan Bar are subject to the rules governing the legal profession, including Law No. 28-08 and applicable professional and ethical obligations.<\/p>\n<p>These include duties concerning confidentiality, professional independence, conflicts of interest and professional conduct.<\/p>\n<p>Arbitrators are subject to the independence, impartiality and disclosure requirements established by Law No. 95-17.<\/p>\n<p>Additional ethical standards may arise under the selected institutional arbitration rules or professional regulations applicable to individual participants.<\/p>\n<p>The statutory requirements applicable to arbitrators are not limited to Moroccan nationals. Foreign counsel and arbitrators may also remain subject to the professional rules applicable in their respective jurisdictions.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">In your country, are there any rules with respect to the confidentiality of arbitration proceedings?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>Moroccan arbitration law contains express confidentiality-related obligations.<\/p>\n<p>Article 31 of Law No. 95-17 subjects arbitrators to professional secrecy, with breaches potentially engaging criminal liability under the Moroccan Criminal Code.<\/p>\n<p>Article 50 requires arbitral deliberations to remain confidential, while Article 54 prohibits the publication of arbitral awards or extracts from them without the parties&#8217; authorisation.<\/p>\n<p>Additional confidentiality obligations may arise under the arbitration agreement and applicable institutional rules.<\/p>\n<p>However, these provisions do not establish an absolute confidentiality regime covering every aspect of arbitral proceedings. Disclosure may be necessary in connection with judicial proceedings concerning interim measures, annulment or enforcement.<\/p>\n<p>Parties seeking comprehensive confidentiality protection should therefore include appropriate provisions in their arbitration agreements or procedural arrangements.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">How are the IBA guidelines on conflicts of interest and other similar soft law sources viewed by courts and tribunals in your jurisdiction? Are they frequently applied? Have any developments under the 2024 IBA Guidelines, including the expanded Orange List, the treatment of social media conduct, or due diligence obligations on parties, and the UNCITRAL Code of Conduct for Arbitrators been addressed by courts and tribunals in your jurisdiction?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>The IBA Guidelines on Conflicts of Interest in International Arbitration and the IBA Rules on the Taking of Evidence are not binding legislation in Morocco.<\/p>\n<p>Nevertheless, they may serve as persuasive references for arbitral tribunals and practitioners, particularly in international proceedings.<\/p>\n<p>The 2024 IBA Guidelines provide further guidance on arbitrator disclosure, conflicts of interest, social media activity and the due diligence obligations of parties.<\/p>\n<p>Similarly, the UNCITRAL Code of Conduct may inform discussions concerning independence, impartiality and ethical standards in international arbitration.<\/p>\n<p>As of October 2026, no established line of published Moroccan judicial decisions specifically addressing the expanded Orange List, social media conduct or party due diligence obligations under the 2024 IBA Guidelines has been identified.<\/p>\n<p>Their practical relevance will depend principally on the applicable arbitral rules and the circumstances of the proceedings.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">How are the costs of arbitration proceedings estimated and allocated? Can pre- and post-award interest be included in the principal claim and costs incurred?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>Arbitration costs generally comprise arbitrators&#8217; fees, institutional administrative charges, expert fees and other procedural expenses.<\/p>\n<p>Under Article 52 of Law No. 95-17, arbitral awards must address the arbitrators&#8217; fees, arbitration expenses and their allocation between the parties.<\/p>\n<p>In institutional arbitration, costs are generally estimated in accordance with the applicable institution&#8217;s fee schedule.<\/p>\n<p>The tribunal may allocate costs in light of the parties&#8217; agreement, the applicable rules, the outcome of the dispute and other relevant circumstances.<\/p>\n<p>Pre-award interest may be claimed where supported by the applicable substantive law or contractual provisions.<\/p>\n<p>Post-award interest may also be awarded where legally permissible. However, the recoverability, calculation and enforcement of interest remain subject to applicable law and relevant public policy considerations.<\/p>\n<p>Moroccan courts generally do not reassess the merits of an interest award during enforcement proceedings, except where a recognised ground for refusing enforcement arises.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">How are applications for security for costs viewed in your jurisdiction?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>Law No. 95-17 does not establish a comprehensive, express regime governing security for costs comparable to that found in certain international arbitration rules.<\/p>\n<p>The availability of security for costs will therefore depend on the applicable institutional rules, the parties&#8217; agreement and the tribunal&#8217;s procedural powers.<\/p>\n<p>Where the applicable rules permit such measures, tribunals may consider factors such as the applicant&#8217;s prospects of recovering costs, evidence of financial difficulties and the risk of non-payment.<\/p>\n<p>Security for costs should be distinguished from conservatory measures available before Moroccan courts, which primarily seek to preserve assets or secure the effectiveness of future enforcement.<\/p>\n<p>There is no established Moroccan judicial practice of routinely granting security for arbitration costs.