# Open customs warehouse

*Last updated: 2026-06-22*

> An open customs warehouse lets importers, freight forwarders, and traders share a single customs-licensed facility without each needing to hold a dedicated warehouse authorisation.

An open customs warehouse lets importers, freight forwarders, and traders share a single customs-licensed facility without each needing to hold a dedicated warehouse authorisation. Any authorised economic operator may deposit goods there, making it a flexible common infrastructure for deferred duty payment. Import duties and VAT are suspended for the entire duration of storage; liability arises only when the holder requests release into free circulation or another customs procedure. Certain handling operations – repackaging, relabelling, sorting – may be carried out under customs supervision. The defining difference from a private customs warehouse is its non-exclusive, multi-user character.

**Source:** [https://taxation-customs.ec.europa.eu/customs-4/customs-procedures-import_en](https://taxation-customs.ec.europa.eu/customs-4/customs-procedures-import_en)

## Quick Facts

| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Term | Open customs warehouse |
| Language | EN |
| Word count | 97 |
| Last updated | 2026-06-22 |
| Source | https://taxation-customs.ec.europa.eu/customs-4/customs-procedures-import_en |

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*Logistics Glossary — Freight Academy: [https://www.freight-academy.com/en/glossary/open-customs-warehouse](https://www.freight-academy.com/en/glossary/open-customs-warehouse)*

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