Bonded Warehouse — Duty Deferral and Customs Storage
A bonded warehouse lets you store imported goods without paying customs duties until the goods are released for sale. Improve cash flow, consolidate shipments, and re-export duty-free — but the bond comes with strict customs supervision.
Duty status
Deferred until release
Bond requirement
Customs authority approved
Max storage period
Up to 5 years (EU/US)
Re-export duty
Nil — 100% duty-free
Bonded Warehouse Type Selector
Select a bonded warehouse type to understand who operates it, what goods it typically holds, and the key operational differences for importers
Operator
Third-party LSP
Access
Any licensed importer
Importer control
Limited — LSP managed
Setup cost
Per-pallet storage fee
How bonded warehousing works — step by step
The bonded warehouse process involves the importer, customs authority, and warehouse operator working in a defined sequence. Customs maintains oversight at every stage — goods cannot enter, move within, or leave the bonded warehouse without customs authorisation.
Step 1
Step 1
Step 2
Step 2
Step 3
Step 3
Step 4
Step 4
Step 5
Step 5
Step 6
Step 6
Bonded warehouse rules at a glance
Bonded warehouses are regulated by national customs authorities under international frameworks including the Revised Kyoto Convention. Rules vary by jurisdiction — the key principles below apply broadly across EU, UK, and US regimes.
Max storage period
Up to 5 years
EU/US — extensions possible
Bond amount
10–20% of duty
Of max stock value held
Re-export duty
Zero
100% duty-free on exit
Customs audits
Periodic
Random + scheduled checks
The customs bond — financial guarantee requirement
Surety bond covers full duty liability
Approved manipulations — what customs permits in a bonded warehouse
Physical handling permitted; manufacturing restricted
Penalties for bonded warehouse violations
Duty + interest + financial penalties + licence revocation
Frequently Asked Questions
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