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">What legal requirements are there in your country for the recognition and enforcement of an award? Is there a requirement that the award be reasoned, i.e. substantiated and motivated?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>Recognition and enforcement of international arbitral awards in Morocco are governed principally by Articles 77 to 84 of Law No. 95-17 and the New York Convention.<\/p>\n<p>Under Article 77, international arbitral awards may be recognised and enforced in Morocco provided that recognition or enforcement is not contrary to Moroccan national or international public policy.<\/p>\n<p>An application for exequatur must be submitted to the President of the competent Commercial Court.<\/p>\n<p>Pursuant to Article 78, the applicant must establish the existence of the award by producing the original award and arbitration agreement, or duly certified copies of those documents. Where the documents are in a foreign language, an Arabic translation prepared by a court-approved translator must also be provided.<\/p>\n<p>Moroccan arbitration law generally requires arbitral awards to comply with prescribed formal requirements, including written form, identification of the tribunal and parties, date, place, signatures and reasons for the decision, subject to the distinctions and exceptions provided by law.<\/p>\n<p>Regarding the requirement for a reasoned award, Article 51 generally requires arbitral awards to state their reasons. However, the parties may agree otherwise, and the requirement may also be displaced where the procedural law governing the arbitration does not require reasons. Awards involving public-law entities must be reasoned.<\/p>\n<p>In practice, compliance with documentary formalities and proper authentication of supporting documents can be particularly important in contested enforcement proceedings.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">What is the estimated timeframe for the recognition and enforcement of an award (domestic and international)? Can a party bring a motion for the recognition and enforcement of an award on an ex parte basis? Would the standard of review be different for domestic and international awards?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>There is no reliable statutory or uniform practical timeframe for obtaining recognition and enforcement of an arbitral award in Morocco.<\/p>\n<p>The duration depends on the competent court, the completeness of the application, notification requirements and whether the recognition or enforcement process gives rise to judicial challenges.<\/p>\n<p>Under Article 77 of Law No. 95-17, applications for recognition and enforcement of international arbitral awards are examined by the President of the competent Commercial Court after the parties have been summoned. Accordingly, the statutory procedure is not purely <em>ex parte<\/em>.<\/p>\n<p>Moroccan courts do not undertake a review of the merits of an arbitral award. Their intervention is limited to the requirements for recognition and enforcement and the grounds for judicial review established by the applicable legal framework.<\/p>\n<p>Domestic and international awards are subject to distinct procedural regimes. In particular, international awards rendered in Morocco may be challenged through annulment proceedings, whereas the recognition and enforcement of foreign awards are subject to the remedies available under Articles 77 to 81.<\/p>\n<p>Recognition and enforcement must also be distinguished from actual recovery. An enforcement order does not itself guarantee payment, which may require separate attachment and execution measures against assets located in Morocco.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">Can arbitration awards be appealed or challenged in local courts? What are the grounds and procedure in this regard? Is it possible for parties to waive any rights of appeal or challenge to an award by agreement?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>Arbitral awards are not ordinarily subject to an appeal on the merits before Moroccan courts.<\/p>\n<p>However, Law No. 95-17 provides limited grounds for challenging awards and decisions concerning their recognition or enforcement.<\/p>\n<p>For international awards rendered in Morocco, Article 82 permits annulment on the grounds set out in Article 80, unless the parties have agreed otherwise, including:<\/p>\n<ol>\n<li>Absence or invalidity of the arbitration agreement, or expiry of the arbitration period.<\/li>\n<li>Irregular constitution of the arbitral tribunal or appointment of an arbitrator.<\/li>\n<li>The tribunal exceeding its mandate.<\/li>\n<li>Failure to respect the rights of defence.<\/li>\n<li>Violation of Moroccan national or international public policy.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>An application for annulment must be brought before the competent Commercial Court of Appeal in accordance with Article 83. The statutory framework provides for a 15-day period following notification of the award, with the possibility of bringing the challenge from the date the award is rendered.<\/p>\n<p>Foreign awards are not subject to annulment by Moroccan courts merely because enforcement is sought in Morocco. Instead, the relevant judicial remedy concerns the recognition or enforcement order, which may be challenged under the applicable statutory conditions.<\/p>\n<p>Article 82 permits parties to waive the right to seek annulment of an international award rendered in Morocco.<\/p>\n<p>For domestic arbitration, Articles 61 and 62 provide for annulment on specified grounds, including invalidity of the arbitration agreement, irregular constitution of the tribunal, excess of mandate, procedural irregularities, denial of due process and violation of public policy. The right to seek annulment cannot be excluded by agreement.