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IPR Bonded Warehouses in the Netherlands

An IPR Bonded Warehouse is a specialized facility that combines two important customs procedures: the Bonded Warehouse and Inward Processing Relief (IPR).

IPR Bonded Warehouses in the Netherlands offer significant advantages for businesses engaged in international trade. By leveraging the country's strategic location, excellent infrastructure, and business-friendly customs procedures, companies can optimize their supply chains and potentially realize substantial cost savings.

A Bonded Warehouse is a secure storage facility where non-EU goods can be stored without immediate payment of import duties or VAT. This allows businesses to defer tax payments until the goods are released into the EU market or re-exported.

Inward Processing Relief, on the other hand, is a customs procedure that allows for the duty-free import of goods intended for processing within the EU, provided that the resulting products are re-exported outside the EU customs territory.

By merging these two concepts, an IPR Bonded Warehouse creates a unique environment where businesses can store, process, and re-export goods while deferring or avoiding certain taxes and duties. This setup provides significant flexibility in managing international supply chains and can offer substantial financial benefits for companies engaged in importing, processing, and exporting activities.

If you are looking for a personal offer or more information, you can contact us directly for quotes.

Dutch IPR Bonded Warehouse Selector

1. What is your primary reason for considering an IPR Bonded Warehouse?

The Netherlands: Europe's Gateway for Trade

The Netherlands has long been known as the gateway to Europe, thanks to its strategic location, world-class port infrastructure, and business-friendly policies. Rotterdam, Europe's largest seaport, and Amsterdam Schiphol Airport, one of the busiest cargo airports in Europe, make the Netherlands an ideal location for international trade and logistics operations.

In this context, IPR Bonded Warehouses play a crucial role in enhancing the Netherlands' position as a key logistics hub. These facilities complement the country's excellent transportation networks and support its reputation for efficient customs procedures.

Key Features of IPR Bonded Warehouses

The primary features of an IPR Bonded Warehouse include:

1. Storage of non-EU goods without immediate duty or VAT payment
2. Processing, modification, or repair of goods within the facility
3. Option to re-export finished products or release them into the EU market
4. Indefinite storage period for goods

These features provide businesses with significant flexibility in managing their international supply chains and inventory.

Non-Union Goods Enter EU

IPR Bonded Warehouse

Storage & Processing

Re-export Outside EU

Release for Free Circulation in EU

Pay Duties and VAT

Dutch Customs and IPR Bonded Warehouses

The Dutch Customs Authority (Douane) is known for its progressive and business-friendly approach. They have embraced the concept of IPR Bonded Warehouses as part of their strategy to facilitate trade while ensuring compliance with EU regulations.

In the Netherlands, IPR Bonded Warehouses are subject to strict oversight by Dutch Customs, but the process is designed to be as smooth and efficient as possible. The Dutch government has invested in digital systems and streamlined procedures to make it easier for businesses to operate these facilities.

Key Dutch Regulations:

1. Authorization: To operate an IPR Bonded Warehouse in the Netherlands, companies must obtain authorization from Dutch Customs.
2. AEO Certification: While not mandatory, having Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) status can simplify the authorization process.
3. Record-keeping: Dutch regulations require meticulous record-keeping for all goods and operations within IPR Bonded Warehouses.
4. Time Limits: The IPR procedure in the Netherlands typically has time limits for processing and re-export, set on a case-by-case basis.

Obtaining Authorization for an IPR Bonded Warehouse

To operate an IPR Bonded Warehouse in the Netherlands, businesses must secure proper authorization from Dutch Customs. This crucial step involves:

EU-based Companies: If your company is headquartered within the European Union, you'll need to apply for authorization through the EU Trader Portal. This online platform streamlines the application process for customs procedures across the EU.
Non-EU Companies: For businesses based outside the EU customs territory, a different procedure applies. These companies must submit their application using a specific form titled 'Application for an inward processing authorisation'.

Application Process:

Access the EU Trader Portal (for EU-based companies). Use these detailed instructions.
Complete the detailed application form
Provide supporting documentation as required
Submit the application for review by Dutch Customs

Business Applications

IPR Bonded Warehouses are particularly beneficial for certain types of businesses and operations.

