Logistics

Bonded warehouse: definition, structure and how it works

January 3, 2025

In the world of international trade, the transportation and storage of products are essential steps to ensure that goods reach their destination safely and efficiently. An important structure in this process is the bonded warehouse.

But what does this mean and how does it work in practice?

In this article, we’ll explain everything about bonded warehousing, how it is structured, its benefits and how it can be integrated into logistics processes, especially when it comes to food logistics. Check it out!

What is bonded warehousing?

A bonded warehouse is a structure used to store imported and exported goods, such as perishable food products, without the need to pay import taxes immediately.

Thus, the concept of “entry into the bonded warehouse” refers to the moment when the goods arrive at the warehouse and are placed under customs control, awaiting their clearance for consumption or distribution.

These warehouses are essential for companies that import goods in large quantities, such as food products, as they offer logistical and fiscal advantages, allowing products to be stored and moved in a more flexible manner.

What are the types of bonded warehouses?

There are different types of bonded warehouses, each with its own characteristics, suitable for different types of goods and logistical needs.

Check out the main types below:

public bonded warehouse — this is the most common type of warehouse, where any company that carries out import and export operations can store its goods. It is managed by private or public companies, but always under the supervision of the Federal Revenue Service (in the case of Brazil).
private bonded warehouse — in this type of warehouse, the structure is managed by private companies, but the storage of goods is subject to the same rules as for customs. The difference is that it only serves specific clients and can be more specialized.
primary zone bonded warehouse — these areas are located near the point of entry into the bonded warehouse, such as ports or airports. They are intended for storing goods that have not yet undergone the customs clearance processes.
secondary zone bonded warehouse — located in areas further away from the points of entry, these warehouses are used to store goods that have already been cleared by the Internal Revenue Service and are ready to continue on their way to their destinations.

Bonded warehousing: main benefits

Using this type of warehousing can provide a number of important benefits for companies operating with imported goods. Below, we highlight the main advantages of this structure:

Reduced costs

By storing products in a bonded warehouse, the company can postpone paying import taxes until the goods are cleared for distribution or consumption.

This leads to more efficient cash management, as the company can better plan the payment of taxes and duties, optimizing its cash flow.

To this end, we specialize in food storage solutions to offer alternatives that can significantly reduce storage costs, especially for products that need temperature control, such as meat, fruit and dairy products.

Product safety

The safety of goods is a fundamental aspect of any logistics operation, but especially in the case of food. Bonded warehousing offers strict security, with customs control and constant surveillance by the competent authorities.

In the case of food products, in addition to this basic security, the warehouse must have temperature monitoring and control systems, ensuring that the food is kept in ideal conditions until it is cleared.

In this sense, our warehouses are designed to guarantee the integrity of the products, with temperature-controlled environments and advanced monitoring systems that ensure the safety and quality of the goods.

Increased stock management efficiency

Bonded warehousing also allows for increased stock management efficiency.

The integration of monitoring systems, such as those we use at Emergent Cold LatAm, facilitates the precise control of goods, especially in the case of food products that require special temperature and humidity conditions.

The traceability of goods, from their arrival to their clearance, is a major differentiator in stock management, preventing losses and improving the predictability of logistics operations.

In addition, efficient stock management makes it easier to plan orders, reduce waste and increase efficiency in the supply of points of sale, contributing to a more agile and profitable operation.

Faster deliveries

When you use a bonded warehouse, faster deliveries are a significant benefit. With customs processes already underway, goods can be cleared quickly, which speeds up distribution to destinations.

This point is essential for companies that deal with perishable products, as fast delivery is essential to ensure the freshness and quality of the products.

We offer logistics solutions that guarantee fast deliveries, with strategic storage and transportation points, especially for foods that require special care throughout the logistics process.

Implementing bonded warehousing in logistics processes

choice of warehouse: companies dealing with food, for example, should opt for warehouses specializing in temperature control, such as the ones we offer.
clearance process and documentation: clearance process and documentation: entry into the bonded warehouse requires that the documentation be in order, including the invoice, transportation contract, import or export declaration. Collaboration with an experienced logistics operator, such as Emergent Cold LatAm, streamlines this process, ensuring that everything is done quickly and efficiently.
stock management and controlled temperature: stock management and controlled temperature: for companies that deal with food products, stock management must be carried out with strict temperature control. Remember that we offer warehouses with infrastructure that guarantees the integrity of the food products.
customs clearance and release of goods: after the customs clearance, goods can be cleared for delivery or distribution. With Emergent Cold LatAm’s infrastructure, this process becomes more agile, allowing the goods to reach their destination quickly and efficiently.

Our staff is ready to help your company optimize its logistics processes and reduce costs. Contact us and guarantee customized storage and distribution solutions for perishable foods!