Unpaid checks in Morocco : Implementation, Penalties, and Settlement Procedures

Unpaid checks in Morocco : Implementation, Penalties, and Settlement Procedures

New Checks Law in Morocco 2025-2026: Complete Guide to Settlement and Penalties

New Checks Law in Morocco 2025-2026: Everything You Need to Know

Complete guide to the new checks law in Morocco: from implementation date to settlement clauses, penalties for bounced checks, cashing procedures, statute of limitations and main amendments in the Official Bulletin.

Illustration of the new checks law in Morocco 2025-2026 with amendments graph
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Summary of the New Checks Law in Morocco

The new checks law in Morocco 2025 is one of the most important legislative amendments aimed at modernizing the banking system and strengthening confidence in commercial transactions. The law includes new settlement procedures, modified penalties for bounced checks, and facilities for companies and individuals within the framework of economic reforms taking place in Morocco.

What is the New Checks Law in Morocco?

The new checks law in Morocco is a legislative amendment adopted by the Moroccan government aimed at modernizing the bank check system and reducing cases of bounced checks. This law responds to the challenges of the old system and aligns with the economic and digital developments Morocco is experiencing.

Publication Date

The new checks law in Morocco 2025 was published in Official Bulletin No. 7058 dated January 15, 2025, and provides for its entry into force 6 months after the publication date.

Main Objective

The law aims to reduce the rate of bounced checks and strengthen confidence in commercial transactions, while offering alternative settlement solutions outside the courts.

Beneficiaries

The law benefits individuals, small and medium enterprises, and large companies by simplifying check procedures and reducing risks.

Text of the New Checks Law in Morocco

The text of the new checks law in Morocco includes 45 articles divided into 7 chapters, covering general provisions, issuance and negotiation procedures, settlement system, penalties, and transition to the new system.

Implementation Date of the New Checks Law in Morocco

Many ask: “When will the new checks law be applied in Morocco?” According to the Official Bulletin, the entry into force of the new checks law will be on July 15, 2025, after the expiration of the legal period of 6 months from the publication date.

Implementation Schedule

Phase Date Action
Law Publication January 15, 2025 Publication in Official Bulletin
Transition Period January – July 2025 Preparation of banks and users
Implementation Start July 15, 2025 Entry into force
Full Implementation January 2026 End of transition period

During the transition period, banking institutions update their systems and train their staff, while customers are made aware of the new changes.

Settlement in the New Checks Law

One of the most important aspects of settlement in the new checks law is the introduction of conciliation mechanisms to resolve check disputes before resorting to courts. These mechanisms include:

Amicable Settlement

Obligation for the bank to notify the drawer 48 hours before check refusal, with opportunity for deposit or arrangement with the beneficiary.

Mediation Committee

Formation of mediation committees at commercial court level to settle disputes within maximum 30 days.

Judicial Conciliation

Possibility of conciliation before the court with case dismissal in case of obligation fulfillment.

These mechanisms aim to reduce the burden on courts and encourage amicable solutions that preserve business relationships.

Penalties for Bounced Checks in the New Law

Penalties for bounced checks in Morocco have seen significant amendments in the new law, with some penalties relaxed and follow-up procedures strengthened.

Evolution of Bounced Check Penalties

  • Dropping of bounced check penalties in Morocco for checks under 5,000 dirhams in case of amicable settlement
  • Bounced check fine in Morocco 2025 ranging between 1,000 and 20,000 dirhams depending on check amount and recurrence
  • Possibility of imprisonment remains for large and recurrent checks with possibility of replacement by fines
  • Black points system in banking register for 5 years

The new bounced check law in Morocco helps address the issue of bounced checks while considering individuals’ economic conditions.

Frequently Asked Questions about the New Checks Law

When does a bounced check become statute-barred in Morocco?

According to the new checks law in Morocco 2025, the statute of limitations for checks in Moroccan law 2025 is 3 years from the due date for civil action, and 5 years for criminal action.

Can a check be cashed before its date in Morocco?

Yes, a check can be cashed before its date but with agreement from the bank and drawer, and this may incur additional fees according to each bank’s policy.

What is the cashing period for a check on account?

The cashing period for a check on account according to the new law is 8 working days from the presentation date, with possibility of extension in special cases.

What are the causes of check nullity in Morocco?

Among causes of check nullity in Morocco: insufficient funds, forged signature, data mismatch, account expiration, or formal defects in the check.

How to cash a check in Morocco?

How to cash a check in Morocco requires presenting the original check with national ID card at any branch of the drawn bank, or via account deposit.

Download New Checks Law PDF and Updates

You can download the new checks law in Morocco 2025 pdf from the Official Bulletin’s official website, and versions with explanations and summaries by legal experts are also available.

For more official information: Official Bulletin Website | Bank Al-Maghrib | Ministry of Economy and Finance

With the new checks law in Morocco 2026, Morocco continues to modernize its legal system to meet contemporary requirements and strengthen confidence in financial transactions.

YM

Kamal Azmi

Economic expert and lawyer specialized in financial and banking legislation. Follows legal developments in Morocco for over 15 years, and has participated in several seminars on modernizing economic laws.

© 2026 Salil.ma – All rights reserved. This article is protected by copyright.

Publication date: February 4, 2026 | Last update: February 4, 2026

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