Temporary storage for imported goods
Temporary storage is when goods imported from outside the EU are temporarily stored under customs supervision before they’re:
placed under a special procedure
released for free circulation
exported outside the EU
When you put imported goods into temporary storage you must immediately show them to the authorities by completing a temporary storage declaration, using a customs approved electronic inventory system.
By doing this, you can defer the full customs declaration and payment of taxes until the end of the permitted storage period.
Time limit
Goods can only be held in temporary storage for a maximum of 90 days. If this time limit expires you’ll have to pay the duty and VAT, and may have to pay a penalty.
Application and authorisation process
To apply you need to complete a Register of Interest for Temporary Storage form online.
You’ll be sent an application form to complete, Hammad Baig can assist in the application process.
You must specify the type of goods to be stored on the request for approval. The National Frontier Approvals Unit will let you know if you need to contact any other government departments as part of the approvals process for these goods.
Border Force will visit the proposed storage facilities and make sure they meet the necessary criteria and regulations.
Temporary storage facilities
Goods being temporarily stored must be kept on premises that are situated:
within an airport or sea port
outside of, but linked to, an airport or sea port
All importers can use temporary storage facilities, but you can only apply to have your premises approved as a temporary storage facility if you’re involved in the movement of goods imported from outside the EU as a:
freight forwarder
customs agent
warehouse keeper
transport company
Temporary storage facilities must be approved by Border Force and:
meet the requirements of the national health and safety at work legislation
be suitable for storing, loading, examining and sampling of goods
be secure and maintained in good repair
keep proper customs approved electronic inventory stock records
Approved temporary storage facilities are considered to be part of the UK border. The main types of storage facilities are:
internal temporary storage facility (ITSF), is a place inside the customs controlled area of the frontier (port or airport) and near the port or airport
internal temporary storage facility - remote (ITSF-R), is a place outside the customs controlled area of the frontier (port or airport) but still near the port or airport
external temporary storage facility (ETSF), is a place outside the customs controlled area of the frontier (port or airport)
external temporary storage facility (approved depository) (ETSFAD), is a facility that stores personal and household goods
Temporary storage facilities may include tanks and unshedded areas.
Forms of handling allowed in temporary storage
EU legislation restricts forms of handling in temporary storage to only what is necessary to ensure preservation of the goods in an unaltered state without modifying their appearance or technical characteristics.
You cannot break up individual packages in temporary storage, except for essential examination or preservation purposes. All goods covered by a temporary storage declaration, whether unloaded or not, must be shown intact and can only be unpacked after goods have been cleared to a customs procedure, re-exported or released for free circulation.
Hammad Baig can assist you with the application for the temporary storage or in challenging a refusal to grant you authorisation for temporary storage warehouse.
