Customs warehouse

Special customs regimes

Principles for classifying a product in the Harmonized System.

A customs warehouse is a facility where goods can be stored under the control of customs authorities without customs duties or taxes being immediately payable. This system allows businesses to import goods and hold them until they are ready to be marketed or re-exported, thus optimizing cash flow management.

Advantages of a Customs Warehouse

  1. Financial Flexibility: Businesses only pay customs duties when the goods leave the warehouse to be circulated in the domestic market.
  2. Logistical Optimization: Goods can be consolidated, sorted, repackaged, or even transformed before being circulated.
  3. Facilitated Re-exportation: If the goods are intended to be re-exported, they can do so without having to pay customs duties.

Types of Customs Warehouses

  • Public: Managed by authorized operators, accessible to multiple businesses.
  • Private: Used exclusively by a single company, often for specific needs.

Practical Tips

  • Planning: Before using a customs warehouse, assess your storage and goods flow needs.
  • Compliance: Ensure you comply with all customs regulations to avoid penalties.
  • Documentation: Maintain accurate and up-to-date documentation to facilitate customs inspections.

Using a customs warehouse can be an effective strategy for businesses looking to optimize their international operations while minimizing costs related to customs duties. For more information, consult the local customs regulations or contact a customs expert.