The different types of free trade zones in Colombia are a fundamental tool for the various types of companies operating in the country, contributing to job creation, foreign investment, and economic growth. Therefore, within these designated geographic areas, numerous companies can operate and benefit from the advantages offered by the free trade zone regime. Today, we will explore which companies operate within the different types of free trade zones, focusing specifically on the Western Free Trade Zone.
Types of Companies that Can Operate in a Free Trade Zone
Also known as qualified users, the different types of companies in Colombia that can be established within a free trade zone , according to regulations, must comply with certain provisions, depending on the type of free trade zone in which they will be located (multi-company, single-company, or temporary). These users are further divided into: service users (who provide services to third parties), goods users (companies that import materials, transform, produce, and sell them), and commercial users (who can only store and sell goods).
Law 1004 of 2005 provides the following for users of the different types of free trade zones:
Article 3. Free Trade Zone users are: Operator Users, Industrial Users of Goods, Industrial Users of Services, and Commercial Users.
The user operator is the legal entity authorized to direct, manage, supervise, promote and develop one or more Free Zones , as well as to qualify its users.
The Industrial User of Goods is the legal entity installed exclusively in one or more Free Zones , authorized to produce, transform or assemble goods through the processing of raw materials or semi-finished products.
The Industrial User of Services is the legal entity authorized to develop, exclusively, in one or more Free Zones, among others, the following activities:
- Logistics, transportation, handling, distribution, packaging, repackaging, packaging, labeling or classification;
- Telecommunications, information technology systems for data capture, processing, storage and transmission, and organization, management or operation of databases;
- Scientific and technological research;
- Medical, dental and general health care;
- Tourism;
- Repair, cleaning or quality testing of goods;
- Technical support, maintenance and repair of equipment, ships, aircraft or machinery;
- Auditing, administration, brokerage, consulting, or similar services.
The commercial user is the legal entity authorized to carry out marketing, commercialization, storage or conservation activities of goods, in one or more Free Zones.
Companies in ZFO
At Zona Franca De Occidente, we are committed to the country's economic growth and to generating employment for thousands of people across the diverse range of businesses in Colombia. We are a multi-company free trade zone that accommodates more than 56 companies from various sectors, allowing them to benefit from the advantages of the free trade zone regime by establishing operations within our facilities.
Food
Seventeen percent of the companies established in our free trade zone are in the food sector. The work carried out there is focused on the production of cheeses, which are produced with a high nutritional value. On the other hand, there are companies dedicated to the production of bakery products, corresponding to items such as cakes, doughs, cookies, among others.
But not only that, we also have a percentage of companies within the Western Free Trade Zone dedicated to the transportation of wines and beverages, sealing containers, particularly glass and plastic, as well as other companies dedicated to the marketing of various foods.
Logistics
For this specific sector, ZFO currently has companies dedicated to distribution and warehousing. Thanks to our warehouses, built to meet the specific needs of each of our clients, logistics operations can be carried out smoothly in spacious areas that ensure the safety of all types of merchandise.
Technology
In the technology sector, 8% of our free trade zone is home to companies dedicated to assembling computer and data center equipment.
Regarding computer assembly, the tasks performed there include, among others: assembly of the central processing unit (CPU), graphics processing unit (GPU), motherboard, memory (RAM), storage, power supply, CPU cooling, motherboards, and other parts necessary for the assembly of a computer.
Furthermore, the data centers operating in the Western Free Zone fulfill a vital mission, as they are responsible for storing and processing confidential data from millions of users.
Plastics
Within ZFO, 6% of the total area is occupied by various plastics companies, whose main tasks include the production and marketing of flexible films and thermoformed packaging for this industry. Additionally, equipment for injection, vaccination, and animal care is produced.
Pharmaceutical
This is one of the strongest sectors in our free trade zone . We have the support of various types of companies from Colombia that are dedicated to different activities related to the health and pharmaceutical sector, including the following:
- Marketing and distribution of products intended for research.
- Quality control analysis.
- Storage, distribution, and inventory control of products endorsed by INVIMA, which belong to the beauty, hygiene, and human and animal health sectors.
- Manufacturing and distribution of implements for the medical and dental sectors.
- Logistics and manufacturing services.
Finally, 17% of the companies established in the Western Free Trade Zone are in the construction sector and have all the necessary amenities to carry out their activities without any obstacles.
As you can see, in Zona Franca de Occidente we have a wide variety of sectors, so there will undoubtedly be a space for your company.
The various types of companies in Colombia that qualify to operate in different free trade zones enjoy a wide range of benefits. Therefore, those who are part of the Western Free Trade Zone not only have access to all the tax benefits they are entitled to by law, but they will also benefit from the support and expertise of a professional free trade zone that prioritizes the well-being of all its qualified users. Contact us! Let's start new projects together.