Store imported goods from outside the European Union without having to pay import duties, excise duties, taxes or VAT? You can do that in a customs warehouse – also called a bonded warehouse. Ideal. Safe and carefully managed. At least, that’s what you assume. But, how can you be sure that the goods are actually in good hands? Do the check beforehand!
Advantages
Using a customs warehouse is ideal if the destination of the goods is not yet clear or if the goods will be transported from outside the EU also to destinations outside the EU. Actually, the customs warehouse is simply a large industrial hall in which goods can be stored without having to be imported into the EU. With that, the big advantage is that there are no import duties, excise taxes or VAT to pay. Goods may be in a bonded warehouse indefinitely. A financially attractive option if the destination of the goods is not yet clear. Special Cargo Services also has two customs warehouses, in IJmuiden and Oude Meer. The Rotterdam branch is expected to be added.
Hazard
Despite the very strict laws and regulations governing customs pilots, pioneers regularly manifest themselves in the market. And therein lies the danger. Does the owner of the shed have all the necessary permits? And is what you want to do with your product allowed in the warehouse in question? For example, does the permit state that the usual operations, such as repackaging and labeling, are permitted? All questions that are important to answer before having your goods stored in a customs warehouse.
Both the licensee and the product owner always have a duty to comply with the law
Do preliminary research!
As a customer, you cannot be too careful and should always make preliminary inquiries with Customs, the Environmental and Transport Inspectorate, the police or other controlling agencies. Again, prevention is better than cure. If it comes out that the goods are not properly stored or the requirements of the permit are not met, Customs can proceed to take far-reaching measures. There are then consequences for both the owner of the customs warehouse and you as the owner of the products: fines, seizure of goods, tax penalty notices and even the imposition of a hefty fine. Then you are further from home!
Excuses are not accepted by these agencies. As a property owner, you won’t get away with it if you have no idea about the permits of the warehouse owner. Both the licensee and the product owner always have a duty to comply with the law.
Customs warehouses Special Cargo
At Special Cargo Services’ customs warehouses – as mentioned above in IJmuiden and Oude Meer – the service goes a step further than just storing the goods. We specialize in storing, packing and transporting all dangerous goods. This means that we also have all the knowledge and expertise to store explosives, toxic or flammable (liquid) substances, for example. Special Cargo can also provide repackaging of these specific goods. In short: for our customers, we are a true one-stop shop.
Want to be sure that your (dangerous) goods are in good and safe hands? Please contact us to find out what we can do for you!
