Ternium Brazil is the first steel company in the country in getting the OEA (Portuguese acronym for Authorized Economic Operator) certification. This certification attests before the Special Department of Federal Revenue of Brazil that we are a reference company, safe in terms of importing and exporting processes.
This result was achieved after a 3-day audit performed by the end of the last year and after an internal adequacy process of Ternium, which lasted about 12 months.
The OEA certification also assures that Ternium Brazil stands out with respect to competitiveness and transparency in our processes. One of those responsible for the work that led to this achievement was Exiros Import Head, Rafaela Costa. For her, the OEA certification “has at its core the security of the logistic chain.”
Rafaela states that one of the great benefits is to demonstrate to the customers that Ternium is a safe and reliable company in its processes, thus leading to a gain in reputation. “It was a very big effort from all areas, a true team workforce. It was very rewarding to be involved. All certifications are important, but this one in the importing area is special,” she stated.
A company holding this certification can go through the customs process more rapidly and easily. With this as a great differential, we can reduce the stock time of raw materials (e.g. coal, PCI, coke, limestone) with this efficient dynamic when unloading materials and in the nationalization of imported items in general, according to Ignacio Garcia, Exiros General Manager.
Another important matter is the water customs clearance. A company holding an OEA certification has advantages such as declaring the cost of materials before arriving in their country of origin. Therefore, by the time the material has arrived, clearance procedures have already been fulfilled and the waiting time is zero.
“This certification is the quality seal of our routines,” says Henrique Ravanini, Tax Lead. His area was the link between Ternium and Federal Revenue, thus contributing to creating policies and strategies with the customs team.
“Having an OEA certification also attests to the quality of tax and customs routines. We are a company proven to be more serious and competent with regards to procedures, and so we demonstrate transparency and reliability to the market. This is evidence that we act in accordance with the best practices,” he says. He adds: “Quality is what will bring more competitiveness and efficiency.”