APPLICABLE LEGISLATION: BACKGROUND, TYPE OF ENTITY
The Santander Free Trade Zone, from the point of view of historical background, arises as the natural evolution of the old Santander Bonded Warehouse, adapting to the new times and emerging markets. This was founded by Decree of 11 August 1918as an instrument to facilitate international trade. It was part of the Community customs territory separated from the rest of it, into which all kinds of goods could be introduced, whatever the quantity, nature, origin, provenance or destination, without prejudice to the prohibitions or restrictions that could be established for reasons of public order, morality and public safety, protection of health, etc.
These goods could remain for an unlimited period of time until the economic operator wished to give them another definitive destination (customs regime, re-export, abandonment, etc.), and were not subject to import duties, internal taxes or commercial policy measures during their stay in the Santander Bonded Warehouse.
By virtue of Order HAP/449/2016 of March 30, the constitution of the current Santander Free Trade Zone was authorized, thus revoking the concession of the Santander Bonded Warehouse.
Apart from the possibilities offered by Santander’s Deposito Franco: storage services, handling, maintenance of goods, loading, unloading, consolidation, deconsolidation, classification or, in general, simple usual manipulations in a zone or Free Warehouse, any kind of goods could be introduced directly and, as a general rule, with a great freedom of customs formalities, except in certain cases.
With this new conversion to the Santander Free Trade Zone, not only are these advantages maintained, but they are increased with very promising prospects for the future.
Type of Entity
As stated in the Statutes of the Consortium of the Santander Free Trade Zone, approved by Order HAP/1412/2016 on August 29, authorizing the constitution of the Consortium of the Santander Free Trade Zone and approving its bylaws, in Article 2:
The Consorcio de la Zona Franca de Santander (CZFS) is a State Entity of Public Law under Article 2.1.g) of the General Budgetary Law, which has its own personality and full public and private capacity for the fulfillment of its purposes.
This is a Consortium as provided for in Article 80 of Law 50/1998, of December 30, 1998, on Fiscal, Administrative and Social Order Measures.
The Entity shall subject its actions to Public Law when exercising the administrative powers attributed to it by law, submitting the rest of its activity to Private Law, civil or mercantile, or labor law.
Regarding its contractual activity, the Consorcio de la Zona Franca de Santander, has the status of Non-Public Administration Awarding Authority (PANAP), adjusting to the provisions of Law 9/2017 on Public Sector Contracts.
The Entity may have its own assets, governed by Law 33/2003, of November 3, 2003, on the Assets of Public Administrations.
FUNCTIONS
Our vision
The VISION of the Consorcio de la Zona Franca de Santander is to be a Public Company that helps economic operators under criteria of equity and equality, to improve their competitiveness through the facilitation of access to the foreign market, and to develop activities that satisfy the general interests.
The functions of CZFS of the Bylaws, are set forth in Article 4:
- “The main purpose of the Entity is the establishment and exploitation of the Free Trade Zone of Santander in order to promote and encourage the development of industrial, commercial and mercantile activities in the same, satisfying the general interests.” The property regime is regulated by the twenty-third Additional Provision of Law 33/2003.
- The alternative object will be the promotion, management and exploitation of assets “outside the territory of the Free Zone” “in order to contribute to the development and economic and social revitalization of its area of influence”, “under private law”.
excellence
Fast and efficient responses
results
Guarantee of sustainability
people
Quality work environment
transparency
Founded on integrity