<\/p>\n<p>Article 84 provides that the relevant appeal periods and timely challenges suspend enforcement, subject to the statutory rules concerning provisional enforcement.<\/p>\n<p>Importantly, under Article 85, where an international arbitral award is set aside, the Commercial Court of Appeal cannot decide the merits of the underlying dispute.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">In what instances can third parties or non-signatories be bound by an award? To what extent might a third party challenge the recognition of an award?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>As a general rule, an arbitral award binds the parties to the arbitration and those legally deriving rights or obligations from them under applicable law.<\/p>\n<p>An award does not automatically bind a third party merely because it is affiliated with a party or economically connected to the underlying transaction.<\/p>\n<p>Article 60 of Law No. 95-17 expressly provides that domestic arbitral awards are not opposable to third parties and recognises a mechanism of third-party opposition under the applicable procedural rules.<\/p>\n<p>In international arbitration, the ability of a non-signatory to resist enforcement depends on its legal interest, the effect of the award on its rights and the procedural remedies available under Moroccan law.<\/p>\n<p>Third parties whose assets are affected by enforcement measures may also have access to remedies under Moroccan enforcement law, independently of the arbitration proceedings.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">Are there any rules \/ court decisions that regulate or prohibit third party funding of arbitration proceedings \u2013 for instance, where funding by an entity not involved in the dispute in return for a share of the eventual award may be barred \u2013 in your jurisdiction?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>Morocco does not currently have a dedicated statutory framework governing third-party funding of arbitration.<\/p>\n<p>Law No. 95-17 does not expressly prohibit a third party from financing arbitration in exchange for an agreed share of the proceeds.<\/p>\n<p>However, funding arrangements remain subject to general contractual principles, mandatory law and public policy considerations.<\/p>\n<p>Potential issues include confidentiality, conflicts of interest, disclosure of funding arrangements, and the allocation of costs.<\/p>\n<p>Funding arrangements involving Moroccan lawyers must also comply with the professional and ethical rules applicable to the legal profession.<\/p>\n<p>There is no established body of published Moroccan case law specifically addressing the validity or enforceability of third-party arbitration funding agreements.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">Is emergency arbitrator relief available and recognized in your country? Are decisions made by emergency arbitrators readily enforceable?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>Law No. 95-17 does not establish a standalone statutory emergency arbitrator mechanism.<\/p>\n<p>Nevertheless, parties may have access to emergency arbitrator procedures where these are provided by the arbitration rules selected in their agreement.<\/p>\n<p>The recognition and enforcement of an emergency arbitrator&#8217;s decision in Morocco will depend on its legal nature and whether it qualifies for enforcement under the applicable statutory framework.<\/p>\n<p>There is no settled Moroccan jurisprudence establishing that emergency arbitrator orders are automatically enforceable in the same manner as final arbitral awards.<\/p>\n<p>Parties requiring urgent relief affecting assets located in Morocco may seek provisional or conservatory measures directly from the competent Moroccan courts under Article 19 of Law No. 95-17.<\/p>\n<p>In practice, domestic judicial conservatory measures will often provide a more direct route for preserving Moroccan assets.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">Are there arbitral laws or arbitration institutional rules in your country providing simplified or expedited procedures for claims under a certain value? Are they often used?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>Law No. 95-17 provides flexibility in the organisation of arbitration proceedings but does not establish a general statutory expedited procedure applicable to disputes below a particular monetary threshold.<\/p>\n<p>However, expedited procedures are available under certain institutional arbitration rules in Morocco.<\/p>\n<p>For example, the Casablanca Mediation and Arbitration Centre provides for expedited arbitration for disputes not exceeding MAD 1 million, subject to the parties&#8217; written agreement. Its published procedure contemplates an award within three months.<\/p>\n<p>Parties may also agree to expedited proceedings under international institutional rules, subject to the relevant requirements.<\/p>\n<p>No comprehensive public statistics are available to establish how frequently expedited arbitration is used in Morocco.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">Have there been any recent court decisions in your country considering the setting aside of an award that has been enforced in another jurisdiction or vice versa?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>Moroccan legislation does not establish an express general rule requiring courts to enforce foreign awards that have been annulled by the courts of the arbitral seat.<\/p>\n<p>The recognition and enforcement of foreign awards remain governed by Law No. 95-17 and applicable international conventions, particularly the New York Convention.<\/p>\n<p>Article V(1)(e) of the New York Convention permits refusal of enforcement where an award has been set aside or suspended by a competent authority in the country in which, or under the law of which, it was made.