A free zone is an area of a country where special regulations are applied, such as the lifting of customs duty on foreign goods and other such fiscal advantages. In Spain there are four free zones: Vigo, Barcelona, Gran Canaria, Cádiz.
The Free Zone of Vigo is regulated by the Customs Code (2913/92) and Foreign Implementing Regulations 2454/93 concerning the free zones of the European Union.
Who can use them
The nature of the operations
How to operate
Time and conditions
Advantages
Companies from all sectors – national and foreign (with national Tax Identification Number or through customs officers) – that need to export or import goods, or which deal in international commerce generally.
Any authorised industrial activity, whether commercial or services-based. All the usual manipulations as recognised by the Customs Code can be carried out to goods to guarantee their conservation, improve their presentation or commercial value, or prepare for their distribution or sale.
As an operator: once the Department of Customs and Special Excise have authorised the accounts, the operator will present monthly lists summarising the entries and exits of goods from his warehouse. He or she is the person responsible for the veracity of the information before Customs Officials.
Through a Customs Agent: who will take charge of all the processing of the entries and exits of goods. He or she will be the person responsible for all the data submitted before Customs Administration.
Permanency is unlimited stay excepting agricultural products subject to refund. A tariff will be fixed according to weight, surface or volume.
Administrative Facilities: Processing data is made more agile thanks to the Customs office and an on-line system controlling and authorising entry and exit of goods. Furthermore, the computerised control of stocks can be carried out either by the interested party or the commercial services of the Free Zone at no extra cost.
Security: Closed precincts under 24-hour vigilance fitted with electronic systems providing individual numbers for companies.
Handling: Fork-lift trucks and staff available for the transport of goods.
