Bonded goods are imported goods kept under customs control before duties, taxes, and other import charges are paid or before the goods are formally released into the domestic market. They may be stored in a bonded warehouse, moved under bond, or held in another approved customs facility. Bonded goods cannot usually be sold or freely distributed until customs requirements are completed. This status helps importers defer duty payment, manage transit, consolidate cargo, or re-export goods without full import clearance.
Bonded goods are imported merchandise that has entered the United States with duties and taxes unpaid, held under a customs bond guaranteeing eventual payment or re-export.
Where Bonded Goods Are Stored
- Bonded warehouses: CBP-licensed storage for up to five years
- Foreign Trade Zones: for manipulation, assembly, or storage
- In-bond movements: cargo transported under bond to another port for entry
Advantages
- Duty deferral improves cash flow
- Goods can be re-exported without paying any duty
- Allows time to sell inventory before committing to duty payment
For related logistics context, see glossary entries on Bonded Warehouse, Customs Bond, In-Bond Shipment, and FTZ.
