Freeport customs: what authorisation do I need?
Your business needs authorisation to store or process goods under duty suspension in a Freeport customs site. Check whether an existing customs authorisation can cover the activity; otherwise agree access with the operator and apply to HMRC for the Freeport customs special procedure. Discuss supplier paperwork with Cambridge China Bridge.
Choose the business authorisation route
HMRC says businesses storing or processing goods under duty suspension need authorisation. This can be the Freeport customs special procedure or an existing customs special procedure authorisation, such as inward processing or customs warehousing.
Ask your customs adviser to check your proposed activity against any authorisation you already hold. For the ordinary import workflow, use our UK customs clearance guide.
Agree access with the customs site operator
HMRC says you should only apply once you have a provisional agreement with the operator of the customs site where you intend to store or process the goods.
Record the proposed location, goods, storage arrangements and processing tasks in writing. Ask who will receive stock, record movements, investigate discrepancies and provide documents. Treat this agreement as the basis for your application, rather than proof of HMRC approval.
Prepare and submit the business application
Complete HMRC’s business application form and send it by email or post. HMRC will send a decision letter; approval comes with authorisation conditions.
Before completing the form, assemble your business details and a clear description of the goods and proposed activities. Ask the factory for consistent product descriptions and shipment information, using our customs documents guide as a supporting checklist.
Separate your approval from the operator’s
The customs site operator is responsible for site security and records of goods moving in, around and out of the site. Its operator role does not replace your business authorisation. An operator importing goods or carrying out activities on goods under the Freeport procedure must also apply for that procedure authorisation.
Ask the operator to identify the business authorisation holder for your proposed arrangement. Clarify who handles supplier information, transport and declarations with our sourcing agent, forwarder and customs broker guide.
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Check the approval before arranging shipment
Check the approval notification against your plan: it identifies the authorised business, the customs sites and the authorised activities. The Freeport procedure application cannot be made retrospectively.
Before dispatch from China, compare the planned goods and operations with the approval. Agree how the factory’s carton and batch references will connect to the site’s records, and resolve any mismatch with your adviser and operator before booking delivery.
Frequently asked questions
Does the Freeport operator’s approval cover my business?
Operator approval does not replace business authorisation. Confirm which business holds the authorisation for your planned storage or processing.
Do I need an operator agreement before applying?
Yes. HMRC says you should only apply once a provisional agreement is in place with the operator of the intended customs site.
Can I use my existing customs warehousing authorisation?
HMRC lists existing customs warehousing authorisation as a possible route. Ask your adviser to check whether yours covers the proposed arrangement.
Can I apply after starting Freeport operations?
The Freeport customs procedure application cannot be made retrospectively. Check your authorisation before starting the planned activities.