What is a bonded warehouse?
A bonded warehouse is a warehouse for storing imported goods that have not yet been cleared through customs and are not subject to customs duties or taxes until they are released for domestic consumption. Goods can remain there for a certain period of time without the immediate payment of customs duties, allowing importers to better manage their cash flow and optimize logistics costs.
Customs warehouses are strictly controlled by customs authorities and can be managed by private logistics companies, customs agencies or state customs authorities. Goods can be stored there until:
- Customs duties are paid and the goods are released for domestic consumption,
- They are exported to another country,
- They are processed or repackaged for further distribution.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
1. What are the main benefits of using a customs warehouse?
- Deferment of customs duties and taxes – customs duties and VAT are only levied after the goods leave the warehouse, which allows companies to better manage their finances.
- Secure storage – goods are stored under customs supervision, minimizing the risk of customs fraud and theft.
- Re-export possibility – goods can be stored duty-free if they are later exported to another country.
- Flexibility in distribution – the possibility to adjust the timing of the release of goods to the market according to demand.
2. What goods can be stored in a bonded warehouse?
- Raw materials and semi-finished products for subsequent production.
- Finished products for sale on foreign or domestic markets.
- Goods requiring additional quality control, repackaging or labeling.
- Alcohol, tobacco and other products subject to high customs duties.
3. How long can goods be stored in a customs warehouse?
The length of time goods can be stored in a bonded warehouse depends on the regulations of the country in question, but in most cases it is between a few months and a few years. After this period, the goods must be:
- Clear customs and enter the domestic market (pay any duties and taxes due),
- Export to another country,
- Dispose of in accordance with customs regulations if not collected by the owner.
4. What are the types of bonded warehouses?
- Public bonded warehouses – accessible to many companies, managed by private companies under the supervision of customs officers.
- Private bonded warehouses – intended for a specific importer or manufacturer who controls the goods themselves.
- Special bonded warehouses – enable the storage of goods subject to additional regulations, e.g. food, pharmaceutical or dangerous goods.
5. What are the differences between a bonded warehouse and a free trade zone (FTZ)?
- Bonded warehouse: goods can be stored without paying customs duties, but once they are introduced to the domestic market, duties must be paid.
- Free Trade Zone (FTZ): special economic zones where companies can produce, assemble or package goods without paying customs duties, provided that the products are later exported.
- A bonded warehouse is a strategic tool in international trade that allows companies to optimize import costs, increase liquidity, and manage deliveries flexibly, while minimizing customs formalities and financial risks.
