Free port - Definition and Overview

A free port (porto franco) is a port with relaxed jurisdiction with respect to the country of location. Most commonly this means being free of customs or being a special customs zone with favorable customs regulations. Earlier in time some free ports enjoyed political autonomy.

Many international airports have free ports.

Free ports by country

Bahrain

• Manama

Bermuda

• Free port of Hamilton Harbour, Hamilton, Bermuda

Croatia

• Rijeka, 1723

Germany

• Part of the port of Hamburg (Hamburger Freihafen)

Georgia

• Ajaria autonomous republic
  • Batumi, 1878-1886 (then Russia)

Hong Kong, China

• Hong Kong

Italy

• Livorno, 1675-1860
• Free port of Trieste

Japan

• Nagasaki
• Niigata

Latvia

• Free port of Riga
• Free port of Ventspils

Macao, China

• Macao (Ka-Ho)

Malaysia

• Penang

Panama

• Colón

Philippines

• The former United States Navy base of Subic Bay

Russia

• Nakhodka
• Odessa
  • 1819-1858
  • Trade sea port of Odessa, January 1, 2000 for 25 years
• Vladivostok, 1861-1909

Spain

• Ceuta
• Melilla

Sweden

• Marstrand, 17th century
• Saint-Barthélemy, 1785-1878

Related articles

• Free economic zone
• Duty free
• Duty free shop