Deadlines and risks of bonded storage before destination.

Understanding bonded warehousing

Bonded warehousing is a crucial process for controlling imported goods or goods in transit that have not yet received final approval for their final destination. This type of storage takes place in areas supervised by customs, where the cargo remains until the legal requirements are met, be they administrative, fiscal or technical.

Legal deadlines for bonded storage

The deadlines for goods to remain in bonded storage depend on the nature of the cargo and the regulations in force. In general, the maximum stay is limited in order to avoid prolonged accumulation that could jeopardize the flow of the logistics chain. In Brazil, for example, the standard period is usually 90 days, which can be extended if justified and authorized by the competent authorities.

Main risks of prolonged storage

In addition to the legal limits, prolonged storage entails significant operational and financial risks. Among the main risks are:

• Deterioration of products: sensitive goods, such as electronics, food or chemicals, can suffer irreversible damage if stored for too long.
• Additional costs: storage fees, fines for delays and administrative penalties can significantly increase total costs.
• Loss of value in the market: obsolete or out-of-line products can lose competitiveness, reducing their liquidity.
• Fiscal and legal risks: failure to meet deadlines can lead to infractions that result in tax penalties and even definitive seizure of the cargo.

How to minimize risks during storage

To reduce the risks associated with bonded storage, it is essential to adopt good practices, such as:

• Logistical planning: forecasting clearance and destination deadlines to avoid unnecessary storage.
• Constant monitoring: keeping track of the status of cargo and processes with customs authorities.
• Appropriate maintenance: ensuring that storage facilities are in optimal condition to preserve the integrity of the goods.
• Strict documentation: keeping all documentation up to date to avoid delays and legal complications.

Procedures for final disposal

The final disposal of stored goods must follow the rules stipulated by customs and environmental legislation. Common options involve release for consumption, re-export, destruction, donation or sale at auction, depending on the situation and condition of the products. Each type of destination has specific deadlines and requirements, which must be strictly observed to avoid additional risks.

Impact of improper storage

Storing cargo for longer than permitted can result in severe penalties. Undue retention jeopardizes not only the logistics flow but also the legal security of the process, increasing the risk of inspection and fines. Therefore, efficient management of deadlines and conditions before destination is essential to ensure compliance and savings.

Final considerations

Customs storage is a strategic procedure for the control and security of goods before final destination, but it requires strict attention to deadlines and technical care to avoid financial, operational and legal risks. Awareness of these issues is essential to ensure that the destination takes place properly, respecting the rules and minimizing losses.