The new guidance explains how to manage a Customs Warehouse, handle goods, and process, repair and move goods.

Customs Warehouse

A Customs Warehouse is a warehouse that is under Customs control. Goods stored in a customs warehouse are not in free circulation. No duties or taxes have to be paid until that time when you ship the goods to their next destination.

There are two types of Customs Warehouse where goods may be stored.

• Public warehouse

This is a warehouse operated by a business whose purpose is to store other people’s goods. They are the warehousekeeper and you’re the depositor.

• Private warehouse

This is a warehouse operated by you to store your own goods. You are the warehousekeeper and the depositor.

You do not need to be authorised by HMRC to be a depositor in a public or private customs warehouse but, if you operate a private customs warehouse, you’ll need to be authorised as the warehousekeeper.

The warehousekeeper is responsible for coordinating general warehouse operations and activities including shipping and receiving deliveries, conducting stock checks, documenting warehouse transactions and records, and storage of inventory.

To be approved as a warehousekeeper, a person will need to:

• be established in the UK
• have an EORI number
• be financially solvent
• have a good compliance record in dealing with customs
• prove you have a business need for the warehouse
• be able or prepared to make declarations, or employ an agent who is
• be able to keep inventory records and run the warehouse to health and safety standards
• provide a guarantee if needed for Customs Duty and VAT unless you’re an Authorised Economic Operator or can meet Authorised Economic Operator conditions

Guidance Amendments

Updates include information for warehousekeepers who use a duty management system and guidance on when someone else uses your warehouse.