Portsmouth customs site for Solent Freeport given green light

By Tom Kilkelly

22 June 2023

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The Business Magazine article image for: Portsmouth customs site for Solent Freeport given green light

Credit: Portsmouth City Council

Portsmouth International Port has been granted approval to operate as a fully functioning freeport, meaning Freeport customs site activities can be carried out within a specified area at the port.

Businesses with proper authorisation can now certain goods to the port’s customs site with simplified customs documentation, meaning they avoid paying tariffs too. Also, authorised businesses operating inside the customs site can store or manufacture goods using imported raw materials.

Portsmouth City Council’s leader Cllr Steve Pitt said: “Following news we can officially operate a customs site at the port, alongside an approved tax site already up-and-running at the council’s Dunsbury business park, Portsmouth now has both requirements for businesses to take advantage of Freeport benefits. This means more reasons to consider Portsmouth as a location, providing opportunities for employment and economic growth.

“Our city has the advantage of being located in a thriving marine and maritime region, and we’re proud to be able to kick start the Solent Freeport’s ambitious plans as the UK’s global gateway.“

The custom site will be run by cargo terminal operator Portico Shipping Ltd. The company is experienced in this field of work through their operation of two deep-water quays in Portsmouth.

Head of Portico Logistics Benjamin Harraway said: “As the Customs Site Operator (CSO) we have experts in the fields of customs, freight forwarding and logistics on hand to deal with complex arrangements daily.

“We are delighted to be part of the team kick-starting the Solent Freeport’s newest customs site and would encourage companies to contact us to find how we can help support them make the most of this opportunity.”

By Tom Kilkelly

Tom Kilkelly started working as a freelance journalist for The Business Magazine following his graduation from UCL in 2022.

During his studies Tom became very interested in the works of Irish authors including Samuel Beckett and Flann O'Brien (Brian O'Nolan).

His current role as a freelance business reporter is his first exposure to the world of business journalism. Working at TBM has given Tom the chance to really get to grips with the goings-on in the business hive that is the South East.