What is a customs warehouse?

A customs warehouse is an authorized storage location where non-Union goods can be stored under customs supervision without import duties such as customs duty or import VAT becoming immediately due. The question of duties only becomes relevant during the subsequent customs treatment.

Customs warehouses can be useful when goods are to be temporarily stored, sold later, transported onward or released for free circulation at a later point in time. For international supply chains, this can create more flexibility, especially for imports or onward deliveries to third countries.

GLOBALSPED can classify customs warehouse questions in connection with transport planning, import logistics and onward transport when storage and customs status are relevant for the supply chain.