The Ministry of Industry and Trade (MIN DCOM) announced yesterday, the 5th, the elimination of the requirement to apply for a Certificate of Conformity for Export and a Declaration of Authorization for the Export of Goods, which, according to the Association of Modern Trade and Distribution Companies of Angola (ECODIMA), will help encourage small and medium-sized enterprises to participate legally in export and import chains
According to ECODIMA President Raul Mateus, the measure taken by the government raises the strategic reach for the national economy, representing a firm step toward facilitating trade, reducing administrative barriers, and modernizing the business environment. Raul Mateus believes that this measure is in line with the best international practices recommended by the World Trade Organization (WTO) and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
Companies will see their operating costs reduced, as they will no longer have to spend time and resources on redundant documentation processes and will be able to focus on logistics, compliance with quality and safety standards, and value chain efficiency. This rationalization translates into a direct improvement in the competitiveness of Angolan products.
Foreign trade agents
Economist Diogenes Lenga agrees, emphasizing that eliminating the requirement for certificates and export authorizations signals a significant reduction in bureaucracy in Angolan foreign trade.
Lenga points out that centralizing and simplifying licensing processes and reducing intervention in multiple departments creates conditions for greater efficiency and lower operating costs for exporters.
From an economic standpoint, he argues, this could stimulate an increase in exports, improve the competitiveness of domestic companies in the international market, and boost the local economy.
“The elimination of these document requirements allows companies to export more quickly and with less red tape, reducing the time and costs involved in the process. This particularly stimulates small and medium-sized enterprises, which face greater administrative obstacles,” he said.
He adds that simplification can attract new players to foreign trade, increase the volume of goods exported, and broaden the diversity of products traded internationally.
The economist predicts that the positive effects may begin to be felt in the short to medium term, possibly as early as the first few months after the measure is implemented, as companies adapt to the new simplified system.
The most significant impact may occur in six to 12 months, a period also predicted by ECODIMA. In summary, Lenga points out that the measure may reduce administrative costs and waiting times for exports; increase export flows, with growth in the volume and value of exports; improve the country’s attractiveness to investors and trading partners; stimulate the formalization of foreign trade operators; and boost foreign exchange revenue for the country.
In the note, MINDCOM emphasizes that the measure, which is primarily intended to ease the burden on economic operators, is part of the Executive’s actions aimed at simplifying procedural formalities, reducing operating costs, and increasing the efficiency and competitiveness of national exports.
However, despite the waiver of these requirements, as stated in the document, all other legal and regulatory obligations applicable to the export process remain unchanged, namely those relating to compliance with customs, health, phytosanitary, safety, and inspection standards.
With this decision, MINDCOM intends to reinforce its commitment to modernizing and reducing bureaucracy in foreign trade, in line with international best practices and national development objectives.
Source: O País Angola
