A Freeport is designed to attract major domestic and international investment, these hubs of enterprise will allow places to carry out business inside a country’s land border but where different customs rules apply. At a Freeport, imports can enter with simplified customs documentation and without paying tariffs. Businesses operating inside designated areas in and around the port can manufacture goods using the imports and add value before exporting again without ever facing the full tariffs or procedures. If the goods move out of the Freeport into another part of the country, however, they have to go through the full import process, including paying any tariffs.
The EMF features three main sites: 1. the East Midlands Airport and Gateway Industrial Cluster (EMAGIC) in North West Leicestershire, 2. the East Midlands Intermodal Park (EMIP) in South Derbyshire, and 3. the Ratcliffe-on-Soar Power Station site in Rushcliffe in Nottinghamshire.
Freeports are designed to specifically encourage businesses that import, process, and then re-export goods. The East Midlands Freeport (EMF) will therefore be outside of the UK’s VAT and customs area. As a result, goods can be moved in and out of the EMF to and from locations around the world, free from import VAT, duties, and some paperwork. Items sold within EMF may also be free of VAT. Goods held within the Freeport will be in duty and VAT suspension so will not trigger a VAT or duty charge. VAT and duty will only become payable when goods leave the Freeport into free circulation in the UK.
More from our tax experts
You can find all of our latest tax articles and tax resources here.
If you are looking for advice in a particular area, please get in touch with your usual Hawsons contact.
Alternatively, we offer all new clients a free initial meeting to have a discussion about their own personal circumstances – find out more or book your free initial meeting here. We have offices in Sheffield, Doncaster and Northampton.
Related content
Agricultural Property Relief – Changes Ahead
Government initiatives often shape the landscape of various sectors, and agriculture is no exception. Recent developments in the UK's environmental policies are set to bring significant changes to agricultural property relief (APR). Background In 2023, the UK...
Spring Budget 2024 Summary
Spring Budget 2024 Summary Chancellor Jeremy Hunt delivered his ‘Budget for Long Term Growth’ on Wednesday 6 March 2024. His speech promised ‘more investment, more jobs, better public services and lower taxes’. Lowering taxes The Chancellor made further changes to...
Spring Budget 2024 – Key Tax Announcements
Today, Chancellor Jeremy Hunt announced his 2024 Spring Budget where he summarised the UK economic performance and announced his proposals for tax. We highlight below some of the key tax changes announced. National Insurance Contributions cut From April 2024,...