Barcelona becomes the first free zone in the world to receive the OECD security and transparency certificate

• The new certification from the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) recognises the Barcelona Free Zone as a global benchmark for its business model focused on innovation, Industry 4.0, and sustainability, and its strong commitment to transparency in its management and security in international trade.

• The award ceremony was attended by Marion Jansen, Director of Trade and Agriculture at the OECD; Ximo Puig, Spain’s ambassador to the OECD; Christopher Martin, President of the WPCIT of the OECD; Patricia García-Escudero, Director of the EUIPO Observatory on Intellectual Property Infringements; Hanane Taidi, Director General of the TIC Council; Géraldine Picaud, CEO of SGS, the State’s special delegate at the CZFB, Pere Navarro, and the General Director of the CZFB, Blanca Sorigué.

Barcelona, 20 March 2025.- The Zona Franca de Barcelona 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), the first distinction that serves to establish the criteria for security and transparency in international trade of these economic activity zones worldwide. The presentation of this recognition was made within the framework of the first Forum on Combating Illicit Trade, held on 18 and 19 March at the OECD headquarters in Paris, and brought together distinguished representatives from the OECD, the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO), and the TIC Council.

Zona Franca de Barcelona as an international benchmark

Zona Franca de Barcelona has been the first free zone worldwide to be awarded this distinction, recognising it as a global benchmark in its field, for its business focused on innovation, Industry 4.0, and sustainability, and its strong commitment to transparency in management and security in international trade.

This distinction is the result of work carried out in close coordination and collaboration with the OECD team, the audit team from certifying companies, and professionals from the Zona Franca Aduanera. Over the last three months, the Zona Franca de Barcelona has opened its doors to help develop the technical part of this certification, becoming the pilot test to establish the parameters of security and transparency in international trade for all free zones worldwide.

The certificate award ceremony was attended by Marion Jansen, Director of Trade and Agriculture at the OECD; Christopher Martin, President of the WPCIT of the OECD; Patricia García-Escudero, Director of the EUIPO Observatory on Intellectual Property Infringements; Hanane Taidi, Director General of the TIC Council, Géraldine Picaud, CEO of SGS, and Ximo Puig, Spain’s ambassador to the OECD.

In the opening speech of the event, Spain’s ambassador to the OECD, Ximo Puig, stated that “cooperation is key to mitigating illicit trade, and it was necessary to create a commercial certification system like this one. The companies that have set up in Barcelona’s Free Trade Zone not only promote the technology industry, but by adhering to the certification, they also engage in an exercise of transparency and security. This is an action we encourage all free zones around the world to undertake”.

During the speech of gratitude, the special delegate of the State at the CZFB, Pere Navarro, highlighted that “it is an honour to receive this certification that positions the Zona Franca de Barcelona as the great international benchmark in our area of action, logistics, and industry. In such a changing world as ours, it is more necessary than ever to have a certification like this that endorses good governance, transparency, security, and good practices of international trade.”

For her part, the General Director of the CZFB, Blanca Sorigué, celebrated that “with this distinction, the Barcelona Free Zone demonstrates the transformative potential of global free zones. We are a hub for investment, fostering talent and economic growth not only for each of the regions but globally. I also thank and convey the success of being the first free zone with this certificate: together we work every day for economic and social progress not only of Barcelona and its Metropolitan Area but on a national and global scale.”

First Forum on Combating Illicit Trade

The first edition of the Forum on Combating Illicit Trade has brought together professionals, trade representatives, and leaders in the international trade industry to explore the current situation and thus improve practices and define innovative strategies to combat illicit trade. The celebration of this historic milestone by the organisation means addressing the current challenges of global trade and existing illicit activities, such as counterfeiting, wildlife trafficking, money laundering, human trafficking, or circulation of lower quality goods. Throughout the two days, the event highlighted the widespread risks and the harmful impacts of illicit trade on modern supply chains and global governance, focusing on transparency and cooperation.

Additionally, the forum has offered innovative solutions to strengthen global efforts, thereby maintaining fair, transparent trade based on best practices and good governance for all economic operators.

In this regard, the Director of Trade and Agriculture at the OECD, Marion Jansen, stated that “The certification of the Barcelona Free Zone marks a milestone in international standards of transparency and good governance practices in global trade. This achievement demonstrates the commitment of the free zone, setting a model for other free zones around the world.”

The OECD inspires collective action among all associations to build a global community of free zones based on maintaining fair, transparent trade, grounded in best practices and good governance, thus reinforcing global efforts and protecting the integrity of the global economy.