<\/p>\n<p>However, the Convention&#8217;s wording and the interaction between international obligations and Moroccan domestic arbitration law require careful consideration in each case.<\/p>\n<p>No sufficiently established recent Moroccan decision adopting a general policy of enforcing awards annulled at their seat has been identified.<\/p>\n<p>The approach should therefore be assessed case by case, with particular attention to the status of the award and the relevant public policy considerations.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">Have there been any recent court decisions in your country considering the issue of corruption? What standard do local courts apply for proving corruption? Which party bears the burden of proving corruption?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>Corruption may constitute a ground for refusing recognition or enforcement of an arbitral award where enforcement would violate Moroccan national or international public policy.<\/p>\n<p>Moroccan courts may examine serious allegations of corruption within the limits of their statutory powers concerning public policy.<\/p>\n<p>As a general principle, the party alleging corruption bears the burden of establishing the relevant facts, subject to applicable evidentiary rules and the court&#8217;s authority to address matters of public policy.<\/p>\n<p>Allegations must be supported by sufficiently credible evidence. Mere suspicion or unsupported assertions should not suffice to defeat enforcement.<\/p>\n<p>There is no clearly established, uniform Moroccan judicial standard specifically addressing the evidentiary threshold for corruption allegations in international arbitration enforcement proceedings.<\/p>\n<p>No recent authoritative published decision establishing a distinct standard of proof for arbitration-related corruption has been identified as of October 2026.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">Has your country withdrawn from, or announced its intention to withdraw from, the Energy Charter Treaty?  What is the status of the sunset clause in your jurisdiction?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>Morocco is not a Contracting Party to the Energy Charter Treaty (ECT).<\/p>\n<p>Morocco participates in the Energy Charter process as an observer, having signed the European Energy Charter, which is a political declaration distinct from the legally binding ECT.<\/p>\n<p>Accordingly, Morocco has neither withdrawn from the ECT nor announced an intention to withdraw from it.<\/p>\n<p>The ECT&#8217;s sunset clause does not apply to Morocco.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">Have there been any recent court decisions or legislative developments in your country with respect to intra-European investor-State arbitration, the Energy Charter Treaty, or the enforcement of intra-EU? Are there any pending decisions?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>Morocco is not a Member State of the European Union and is not a Contracting Party to the ECT.<\/p>\n<p>Consequently, the legal restrictions arising from European Union law concerning intra-EU investor-State arbitration do not directly govern Moroccan arbitration proceedings.<\/p>\n<p>Nevertheless, questions concerning the recognition and enforcement of intra-EU awards may arise where enforcement is sought against assets located in Morocco.<\/p>\n<p>In such circumstances, Moroccan courts would assess the application under Law No. 95-17 and the relevant international conventions, including the New York Convention or ICSID Convention, as applicable.<\/p>\n<p>The direct effect of EU law and decisions should not be assumed in Moroccan enforcement proceedings.<\/p>\n<p>As of October 2026, no authoritative published Moroccan decision specifically determining the enforceability of an intra-EU investor-State award on these grounds has been identified.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">Have arbitral institutions in your country implemented reforms towards greater use of technology and a more cost-effective conduct of arbitrations? Have there been any recent developments regarding virtual hearings?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>Moroccan arbitration legislation expressly accommodates the use of electronic communications and modern technologies.<\/p>\n<p>Article 33 of Law No. 95-17 permits arbitral tribunals to hold meetings remotely using modern communication technologies where all arbitrators cannot be physically present, subject to the parties&#8217; agreement.<\/p>\n<p>Article 51 also recognises arbitral awards in electronic form, while Articles 35 and 36 permit electronic submissions.<\/p>\n<p>Institutional arbitration may additionally provide for electronic communications, remote hearings and digital case management in accordance with the applicable rules.<\/p>\n<p>The UNCITRAL amendments adopted on 6 July 2026 concerning electronic awards and notices of arbitration represent a relevant development, although Morocco has not formally incorporated those amendments into Law No. 95-17.<\/p>\n<p>These provisions reflect Morocco&#8217;s growing accommodation of technology in arbitration, while maintaining the requirements of party consent and due process.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">Have there been any recent judicial and\/or legislative developments in your jurisdiction with regard to disputes involving ESG issues such as climate change, sustainability, social responsibility and\/or human rights?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>Morocco has adopted legislation and public policies addressing environmental protection, sustainable development and energy transition.<\/p>\n<p>Disputes arising from construction, infrastructure, renewable energy projects, natural resources and investment agreements may involve environmental or sustainability-related obligations.<\/p>\n<p>Such disputes may be submitted to arbitration where they concern arbitrable contractual or investment rights.