Warehouses are divided first into general and private: anyone can place goods in a general warehouse, while only the operator's own goods go into a private one. Beneath that distinction sit types A, B and F (general) and C, D and E (private).
The type determines under whose responsibility and under which rules your goods will be stored. That is why you should ask a warehouse operator for its type together with its code.
General warehouses: types A, B and F
General warehouses accept third parties' goods. The difference between them is where the responsibility lies.
| Type A | The operator is responsible and keeps the stock records. The most common type. |
|---|---|
| Type B | Responsibility lies with the owner of the goods; the operator only provides the space. |
| Type F | A warehouse operated by the customs administration itself. |
Private warehouses: types C, D and E
Only the operator's own goods go into a private warehouse; the operator is also the owner of the goods.
| Type C | The operator and the owner of the goods are the same person. |
|---|---|
| Type D | Similar to type C; a simplified procedure may apply on withdrawal. |
| Type E | A private warehouse subject to authorisation where no storage-place requirement applies. |
Which type suits you
If you are an importer having your own goods stored, a type A general warehouse is the most common and most practical solution: the operator is responsible, keeps the stock records, and you simply track your goods.
For firms importing continuously in large volumes that want to store at their own premises, a type C or D private warehouse comes into consideration; but for that you need to obtain your own warehouse authorisation.
Why the warehouse code is asked for
The warehouse code is a number issued by the Ministry of Trade that identifies each warehouse uniquely. It appears on the declaration.
Do not leave goods at an address whose code cannot be verified. When the code is requested together with the type, the status of the warehouse is confirmed as well.