Bonded Warehouse
Store now. Pay duties when you're ready.
A CBP-bonded warehouse allows you to store imported goods without paying duties or taxes until you withdraw them for US commerce. Goods can also be manipulated, repackaged, or re-exported entirely duty-free. Ideal for seasonal importers and distributors managing cash flow.
Types of Bonded Warehouses
CBP authorizes 9 types of bonded warehouses. Type 1 (private) stores goods for the proprietor's own use. Type 2 (public) stores goods for any importer. Type 3 handles duty-free stores. Type 8 handles manufacturing. We work with Type 1, 2, and 8 facilities across major US ports.
Duty Deferral Benefits
Goods can remain in a bonded warehouse for up to 5 years. You pay duties only when withdrawing goods for US consumption — not at time of importation. This preserves cash flow and reduces financial risk on slow-moving inventory.
Manipulation & Repackaging
While in bond, goods can be cleaned, sorted, repackaged, relabeled, or combined with domestic goods. This allows you to prepare goods for retail without paying duties on portions that will be re-exported.
Foreign Trade Zone Comparison
FTZs offer similar duty deferral but with different rules — goods in an FTZ can be manufactured or assembled, and importers can choose the duty rate of either the input or finished product. We advise on whether a bonded warehouse or FTZ better fits your operation.
How It Works
- Goods arrive at bonded facility under a CBP bond
- Stored without duty or tax liability — up to 5 years
- Manipulation or repackaging performed as needed
- Duties paid only at time of withdrawal to US commerce
- Re-export coordinated duty-free if applicable
Ready to Get Started?
Get a free quote for bonded warehouse — no commitment required.