Bonded Warehouse

inside of a warehouse

A bonded warehouse is a crucial component in facilitating international trade. It serves as a secure storage facility for imported goods awaiting customs clearance and settlement of duty fees. 

Regulated by customs authorities, these warehouses, whether owned by the government or private businesses, ensure compliance with customs regulations.

At Haulx, we specialize in optimizing bonded warehouse solutions, streamlining logistics and transportation processes to facilitate seamless trade operations.

Need a place to store your restricted items? Contact us to learn more about our bonded warehouse.

What is bonded warehousing?

Bonded warehousing is a specialised storage system that plays a crucial role in international trade. It involves the storage of imported goods in a secure facility while they await customs clearance and settlement of duty fees. 

The process works by placing the goods under the supervision and control of customs authorities, ensuring compliance with regulations. This allows importers to defer payment of duties until the goods are ready for distribution, providing flexibility and improved cash flow.

A wide range of goods can be stored in a bonded warehouse including raw materials, components, finished products and even perishable items. This versatility makes bonded warehousing suitable for various industries such as manufacturing, retail and agriculture.

Types of bonded warehouse

Bonded warehouses come in various types, each serving specific needs in the realm of international trade. 

Some of these include temporary storage areas, bonded logistics parks, public bonded warehouses and private bonded warehouses.

Temporary Storage Areas

Temporary storage areas are designated spaces within ports or customs areas where goods can be temporarily stored before undergoing customs procedures. 

These areas provide a convenient location for goods awaiting customs clearance and facilitate the efficient movement of goods within the port or customs jurisdiction.

Public Bonded Warehouses

Public bonded warehouses are facilities operated by government or authorized entities to store imported goods. These warehouses cater to a wide range of industries and offer storage services to multiple businesses. 

Public bonded warehouses adhere to strict customs regulations and provide a secure environment for storing goods until customs formalities are completed.

Bonded Logistics Parks

Bonded logistics parks are comprehensive facilities designed to streamline the entire logistics process, from storage to value-added services. These parks integrate various logistics functions including warehousing, distribution, customs clearance and transportation, in a single location. 

Bonded logistics parks provide a centralized hub for efficient trade operations, benefiting importers, exporters and logistics service providers.

Private Bonded Warehouses

Private bonded warehouses are owned and operated by private entities, offering dedicated storage solutions tailored to the needs of specific businesses. These warehouses provide greater control and customization options, allowing companies to manage their inventory and distribution processes more effectively. 

Private bonded warehouses offer flexibility, specialised services and enhanced security for businesses engaged in international trade.

Free Warehouses

Free warehouses, also known as duty-free warehouses, provide a storage solution for goods that are exempt from import duties or taxes. These warehouses are commonly used for goods destined for re-export or transshipment, allowing businesses to store and consolidate their goods without incurring additional costs. 

Free warehouses contribute to the efficiency of international trade by facilitating the movement of duty-exempted goods.

Features of a bonded warehouse

Central management system

The central management system acts as a control and command centre for a bonded warehouse. It consists of a team of supervisors that works from an office situated within the storage facility.

The team oversees all the day-to-day ground operations of the warehouse.

Organised storage system

Bulky goods are often packed onto pallets, before being stored in racks. 

Meanwhile, small and loose items are collected and placed inside a single container. The container is then kept alongside the bigger goods.

Space maximisation

A combination of bulk storage and rack storage is utilised to maximise space. Bulk storage refers to the alignment and stacking of pallets of goods on the floor while rack storage refers to the storing of pallets of goods on shelves.

Automated Machines

Automated machines are involved in the collecting, packing and delivering of cargo. This helps to streamline logistical processes and minimise human error.

Advantages of bonded warehouse service

Engaging bonded warehouse services offers a range of advantages that greatly facilitate international trade operations. 

Businesses can leverage bonded warehouse services for their logistical needs, including storing restricted items, enjoying tax savings, handling diverse storage, and benefiting from secure warehousing.

Storage of restricted items

Bonded warehouses can be used to safely store sensitive and restricted items. Essentially, anything from small products to bulky items and irregularly shaped cargo can be kept here.

Tax Savings

Businesses can enjoy tax savings when storing their goods in a bonded warehouse as duties only need to be paid when goods are sent out for delivery.

This means goods that remain unsold can be re-exported with no duties imposed on them. 

Able to handle different types of storage

Bonded warehouses have different storage facilities to store all kinds of products. 

For example, deep-freeze containers are used to hold perishable goods while temperature-controlled rooms are used to store electronics and automotive products.

On-site modifications

On-site modifications of your stored cargo can be conducted at a bonded warehouse.

This means that you have the freedom to engage in maintenance, testing, labelling, packaging, inspection and grading of your goods if needed.

Secure warehousing

Bonded warehouses are much more secure than other storage facility options as they hire security personnel and have security cameras for 24/7 surveillance.

Seamless logistics integration

Bonded warehouses that offer shipping services provide a comprehensive solution by combining storage, distribution, and transportation under one roof. This integration streamlines the logistics process and eliminates the need for separate coordination with multiple service providers.

Value-added services

Many bonded warehouses offer additional services such as packaging, labeling, sorting, and quality control inspections. These value-added services can save businesses time and resources by outsourcing these tasks.

Factors to consider before renting a bonded warehouse

Are you leasing for the short-term or long-term?

Bonded warehouses are ideal for long-term storage of goods as most of them allow storage of items for up to 4 years or more.

The range of facilities available will also ensure that your goods are well maintained and preserved despite the prolonged storage time.

Does your business specialise in distribution and logistics?

For companies that are not proficient in logistics and delivery, leasing a bonded warehouse would be ideal as they have the expertise and equipment to help you improve your business process.

Looking for a secure warehouse to store your goods? Consult our customer service team at Haulx to learn more about our services.

Why choose Haulx?

Excellent customer service

Haulx seeks to provide quality service to all our customers. We go above and beyond our job scope to ensure our clients are satisfied every step of the way.

Cheap logistical services of the highest quality

Due to our sizable economies of scale, our warehousing services are cheap while still maintaining the highest of standards.

FAQS About Bonded Warehouse In Malaysia

Free Trade Zones (FTZs) and bonded warehouses serve different purposes in international trade. FTZs are designated areas where goods can be imported, stored and processed with special customs privileges. They are typically used for manufacturing, assembly, or value-added activities. 

On the other hand, bonded warehouses are secure facilities for storing imported goods before they undergo customs clearance. The key difference lies in the activities and scope of operations within each zone.

A regular warehouse is a facility used for general storage purposes. It may store goods for domestic use or distribution. 

In contrast, a bonded warehouse is specifically designed for storing imported goods that have not yet cleared customs. These goods are held in the bonded warehouse until all necessary duties and taxes are settled. Bonded warehouses are subject to strict customs regulations and provide secure storage in compliance with customs procedures.

The cost of using a bonded warehouse can vary depending on factors such as location, size, services offered, and the duration of storage. Typically, the cost structure for using a bonded warehouse includes storage fees, handling charges, administrative costs and any additional value-added services requested. 

It is advisable to contact specific bonded warehouse service providers in Malaysia for accurate cost estimates based on your specific requirements.