The Guinean Customs Authority has awarded two new companies, SOBRAGUI and TOP GUINÉE, the status of Authorized Economic Operator (OEA), bringing the total number of certified companies in the country to four. This development aims to modernize customs procedures, reducing formalities and costs associated with logistics. The OEA program, launched in Guinea in 2021, seeks to accelerate customs procedures while maintaining security requirements.
The OEA program is based on trust between the customs administration and companies that adhere to existing norms. The certification process involves an audit that assesses a company's customs compliance, financial stability, and security standards. According to General Cheikh Gadiri Condé, Director General of Customs, the certification goes beyond administrative recognition, representing a label of trust.
The Director General of Customs expressed gratitude to the European Union and French expertise for their technical and financial support. He highlighted that the certification of SOBRAGUI and TOP GUINÉE demonstrates their exemplary customs compliance, solid financial standing, and strict security standards. This recognition enables these companies to benefit from streamlined customs procedures based on trust and transparency.
For the beneficiary companies, the OEA status is a performance and competitiveness lever. Xavier de Boisset, Managing Director of SOBRAGUI, welcomed the recognition, considering it the result of long-standing efforts. He emphasized that the certification signifies trust from the customs authorities in their declarations, built over the years.
The Guinean Customs Authority plans to expand the OEA program to more companies, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The application process is now accessible online, aiming to make the program more inclusive. Minister of Economy, Finance, and Budget, Mariama Ciré Sylla, encouraged other operators to apply, highlighting that the certification involves both advantages and responsibilities for beneficiary companies.
The Minister emphasized that the OEA status recognizes a company's compliance, transparency, and governance quality, while also implying a responsibility to be exemplary. She invited other companies to apply, noting that the procedure is open online on the Customs Authority's platform.
With four certified companies, Guinea continues to deploy the OEA program, aiming to broaden its access, strengthen trust between Customs and economic operators, and make simplified procedures a driver of economic growth. The program seeks to facilitate trade, enhance enterprise competitiveness, and improve the business environment.
Key points
- The OEA program in Guinea aims to accelerate customs procedures while maintaining security requirements.
- Two new companies, SOBRAGUI and TOP GUINÉE, have been certified as Authorized Economic Operators.
- The certification process assesses a company's customs compliance, financial stability, and security standards.
