Third parties' goods can be placed in a general warehouse, while only the operator's own goods go into a private one. The whole distinction is contained in that sentence; the remaining differences follow from it.
If, as an importer, you are going to have your goods stored at someone else's premises, that facility must hold general warehouse status.
Where responsibility lies
In a general warehouse the operator is responsible for the safekeeping of the goods (in type A). Stock records, counting and declaring to the customs administration are its obligations.
In a private warehouse the operator and the owner of the goods are the same person, so responsibility is already gathered in one place.
Cost comparison
In a general warehouse you buy a storage service: you pay by square metre or tonnage, for as long as the goods stay. You make no fixed investment.
Setting up a private warehouse means the cost of a building, authorisation, staff and insurance. That investment only pays for itself with continuous, high-volume imports.
| Irregular / seasonal imports | General warehouse |
|---|---|
| A few consignments a year | General warehouse |
| Continuous and high volume | A private warehouse can be considered |
| A firm without its own premises | General warehouse |
| If no fixed investment is wanted | General warehouse |
The authorisation process
Both types are subject to the Ministry of Trade's warehouse opening and operating authorisation. Obtaining a private warehouse authorisation requires you to meet building, security and record-keeping conditions at your own premises.
To use a general warehouse you do not need any authorisation yourself; the authorisation belongs to the operator and you buy the service.