Bonded Warehousing

A customs warehouse is a storage facility with customs authorisation to store imported goods before they are released into free circulation. These goods are held within a customs-controlled zone, meaning that they cannot leave until the customs warehousing procedure has been completed by entering them into another procedure.

The customs warehousing procedure begins with the import declaration on arrival at the border, where the clearance will be sent to the warehouse for entry into their records. On arrival at the warehouse, they will complete the entry by confirming the number of goods received matches the declaration.

When the goods are removed from bonded storage, an additional declaration is made which generates the demand for a tax payment. This is the declaration which will allow the goods to be removed from the bonded storage area once the tax payment is complete and the release for removal is generated. Goods cannot be preloaded onto a vehicle or removed from the customs area until the goods have cleared.

This is the main flow for the customs warehousing procedure, but there are other variations for the closure. For example, goods can be transferred from one bonded warehouse to another, or the goods can be re-exported without a tax payment being made.

CSG works with customs bonded warehouses across Europe, providing accurate, compliant, and reliable administration so that businesses can preserve their cash flow and improve their supply chain efficiency.

Importers, exporters, and some companies involved in international trade can all use customs warehousing if they import goods or raw materials. 

The main benefit of using a customs warehouse is having a secure space to store inventory whilst deferring tax and duty liabilities, only paying when your goods are customs cleared for distribution, or not paying at all if they are re-exported. 

This reduces cash flow strains, especially if you are importing goods with high duty taxes or are unsure if your goods will remain in the country. 

You also do not have to remove your whole inventory in one go, so you only pay for the goods you want to remove from the warehouse at any given time. 

Customs Support Group provides comprehensive advice, support, and administration of bonded warehouses across Europe. We can advise whether your premises is eligible, what your customs warehousing options are, and any associated costs with obtaining permits or making improvements.  

Contact us now to find out more.

The length of time for which goods can be held in a custom warehouse depends on the commodity, the country, and any specific agreements that your premises has agreed with the authorities.

Generally, so long as the goods are not removed, you may suspend the taxes indefinitely. However, the authorities may demand a release from bond under certain circumstances. It is also not advisable to hold goods for a long period of time due to storage costs.

You are permitted to remove your goods from the warehouse in parts, and do not have to remove your whole inventory in one go. This means that you are free to clear and remove goods as and when you need them, splitting your tax liabilities and preserving your cash flow.

CSG provides customs bonded warehousing support across Europe, handling the administration of your premises so that you can move goods in confidence.