When goods are imported or exported, they inevitably find their way to a bonded warehouse. These are buildings where dutiable goods can be stored without duties having to be paid. They are temporary storage facilities where goods can be held while in transit. Durban shipping experts Corsair Logistics offers a guide to the different types of a bonded warehouse.
Private and Public Bonded Warehouses
There are two basic categories of bonded warehouse: those that are state-owned and operated, and those that are privately owned. Whoever owns the warehouse, once goods are taken into them, the importer/exporter and the warehouse proprietor incur liability under a bond. This is a temporary liability that is cancelled once the goods leave the warehouse for export, are destroyed under customs supervision, or are delivered for domestic consumption once duties have been paid. You can read more about the ins and outs of logistics and warehousing in our blog.
Within the private/public division, here are six sub-categories of bonded storage areas.
1. Temporary Storage Areas
These are temporary areas – both covered and out in the open – where goods can be stored once they enter the customs territory and are awaiting further approval or documentation before being moved.
2. Public Bonded Warehouses
Public customs warehouses are owned by the state or by the local port authority and can be made available as space permits to anyone who wants to store goods under customs control.
3. Private Bonded Warehouses Type 1
The first type of private bonded warehouse is one that is reserved for use only by its owner. However, it differs from the second type in that the goods stored in it do not have to belong to the owner or administrator. They can accept goods from any external clients.
Read Next: 5 Reasons to Choose Corsair Logistics for your Warehousing Needs
4. Private Bonded Warehouses Type 2
These warehouses are reserved only for the storage of goods that belong to the warehouse owner. The owner/ administrator cannot accept goods from external clients.
5. Free Warehouses
In these premises, guarded and locked by customs agents, anybody can store dutiable goods.
6. Bonded Logistics Parks
Also called special economic zones, bonded logistics parks are run by the local authorities but are more expansive than free or public warehouses. These are usually demarcated geographic areas set aside for warehousing and logistics. Dube Tradeport near King Shaka International Airport is a perfect example.
Contact Corsair Logistics for Excellent Clearing and Forwarding In Durban
Corsair Logistics provides a range of warehousing solutions in Durban, as well as other services for exporters and importers.
In addition to having access to a network of public and private warehouses, we also operate our own Type 1 private bonded warehouses. These 48 000m2 facilities feature 22 undercover loading bays and ramps, all-weather cargo handling, bulk and storage handling, CCTV security, PPECB food storage accreditation, private weighbridges, and breakbulk and bulk handling facilities.
Contact us for more information.
