What is a bonded warehouse?
A bonded warehouse is a secure storage facility approved by HMRC where imported goods can be stored without paying customs duties or VAT until the goods are released into the UK market or re-exported.
What are the benefits of bonded warehousing?
Bonded warehousing allows businesses to:
- Defer payment of customs duties and VAT
- Improve cash flow
- Store imported goods securely
- Re-export goods without paying UK duties
- Manage stock more efficiently
How long can goods stay in a bonded warehouse?
Goods can typically remain in a bonded warehouse for an extended period, subject to HMRC regulations and the specific customs procedure applied.
Who should use bonded storage?
Bonded storage is ideal for importers, wholesalers, distributors and international businesses that want to defer duty payments or manage re-exports efficiently.