What is a free port?
Free ports, also known as free zones or free economic zones, are areas located near the ports of calls that offer relaxed customs and controls. Traditionally, ports of this type are located with dock areas where ships are loaded and interpreted. Since the arrival of air transport, it is also possible to find a free port adjacent to a number of airports that provide international flight services. When the free port is located near the airport, it is more often referred to as the customs area.
There are several basic characteristics that apply to any free port, whether located near the water or near the airport landing strip. In both cases, this area allows the goods that are intended for a short period of time, often without having to pay obligations while the goods are in storage. This equipment may be particularly useful for importers who may need a few days to ensure ground transport from the point where the goods enteredto the number of their final goal. In the event that some documents must be submitted at the time when the goods arrive in the ground, the use of the free port also allows the importer to avoid the use of more expensive storage methods such as storage on the ship when processing paperwork.
The same basic process can be used when the goods are scheduled to export to another call. In this scenario, the goods could be delivered to the port in one country where it will be moved to another ship and will continue to its final destination. If the ships are not scheduled on the same port on the same day, the goods can be unloaded, stored in the free port area and then loaded into the second ship as soon as it arrives. This allows you to avoid delayed with other shipments and also allows smooth transition in and out of the port.
Today you can find at least one free port in almost every country to receiveá exports from international places. While these ports help with storage, they are also often necessary components in the distribution process of goods as soon as they reach the right harbor. Many businesses rely strongly on the use of free ports as a means of maintaining the flow of products from one country to the other consistent, timely and profitable for all participants.