<\/p>\n<p>However, Morocco has not established a specific statutory arbitration regime for ESG disputes.<\/p>\n<p>As of October 2026, no established body of published Moroccan arbitration decisions specifically developing ESG-related grounds for annulment or refusal of enforcement has been identified.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">Have any international economic sanctions regimes been implemented (either independently, or based on EU law) in your jurisdiction recently? Have there been any recent decisions in your country considering the impact of sanctions on international arbitration proceedings?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>Morocco is subject to applicable United Nations Security Council sanctions and has domestic legal mechanisms governing their implementation, including measures relating to terrorism financing, asset freezing and financial compliance.<\/p>\n<p>Morocco does not automatically incorporate European Union sanctions into its domestic legal system solely by virtue of their adoption by the EU.<\/p>\n<p>However, EU, US and other foreign sanctions regimes may affect transactions involving Moroccan companies, particularly through international banking arrangements, correspondent banking relationships and contractual obligations.<\/p>\n<p>Sanctions may also affect arbitration proceedings where they restrict payments, the transfer of funds or dealings with designated persons.<\/p>\n<p>Moroccan courts must assess such issues under applicable domestic law, international obligations and public policy.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">Has your country enacted any regulation and\/or implemented any rules, guidlines or regulations regarding the use of artificial intelligence (AI), generative AI or large language models in the context of dispute resolution?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>As of October 2026, Morocco has not adopted specific legislation or binding guidelines regulating the use of artificial intelligence (AI), generative AI or large language models in arbitration or other dispute resolution proceedings.<\/p>\n<p>However, Morocco has taken significant steps towards establishing a national AI governance framework.<\/p>\n<p>On 16 October 2026, the newly appointed government established a Ministry of Artificial Intelligence, Digital Transformation and Administrative Reform, headed by Ahmed Rahhou. This development follows the launch of the national &#8220;Moroc\u200bco AI 2030&#8221; roadmap, aimed at promoting responsible AI development, innovation and digital sovereignty.<\/p>\n<p>In September 2025, the Moroccan Ministry of Digital Transition and the National Commission for the Protection of Personal Data (CNDP) also entered into a partnership to develop a national responsible AI framework.<\/p>\n<p>Regarding the justice sector, the Moroccan Higher Council of the Judicial Power, in cooperation with UNESCO, organised consultations on the responsible use of AI in courts and tribunals, with particular emphasis on judicial independence, ethical safeguards and human oversight.<\/p>\n<p>Pending the adoption of dedicated regulations, the use of AI in arbitration remains subject to existing legal obligations, particularly Law No. 09-08 on personal data protection, professional confidentiality, due process and the duties of counsel and arbitrators.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">Are there any specific legal, institutional, or procedural frameworks in your jurisdiction governing the arbitration of digital asset or blockchain-related disputes?  Have there been any court decisions in your jurisdiction concerning the validity or enforceability of arbitration agreements incorporated into smart contracts or digital asset terms?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>Morocco does not currently have a dedicated arbitration framework specifically governing disputes involving digital assets, blockchain technologies or smart contracts.<\/p>\n<p>Such disputes may be subject to arbitration under Law No. 95-17 where the relevant contractual rights are arbitrable and a valid arbitration agreement exists.<\/p>\n<p>Electronic arbitration agreements may satisfy the statutory writing requirement, subject to the applicable rules concerning consent, authentication and electronic communications.<\/p>\n<p>However, the enforceability of arbitration clauses incorporated exclusively through smart-contract code raises unresolved issues, particularly regarding the identification of the parties, informed consent and proof of agreement.<\/p>\n<p>The legal and regulatory treatment of the underlying digital assets must also be considered independently of the arbitration agreement.<\/p>\n<p>As of October 2026, no established published Moroccan decision specifically addressing the validity or enforcement of an arbitration agreement embedded in a smart contract has been identified.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\r\n<div class=\"word-count-hidden\" style=\"display:none;\">Estimated word count: <span class=\"word-count\">7358<\/span><\/div>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t<\/ol>\r\n\r\n<script type=\"text\/javascript\" src=\"\/wp-content\/themes\/twentyseventeen\/src\/jquery\/components\/filter-guides.js\" async><\/script><\/div>"}},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.legal500.com\/guides\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comparative_guide\/153244","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.legal500.com\/guides\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comparative_guide"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.legal500.com\/guides\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/comparative_guide"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.legal500.com\/guides\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=153244"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}