Computerization of customs processes in free trade zones

The regulations concerning free zones and warehouses underwent a significant change as a result of Spain's accession to the European Community. Subsequently, various regulations, particularly those related to the Customs Code, have formed the legal basis governing these exempt areas.
Spain's accession led to the unification of regulations at the EU level and the establishment of customs and tax benefits for goods traded internationally. However, it also meant opening the duty-free zones to all types of EU goods not traded internationally, which now coexisted with non-EU goods. This necessitated a control system to clearly and distinctly track goods. This control system consists of recording the movement of products, allowing for the determination of their customs and tax status and the existing balance.

To comply with this control, the Cadiz Free Zone Consortium launched a computerized customs management process in 1990, which has benefited companies located in its tax area ever since.

The experience gained in this management process has led to new versions with increasingly advanced technical approaches, recently resulting in the creation of new software called CEDOP. This software enables operators in any exempt area to comply with legal obligations regarding inventory accounting from a customs perspective. Furthermore, this program allows for the control of merchandise storage and stock levels by physical location, mode of transport, origin or destination, suppliers and recipients, tariff code, and other criteria.

The application includes a variant for managing goods subject to excise duties, thus also meeting the requirements for controlling warehouses and bonded storage facilities. Its key feature is its internet-based operation, allowing access and use from any location. The system's security and reliability, along with its various access levels, provide a high degree of trust.

This, along with its ease of use, has allowed its acceptance by all companies operating in the Free Trade Zone of Cádiz, as well as its use by other free trade zones, since its versatility facilitates adaptation to the customs processes applicable in other non-community countries.

The diagram illustrates the operational circuit, based primarily on transport documents that trigger entry and exit entries.