31/03/2025
The Zona Franca de Barcelona (CZFB) has become the first free zone in the world to receive the Free Zone Certificate from the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). This landmark certification recognises CZFB as a global benchmark for innovation, Industry 4.0, sustainability, and its strong commitment to transparency and security in international trade.
SGS, the world’s leading testing, inspection, and certification company, was selected by the OECD Working Party on Countering Illicit Trade to conduct the first-ever pilot certification of a free trade zone. As the pilot site for the certification process, CZFB played a key role in developing and validating the criteria used to assess transparency and security in free zones. Over the past three months, it collaborated with OECD teams, certification bodies, and customs professionals to support audits and technical evaluations, helping define a new global standard.
The certification positions CZFB as a leader in secure, transparent, and sustainable international commerce. It reflects the zone’s efforts to promote responsible trade practices, attract investment, and foster economic growth through advanced logistics and industrial innovation.
The certificate was awarded during the first-ever Forum on Combating Illicit Trade, held at OECD headquarters in Paris. Throughout the forum, participants addressed the wide-ranging risks posed by illicit trade, from counterfeiting and wildlife trafficking to money laundering and unsafe goods. The discussions underscored the urgent need for stronger global cooperation, more effective governance, and greater transparency in supply chains.
TIC Council is proud to have contributed to the development of this certification scheme, bringing the expertise of its members to support robust and practical standards for international trade. We are also pleased to have joined Business at OECD, the international business body working with multinational corporations and SMEs from all industries and sectors, in close coordination with 55 national business organisations from all OECD countries and beyond.
