27 June 2023Guide
Guide to Customs Bonded Warehousing

What is a customs bonded warehouse?

A customs bonded warehouse allows traders to store goods with duty or import payments suspended, where the term ‘bonded’ means that the facility has the authority from the US Customs & Border Protection (CBP) to receive shipments that are under customs bond. When goods leave the warehouse, duty needs to be paid on the goods unless they are re-exported or moved to another customs procedure.

Placing goods in a customs warehouse delays the payment of charges until the goods are moved into free circulation or removes charges entirely if the goods are to be re-exported or moved to another customs approval.

Goods in a customs warehouse require administration and are controlled through accurate accounting and reporting systems, which record where the goods are and stock levels. Compliant and experienced customs support teams can take care of this so that you can put your time and energy into more important parts of your business.

There are different types of bonded warehousing, one of which is called a Container Freight Station (CFS) warehouse, which is the facility service we offer at Woodland. A bonded CFS warehouse is a bonded facility that is used as transitory storage for imported and exported goods, and consolidates or de-consolidates freight prior to its next leg of journey.

What are the benefits of storing goods in a customs warehouse?

Cash flow management: without a customs warehouse, you must pay VAT and duties in advance. With a customs warehouse, you can postpone the payments of import duties and taxes once the goods are definitively sold, re-exported or moved to another customs approval. It will also reduce the time your goods are spent at ports, driving down costs even further.

Simple and safe storage of goods: when under the management of customs regulation, you can be assured your goods are looked after appropriately and securely.

Stress free movement of goods: partnering with customs brokers means they will handle the administration associated with the goods in the customs warehouse, alleviating the burden of complex paperwork and communication.

How do I know if a customs bonded warehouse is right for my business?

Get in touch with our customs consultancy team who will take the time to explain what options you have, and whether a customs warehouse is right for you.

Having strong customs support is crucial for setting up a customs warehouse as they have the expertise in knowing the correct licensing requirements, legal obligations, and will take care of the administration, clearances, tax and duty requirements imperative for the success of customs warehousing.

At Woodland, our customs consultancy teams are backed by 30+ experience and have the expertise, contacts and knowledge to support you and your business through the process of setting up a customs warehouse.

Our strategically located warehouses across the USA offer compliant and diligent customs warehousing solutions. Our dedicated teams ensure that your shipment gets off the pier and into our warehouse quickly, thereby speeding up transportation and shipment processes by identifying and prioritizing shipments.

For more information and to learn about your options around customs warehousing, contact us below:

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