Warehousing Services in Europe
Customs warehousing is more than just storage – it’s a strategic tool to optimise cash flow, maintain flexibility, and ensure full compliance across complex supply chains. Whether you need temporary storage before clearance, long-term bonded warehousing, or your own authorised customs location, Gerlach provides the infrastructure and expertise to make it happen.
With 140 years of experience and one of Europe’s largest customs networks, we combine secure facilities, digital transparency, and regulatory know-how to help businesses manage their goods efficiently under customs control.
If your company is based in the United Kingdom or Switzerland, please visit our dedicated UK customs services or Swiss customs services pages for tailored guidance.
How Gerlach Helps with Warehousing
Bonded Warehousing
- Unlimited storage duration under customs control
- Duty and VAT suspension for better cash flow
- Authorised handling options for value-added operations
- Comprehensive guarantee coverage
- Real-time inventory management via certified IT systems
- Unlimited storage duration under customs control
- Duty and VAT suspension for better cash flow
- Authorised handling options for value-added operations
- Comprehensive guarantee coverage
- Real-time inventory management via certified IT systems
Temporary Warehousing
- Compliant temporary storage for up to 90 days
- Customs guarantees and financial protection included
- Deferred payment of duties and VAT
- Seamless logistics integration with your supply chain
- Transparent digital stock management and reporting
- Compliant temporary storage for up to 90 days
- Customs guarantees and financial protection included
- Deferred payment of duties and VAT
- Seamless logistics integration with your supply chain
- Transparent digital stock management and reporting
Authorised Place
- Direct on-site customs clearance
- Faster release and reduced transport delays
- Professional management of customs inspections
- Full-service coverage for all major customs procedures
- Ongoing compliance and operational support
- Direct on-site customs clearance
- Faster release and reduced transport delays
- Professional management of customs inspections
- Full-service coverage for all major customs procedures
- Ongoing compliance and operational support
How Our Warehousing Process Works
Consultation and Planning: We assess your storage needs and define the optimal customs setup.
Documentation Preparation: All required applications, maps, and security details are prepared for customs submission.
Guarantee and Authorisation: We arrange financial guarantees and coordinate with customs authorities for official approval.
Site Preparation: Infrastructure, markings, and IT systems are aligned with regulatory requirements.
Customs Inspection: We manage and support the verification process directly on-site.
Operational Launch: Once approved, we oversee daily reporting, compliance, and warehouse management.
Why Choose Gerlach for Warehousing?
Contact usWith operations in 27 countries, Gerlach combines local knowledge and central coordination to create consistent warehousing solutions across Europe.
Our strong guarantee facilities protect even high-value inventories, ensuring customs compliance without tying up your capital.
Warehousing is seamlessly connected to import, export, and transit processes, so every part of your supply chain works together smoothly.
Our certified systems provide real-time stock tracking, documentation, and audit-ready reporting for complete visibility.
With more than 140 years of experience and AEO-certified operations, Gerlach ensures security, efficiency, and regulatory confidence at every location.
What’s the difference between bonded and temporary warehousing?
Bonded warehouses allow unlimited storage time and authorised handling such as repacking or labelling, while temporary warehouses are limited to 90 days and designed for short-term storage before clearance.
Can I combine bonded or temporary warehousing with an Authorised Place?
Yes. Many companies use bonded or temporary storage together with an Authorised Place to manage customs procedures directly at their own premises for maximum efficiency.
What handling activities are permitted in customs warehouses?
Goods stored under customs control can be repacked, labelled, or checked for quality, as long as their essential character remains unchanged. These operations help businesses prepare products for sale without triggering duties or VAT.
Do I need my own customs authorisation to use Gerlach’s warehouses?
No. You can use Gerlach’s approved facilities without having your own authorisation. However, if you want to establish a dedicated customs warehouse at your site, we support you throughout the approval process.
Do the same warehousing rules apply in the EU, the UK, and Switzerland?
No. The EU operates under a harmonised legal framework, while the UK and Switzerland apply their own customs and warehousing systems. For country-specific guidance, please visit our dedicated pages:
Optimise Your Storage Strategy with Gerlach
From short-term storage to bonded facilities and on-site customs approval – Gerlach provides the expertise and infrastructure to make your warehousing operations efficient, compliant, and financially optimised.
Ready to enhance your supply chain flexibility? Contact our experts today to find the right warehousing solution for your business.
