A bonded warehouse stores imported goods under SARS customs supervision before duties and taxes are paid. V & S Freight offers bonded cargo handling as part of our clearing and forwarding services, giving importers financial flexibility and operational control over their supply chain.
What is Bonded Warehousing?
When goods arrive in South Africa, customs duty and VAT are normally payable before release. A bonded warehouse allows you to store goods without paying these charges upfront. Duties are only paid when goods are removed from bond for local consumption.
This arrangement is supervised by SARS and governed by the Customs and Excise Act. Read our full bonded warehouse guide →
Benefits of Bonded Storage
Cash Flow Management
Delay duty and VAT payments until you actually need the goods. This is especially valuable for high-duty items or large imports.
Re-Export Without Duty
If goods stored in bond are re-exported to another country, no South African duties or VAT apply. Useful for distribution hubs serving multiple cross-border markets.
Consolidation
Combine multiple shipments in bond before clearing them together or breaking them into smaller consignments for different customers.
Sorting and Inspection
Examine, sort, or repack goods in the bonded facility before deciding how to proceed — clear locally, re-export, or return to sender.
Reduced Risk
If imported goods turn out to be defective or unsellable, you haven't paid duty on them yet. They can be exported or destroyed under customs supervision without duty liability.
How Bonded Storage Works
- Cargo Arrives — Your shipment reaches Durban Port or King Shaka Airport.
- Entry to Bond — We lodge a customs entry transferring goods into the bonded warehouse.
- Storage — Goods remain under SARS supervision. Inventory records are maintained.
- Release from Bond — When you're ready, we lodge a clearance entry, pay applicable customs duty and VAT, and release the goods for delivery.
- Or Re-Export — We lodge an export entry and arrange freight to the destination country without duty payment.
Types of Bonded Cargo
- Commercial goods — High-value or high-duty imports where duty deferment is beneficial
- Distribution stock — Goods for redistribution to SADC markets
- Seasonal goods — Retail stock imported ahead of selling season
- Goods awaiting permits — Items needing import permits or certifications before release
- Returned goods — Products returned for re-export or disposal
Bonded Cargo Costs
Bonded warehouse costs include:
- Storage fees — Daily or weekly charges based on space occupied
- Handling charges — Receipt, placement, and dispatch of goods
- Customs entries — Bond entry and release entries (separate from standard clearing)
- Security bond — Required guarantee to SARS
Our clearing team manages all bonded warehouse documentation and SARS compliance. Get a quote →
FAQ
How long can goods stay in a bonded warehouse?
Goods can be stored in bond for up to two years. After this, SARS may require clearance, re-export, or disposal.
Can I inspect my goods in bond?
Yes. You can inspect, sort, and repack goods in the bonded facility. However, manufacturing or processing is not permitted in a standard bonded warehouse.
Do I need my own bonded warehouse?
No. We arrange access to SARS-approved bonded warehousing facilities in Durban on your behalf.
Contact Us About Bonded Cargo
Request a Quote → | Call: 076 982 0036