A few examples of such cases are the below:

Companies importing raw materials or components from outside the EU
Manufacturers who re-export a significant portion of their finished products
Businesses looking to optimize cash flow and reduce upfront costs
Companies needing to respond quickly to market demands in Europe

Cost Considerations

Using an IPR Bonded Warehouse involves several cost factors:

1. Storage Fees: Range from €5-15 per pallet per week
2. Handling Charges: Typically €10-20 per pallet for receiving and dispatching
3. Processing Costs: Highly variable based on operations
4. Customs Brokerage: Range from €100-300 per shipment
5. Insurance: Usually 0.5-1% of goods' value annually. Read our insurance guide for more pricing.

While these costs may seem significant, they should be weighed against the potential savings from deferred or avoided duties and VAT. For high-value shipments or operations with significant processing activities, the savings can be substantial.

Dutch-Specific Cost Factors:

1. Labor Costs: The Netherlands has relatively high labor costs, offset by high productivity and efficiency.
2. Real Estate: Warehouse costs vary significantly depending on location within the Netherlands.
3. Energy Costs: Many facilities are investing in sustainable energy solutions to manage long-term expenses.
4. Tax Incentives: The Netherlands offers various tax incentives for international businesses.

Services Provided per Warehouse Type

Warehouse Type	Services Provided	Typical Use Cases
Public Warehouse	Basic Storage and Inventory Management Order Fulfillment Pick and Pack Limited Value-Added Services	Small to medium businesses Seasonal storage needs Startups
Private Warehouse	Advanced Storage and Inventory Management Customized Order Fulfillment Specialized Pick and Pack Extensive Value-Added Services Dedicated Transportation Management	Large companies with consistent volume Businesses requiring high control over operations
Bonded Warehouse	Customs Clearance Duty-Deferred Storage International Shipping Support Basic Storage and Inventory Management	Importers/Exporters Companies dealing with international goods
Distribution Center	High-Volume Order Fulfillment Cross-docking Advanced Transportation Management Regional Distribution	Retail chains E-commerce businesses Fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) companies
Cold Storage Warehouse	Temperature-Controlled Storage Specialized Inventory Management HACCP Compliance Cold Chain Transportation	Food and beverage industry Pharmaceutical companies
Automated Warehouse	High-Speed Order Fulfillment Robotic Pick and Pack Advanced Inventory Management High-Volume Handling	Large e-commerce operations Companies with high-volume, standardized products
3PL (Third-Party Logistics)	Comprehensive Supply Chain Management All Basic Warehousing Services Transportation Management Reverse Logistics Custom Reporting and Analytics	Companies outsourcing entire logistics operations Businesses seeking integrated supply chain solutions
Fulfillment Center	Specialized in E-commerce Order Fulfillment Pick, Pack, and Ship Returns Processing Integration with Online Platforms	Online retailers E-commerce startups

population of people living within 150km radius from NL

The Netherlands sits at the heart of a densely populated region, with more than 150 million people residing within a 500-kilometer radius of its borders.

Dutch IPR Bonded Warehouse Clusters

Several areas in the Netherlands have developed into clusters for IPR Bonded Warehouses:

1. Rotterdam Area: Ideal for sea freight operations
2. Amsterdam-Schiphol Area: Perfect for air freight and high-value goods
3. Venlo-Venray Region: Strategically positioned for distribution across Central Europe
4. Tilburg-Waalwijk Region: Known for its focus on fashion and textiles

Read more information on Dutch warehouses and warehouse clusters in this guide.

Finding a Dutch IPR Bonded Warehouse Partner

When selecting a partner in the Netherlands, consider:

1. Dutch Market Knowledge: Look for operators with deep understanding of Dutch regulations and business practices.
2. Multimodal Capabilities: Partners that can handle various modes of transportation can be advantageous.
3. Technological Integration: Many Dutch warehouse operators offer advanced IT systems that integrate with Dutch Customs' digital platforms.
4. Sustainability Practices: Partnering with warehouses that have strong environmental credentials can align with both regulatory trends and customer expectations.

If you would like our experts and connected bonded warehouse providers to discuss this further with you, please do not hesitate to Contact our network.

To explore how an IPR Bonded Warehouse in the Netherlands could benefit your business, or to connect with experienced Dutch providers, don't hesitate to reach out to our team of experts. We can provide insights tailored to the Dutch market and help you navigate the unique aspects of operating within the Netherlands' logistics ecosystem.

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