Customs warehousing is the special procedure that allows non-Union goods to be stored in suspension of duties and VAT until their final destination is determined: release for free circulation, re-export or transition to another procedure. At the Port of Bari we support importers, distributors and logistics operators in managing authorized warehouses and goods movements.
When you need it
When an importer needs flexibility on customs clearance timing: for example a shipment of goods arrived at port but not yet sold to end customers, or a batch awaiting completion of sanitary certifications. The procedure allows postponement of duty and VAT payment to the moment of actual exit from the warehouse, improving company cash-flow. It is particularly useful for those dealing with seasonal stock, high unit-value goods or goods destined for the non-EU market in technical transit through the Port of Bari.
How we operate at the Port of Bari
We verify the goods' eligibility for the procedure, prepare the customs warehouse entry declaration (IM7 form) and handle the entry of the cargo into the authorized warehouse keeper's stock register. We keep the accounting evidence required by the Italian Customs Agency up to date: entries, exits, permitted manipulations (sorting, labelling, splitting).
When the operator decides the final destination, we prepare the release declaration: release for free circulation with duty and VAT payment, re-export to non-EU countries, or transition to transit. We coordinate timing with the terminal operator to minimize warehouse storage time once the decision is made.
Documents required
- Warehouse authorization — customs authorization of the warehouse facility used.
- Invoice and packing list — relating to the goods entering the warehouse.
- Transport document — B/L or CMR proving the consignment's origin.
- Customs guarantee — surety bond covering suspended duties, global or single.
- Stock register — accounting evidence tool updated for every movement.
Timing & operation
Warehouse entry is completed within the business day of document receipt. Subsequent movements (permitted manipulations, destination changes) are handled continuously, with timing depending on the operator's decisions. Customs warehousing has no time limit, save for any goods perishability. We operate constantly with accredited warehouse keepers at the Port of Bari to ensure service continuity.
Why Bamas
For over thirty years we have known the warehouse keepers at the Port of Bari and the Italian Customs Agency procedures. We manage the procedure transparently, keep the accounting evidence in order and follow the operator from entry to final release, optimizing storage costs and customs duty payment timing.
