A mutual recognition agreement of authorized economic operator (AEO) status signed between China and Burundi has gone into effect since March 1, 2025. This is the first AEO mutual recognition arrangement with an African country that the Changsha Customs Authority has participated and promoted since the State Council approved Hunan Province's establishment of the Pioneering Zone for In-depth China-Africa Economic and Trade Cooperation. It is another important measure of the Customs authorities to serve and advance the high-quality development of Hunan-Africa economic and trade cooperation.

Burundi has become the third African country to implement AEO mutual recognition with China after Uganda and South Africa. A person in charge of the Changsha Customs Inspection Division introduced that after implementing the mutual recognition agreement, AEO enterprises of the two countries will enjoy an array of preferential measures such as lower inspection rates for imported cargoes from the customs authorities of the two sides, prioritized inspection of goods that require physical checks, and a designated customs liaison officer responsible for communicating and dealing with any problems encountered by AEO enterprises during customs clearance.

Hunan and Burundi have strengthened economic and trade collaboration in recent years. Hunan's electronic products, mechanical and electrical products, textiles, and other commodities have become popular in the Burundian market. According to the Changsha Customs Authority, the total import and export value between Hunan Province and Burundi amounted to over 47 million CNY in 2024, a year-on-year increase of 110%.

This article is from the Hunan Provincial Government www.enghunan.gov.cn.

Translator: Yu Jiangjiang

Chinese source: hunan.gov.cn