Opinion piece by Tomás Pereira published in Vida Económica: how customs management, the MIBC and the REA can position Madeira as a global logistics hub.
Opinion piece by Tomás Pereira published in Vida Económica: how customs management, the MIBC and the REA can position Madeira as a global logistics hub.
Opinion piece originally published in the print and digital edition of the weekly Vida Económica (issue no. 2135, 24 July 2026), authored by Tomás Pereira, Official Customs Broker at G-CET.
The competitiveness of an international jurisdiction is measured not only by its tax burden but also by how efficiently it integrates companies into global trade flows. The Madeira International Business Centre (MIBC) has consolidated the Region as an excellent internationalisation platform — yet reveals significant untapped customs potential.
The key to unlocking that potential is customs management. The Madeira Free Zone (MIBC) is often reduced in public perception to its well-known tax benefits. However, the customs Free Zone regime is a major instrument of logistical and financial competitiveness. It allows non-EU goods to be stored under full suspension of customs duties and VAT — a powerful lever for optimising resources.
In an internationalised economy, strategic management of customs procedures — imports, exports and special regimes — must be treated as an indispensable pillar, not an administrative burden. Accurate tariff classification, rigorous determination of origin and customs value, and strategic use of preferential agreements become tools for cost optimisation and logistics agility.
Instruments supporting economic activity in Madeira — such as the Specific Supply Arrangement (REA) and the Free Zone regime itself — often remain below their full potential. Correctly applying these mechanisms is essential to reduce acquisition costs and maximise product competitiveness.
In a volatile global market, rigorous application of customs law delivers agility, security and predictability. Connecting Madeira to the world depends on this efficiency.
Looking to optimise your customs processes or set up your company in the MIBC or under the REA? Get in touch with the G-CET team.
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