{"id":1121,"date":"2026-10-20T17:45:12","date_gmt":"2026-10-20T17:45:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/expat-mauritius.com\/blog\/freeport-zone-franche-ile-maurice-installer-activite-negoce-logistique\/"},"modified":"2026-10-20T17:45:12","modified_gmt":"2026-10-20T17:45:12","slug":"freeport-free-zone-mauritius-setting-up-a-logistics-trading-business","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/expat-mauritius.com\/en\/blog\/freeport-zone-franche-ile-maurice-installer-activite-negoce-logistique\/","title":{"rendered":"Freeport and free zone in Mauritius: setting up a trading or logistics business"},"content":{"rendered":"

The Freeport is not just a warehouse.<\/p>\n

In Mauritius, it is mainly used for goods intended to be stored, prepared, slightly processed or re-exported, within a specific customs framework and with a freeport certificate issued by the EDB for regulated activities.mra.mu<\/a>)<\/p>\n

If your project combines trading and logistics, the real question is which legal structure to choose, how to register it, and which Freeport authorizations to obtain. The rules depend on the type of activity, the occupancy of the premises, and customs flows, so you should always check the latest version with the relevant authorities before starting.companies.govmu.org<\/a>)<\/p>\n

Why this system is of interest to a trading or logistics project<\/h2>\n

For a trader, the main advantage of the Freeport is to bring stocks closer to points of entry and exit, to keep goods under controlled customs control, and to centralize preparation operations before re-export. The EDB also presents Mauritius as a regional logistics platform designed for integrated supply chains.edbmauritius.org<\/a>)<\/p>\n

For international trade, a freeport is particularly relevant when the added value comes from stock consolidation, sorting, repackaging, and reshipment, rather than from a typical local sale. This is what makes it a logistics tool rather than simply a storage facility.<\/p>\n

What activities are permitted in the Freeport?<\/h2>\n

Freeport functions as a flow management tool, not simply as an address. The most useful categories for a trading or logistics project are those that directly relate to goods, their preparation, and their reshipment.<\/p>\n

Comparison of Freeport profiles<\/h3>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Profile<\/th>\nConcrete role<\/th>\nWhen it is useful<\/th>\nSource<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
Freeport Developer<\/td>\nIt designs and manages its own infrastructure, for example warehouses, cold storage, offices, processing units and open spaces, with its own logistics services.<\/td>\nSuitable if your project is primarily based on logistics real estate and site control.<\/td>\nEDB and Freeport Act.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Third-party developer<\/td>\nIt develops infrastructures intended to be rented to other licensees, with a logic of welcoming third parties and shared logistical services.<\/td>\nUseful if you want to create a platform for multiple operators or tenants.<\/td>\nEDB and Freeport Act.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Freeport Operator<\/td>\nIt mainly manages goods and stock operations, such as warehousing, batch splitting, sorting, sizing, cleaning, mixing, labeling, packaging, repackaging, light assembly, minor processing, transport commissioning, quality control and inspection.<\/td>\nMost relevant for international trading, order preparation or reshipping activities.<\/td>\nFreeport Act and EDB.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

This breakdown is important because a project that handles goods doesn't have the same logic as a project that simply provides space. If your model also involves freight forwarding, shipping, or customs clearance, check if additional sector-specific authorization is required, as the Freeport does not cover all logistics licenses.edbmauritius.org<\/a>)<\/p>\n

Create the company and prepare the file<\/h2>\n

The first hurdle is the company itself. The CBRD reminds us that any business activity carried out for profit must be registered and that incorporation can be done online or at the appropriate office. For a domestic company, a registered office, at least one resident director, and the usual incorporation documents are required.<\/p>\n

To frame the upstream phase, it may be useful to review the role of the EDB in Mauritius<\/a>, to validate the structure via starting a business in Mauritius<\/a> and, if necessary, to anticipate the siege with company domiciliation in Mauritius<\/a>.<\/p>\n