In the realm of international trade and logistics, bonded shipments play a critical role in facilitating seamless goods shipping across borders. In today’s comprehensive guide, we will delve into bonded shipments meaning, their significance, and how they streamline customs procedures.
What is a bonded shipment?
A bonded shipment refers to goods transported under customs control without immediately paying the import duties and taxes. Instead, these goods are stored in designated in-bond areas, such as bonded warehouses or specific customs zones, until the necessary customs formalities are completed.
Bonded shipments streamline customs procedures, offer flexibility in trade operations, and allow importers to optimize their cash flow and strategically manage their inventory. This concept is instrumental in facilitating the movement of goods across borders and encouraging international trade shipping.
What are bonded goods?
Bonded goods are items that have not yet cleared customs and are stored in a bonded warehouse or designated in-bond area. These goods are under the custody of customs authorities until the required customs formalities, duties, and taxes are settled.
The main characteristic of bonded goods is that they are not immediately released into the domestic market upon arrival in a country. Instead, they are held in a secure and supervised area, allowing importers or exporters to defer the payment of import duties and taxes until meeting specific conditions.
When will bonded goods be released?
Bonded goods can be further processed, re-exported, or released into the domestic market once fulfills all customs requirements. The exact timing of the release depends on the specific customs regulations and procedures of the country where imported the goods.
How does bonded shipping work?
Bonded shipment process involves transporting cargo under customs supervision from one point to another. Here’s how it works:
Bonded shipment initiation
The bonded shipping process begins when you decide to transport goods under customs control. It can cause by various factors, such as cash flow management or temporary storage needs.
Customs declaration
Before shipping the goods, you should make the necessary customs declaration to notify customs authorities about the upcoming bonded shipment.
Transportation to the bonded area
Once the customs declaration is completed, the goods are transported to a designated bonded area. The area can be a bonded warehouse, an in-bond terminal, or a customs-controlled zone.
Customs control and clearance
Customs authorities will control the goods upon arrival at the bonded area. They will ensure that your shipments match the information provided in the customs declaration. Any discrepancies or irregularities should be addressed at this stage.
Release or further processing
The goods can be released from the bonded area once passes all customs requirements. They can then be transported to their final destination or undergo further processing or distribution. If the goods are to be re-exported, they can leave the country directly from the bonded area.
You can also partner with a reliable freight agent to assist you in bonded shipping and be free from the complicated handling process. Airsupply, a leading freight forwarder in China, specializes in bonded shipments and can efficiently manage the entire logistics procedure on your behalf.
What is a bonded warehouse?
A bonded warehouse is a secured facility where goods are stored under customs supervision. These warehouses are temporary storage goods awaiting clearance, duty payment, or transshipment. You can utilize bonded warehouses to defer duty payment and manage inventory and supply chain with flexibility.
It is essential to note that a bonded warehouse requires compliance with customs regulations and record-keeping requirements. You are responsible for maintaining accurate documentation about the goods stored in the warehouse for auditing and verification purposes.
What is a customs bond?
A customs bond, also known as a surety bond, is a financial guarantee required by customs authorities to ensure compliance with customs regulations and the payment of duties and taxes. You must obtain a customs bond before importing goods into a country to cover any potential financial losses if you fail to fulfill the customs obligations.
There are two main types of customs bonds – single-entry bonds and continuous bonds. Single-entry bonds are used for one-time shipments or infrequent import activities, while continuous bonds cover multiple shipments over a specific period, typically one year.
What documents need for shipping bonded goods?
When shipping bonded goods, you will need essential documents such as a bill of lading, commercial invoice, packing list, and certificate of origin. Besides these, you also need to prepare extra critical documents as follows:
In-bond Transportation Entry (T&E)
This document is specific to in-bond shipments and authorizes the movement of goods under customs control from one location to another within a country or between different countries.
Customs bond
A customs bond is a financial guarantee required by customs authorities to ensure compliance with customs regulations and the payment of import duties and taxes. It demonstrates the importer’s commitment to fulfilling all customs obligations.
Additional permits and certifications
Depending on the nature of the shipped goods, additional permits or certifications may be required, such as health certificates, phytosanitary certificates for agricultural products, or special licenses for regulated items.
These documents are vital for customs clearance and assure a smooth bonded shipment process. Some expert shipping agents like Airsupply can guide you step by step to obtain all the needed paperwork.
What type of freight can use bonded shipping?
Various types of freight can start with bonded freight. Some common types include:
- Raw materials
- Finished goods
- Machinery and equipment
- Perishable goods
- Re-exported goods
- Temporary imports
- Goods for testing or certification
Bonded shipments are usually used for goods in transit or for goods that need to complete specific customs procedures before final delivery.
However, the eligibility for bonded shipping may vary depending on the customs regulations involved and the specific requirements of the transported freight. You can work with a customs broker or logistics provider to determine the most suitable bonded shipping solution for your cargo freight.
How can Airsupply help you in bonded shipments?
As a trusted freight forwarder, Airsupply offers efficient and reliable transportation services for bonded shipments. They handle the entire shipping process, including freight booking, customs clearance, and timely delivery to the destination.
Airsupply professional teams are well-versed in customs regulations and documentation requirements related to bonded shipping. What’s more, Airsupply can provide access to bonded warehouses and customs-controlled zones and help you obtain customs bonds. Contact and start your boned shipping now!
