The new version of the Damancom portal is not to the liking of practitioners. Many professionals, including chartered accountants, certified public accountants, managers, and others, are protesting their exclusion from the preparations for the change.
This change, which comes just weeks after the sensational data leak at the National Social Security Fund (CNSS), aims in particular to strengthen system security, prevent cyberattacks, and improve service quality. However, the result is clearly disappointing for users. The user community is grumbling, as June declarations will have to be submitted, along with the payment of contributions, by July 10 at the latest.
On June 25, the President of the Professional Organization of Chartered Accountants (OPCA) sent a letter to the Director General of the CNSS, in which he pointed out the recurring difficulties of access to the new Damancom platform dedicated to monthly declarations, the connection of which is now dependent on identification via an electronic identity. In fact, since the aim of the change is security, access to the Damancom portal has been strengthened. Access now requires initial authentication via the my e-ID platform (my digital identity), using the national electronic identity card (CNIE) or the Moroccan residence permit.
This platform was developed by the General Directorate of National Security (DGSN, the national police). To do this, users are asked to download the «Morocco digital identity» app as well as the practical guide published by the CNSS. However, this sometimes proves to be an impossible task for many practitioners who are not familiar with new technologies. Professionals report the multitude of blocking messages during the identification phase via the national ID card. «When I tried to log in, the system informed me that my card had expired without me realizing it. In this case, should I use the identity card of one of my colleagues? « , asked a certified accountant managing a trust company. In its letter to the CNSS Director General, the OPCA reports feedback from its members: « the inability to log in to the portal despite using electronic identity, and the display of error messages regarding non-confirmation of user identities. This is blocking the filing of declarations within the regulatory deadlines and exposing professionals to late payment surcharges for which they are not responsible.»
Consequently, the professional association is asking the general management to quickly make the necessary corrections to enable professionals to complete their procedures within the required timeframe and to open permanent channels of communication and consultation to anticipate blockages in the event of further changes. The Professional Organization of Chartered Accountants (OPCA) has also proposes holding an urgent meeting to discuss possible avenues for improvement and recommends the cancellation of late payment surcharges that may have been imposed on users. In addition to late payment surcharges, some practitioners are highlighting the risk of disputes with the CNSS. For its part, the Association of Chartered Accountants has not yet responded to the change. However, according to a member of the national council, «the Association of Chartered Accountants is in contact with the CNSS to find more practical solutions.»
Hassan EL ARIF
