Legislation1 provides for the establishment of freeports in Great Britain by regulations. The terms 'investment zone' and 'special tax site' are used in the context of freeports2. For customs and VAT purposes, relevant legislation is included in CEMA 1979, s 100A and VATA 1994, s 17.
The Free Zones (Customs, Excise and Value Added Tax) Regulations 2021 (SI 2021/1156) set out the customs duty, excise duty and VAT rules that apply to free zones. CEMA 1979, s 100A provides that HM Treasury may, by order, designate an area as a special area for customs purposes (a free zone). Free zones are secure customs zones located within a freeport where business can be carried out inside the UK's land border, but where different customs, VAT and excise rules apply.
Designation of freeports by regulations
The following regulations
To continue reading
View the latest version of this document, as well as thousands of others like it, sign in to Tolley+™ Research or register for a free trial
Web page updated on 17 Mar 2025 15:16