Definition

Noun: 1. A list of goods exempt from import duties: A "free list" is an official list or schedule of specific commodities, articles, or merchandise that can be imported into a country without being subject to tariffs, customs duties, or taxes. It is a term used in economics, trade policy, and customs regulations.

Usage and Examples

• Primary Usage: The term is used in the context of international trade, customs law, and economic policy.
  • The government's new trade agreement included an expanded free list to promote the import of essential raw materials.
  • Customs officials checked the shipment against the free list to determine if duties were applicable.
  • Goods on the free list can enter the country duty-free, reducing costs for importers and consumers.

Advanced Usage

• The concept of a "free list" is often contrasted with a "dutiable list" or "tariff schedule." It represents a policy tool to encourage the importation of certain goods deemed beneficial for the domestic economy, such as critical components, humanitarian aid, or items not produced locally.

Variants and Related Words

• Duty-free (adj.): Describes goods on which no customs duty is charged, often because they are on a free list or sold in designated zones (e.g., duty-free shops).
• Tariff schedule (n.): The official list or system that details the tariffs (taxes) applicable to imported goods, which includes both dutiable items and the free list.
• Exemption (n.): The state of being free from an obligation or liability, such as a tax or duty. A free list grants a duty exemption.

Synonyms

• Duty-free list
• Exempt list
• Non-dutiable list

Antonyms

• Dutiable list
• Tariff schedule (when referring specifically to the list of goods that taxed)

Noun

1. a list of commodities that are not subject to tariffs