Temporary Warehouse Services in Europe
Sometimes goods arrive before documents are ready. Sometimes financing isn’t secured in time. And sometimes it’s simply more strategic to delay customs clearance. Whatever the reason, temporary warehousing provides businesses with breathing space while keeping goods under customs control. Without this option, companies risk supply chain disruptions, additional costs, or penalties.
Gerlach offers compliant, flexible temporary warehouse services across Europe. We ensure your shipments remain secure and fully covered by customs guarantees, giving you the time to resolve paperwork, optimise cash flow, or prepare for the right clearance moment.
How Gerlach Supports Your Temporary Storage Needs
Authorised facilities meeting all EU customs requirements
Protection against customs and tax liabilities during storage
Suspend duties and VAT until clearance is finalised
Cooperation with your logistics providers for seamless workflows
Direct liaison with customs authorities during the storage period
Certified IT systems providing transparency and full compliance
Our Temporary Warehouse Process
Consultation and planning: Assessment of your storage and clearance requirements
Documentation preparation: Complete file with site details, ownership, security, and system compliance
Application submission: Filing with customs authorities including required bank guarantees
Site preparation: Facility marking, security setup, and software integration to meet regulations
Customs inspection: Coordination of the official verification process on-site
Operational launch: Ongoing inventory management, reporting, and daily compliance support
Why Choose Gerlach for Temporary Warehousing?
Contact usLocal knowledge backed by 170 offices across 27 countries
Financial coverage to protect high-value shipments
Close coordination with logistics providers and your operations
AEO-certified reliability and long-standing authority relationships
Expert teams providing transparent updates in your preferred language
Complementary Services
Bonded warehouse solutions
Longer-term storage with extended handling possibilities
Import clearance
Direct transition from storage to final customs release
Authorised in-house customs points
Establish permanent clearance facilities at your premises
Transit coordination
Combine storage with onward cross-border movements
Fiscal representation
Optimised import handling without local VAT registration
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a temporary and a bonded warehouse?
Temporary warehouses allow storage for up to 90 days, with limited handling options (e.g. weighing, measuring). Bonded warehouses offer unlimited storage time and broader operational flexibility such as repacking or relabelling.
How long can goods remain in a temporary warehouse?
By law, storage is limited to a maximum of 90 days. After this, goods must be cleared, transferred to a bonded warehouse, or face penalties.
Can cleared and uncleared goods be stored together?
Yes. Both EU and non-EU goods can be stored, as long as proper documentation clearly distinguishes their customs status.
Do I need to secure guarantees for duties and taxes during storage?
Yes. A guarantee is required, though in some cases VAT exemptions apply. Gerlach assesses each situation individually to optimise financial exposure.
Secure Your Temporary Storage Solution Today
Customs timing should never hold your business back. With Gerlach’s temporary warehouse services, you gain secure, compliant storage that protects your goods and optimises your operations until clearance is right.
Ready to add flexibility to your supply chain? Contact our specialists today for a customised storage solution.
