TSW vs Customs warehouse: which cargo storage option to choose for your business?

What is a temporary storage warehouse (TSW)?

A TSW (temporary storage warehouse) is a customs zone where goods are stored until customs clearance is completed. The storage period at a TSW is up to 90 days. During this time, the importer is obliged to clear the cargo in the appropriate customs regime or carry out further transportation (for example, in transit mode).

During this period, goods must be:

• cleared in the appropriate customs regime (import, transit, etc.),
• or exported from the territory of Ukraine.

Only those operations with the goods that are necessary to preserve their commercial condition, such as transshipment, inspection, weighing, and packaging, are allowed at the TSW.

What is a customs warehouse?

A customs warehouse is a specially equipped facility where foreign goods can be stored without paying customs duties and taxes for up to 3 years. Goods in a customs warehouse can be stored until their final customs clearance or re-export.

According to the Customs Code of Ukraine, a customs warehouse is a customs regime under which goods:

• imported from outside the customs territory of Ukraine are stored under customs control without paying taxes and duties and without applying non-tariff regulation measures and other restrictions during the storage period;
• exported outside the customs territory of Ukraine are stored under customs control after customs clearance until their actual export outside the customs territory of Ukraine.

Usually, a customs warehouse refers to the warehouse facility itself, which operates in the customs warehouse regime.

Businesses can gain certain advantages and flexibility, such as:

• deferring the payment of customs duties,
• accumulating products for further sale or export,
• adapting goods to market requirements (labeling, repackaging, etc.).

A customs warehouse is an effective tool for flexible management of goods flows and costs.

Key differences between a customs warehouse and a TSW:

What opportunities does Raben Ukraine offer?

Raben Ukraine is a leading logistics operator that offers a full range of customs and logistics services, including the placement of goods in TSWs and customs warehouses. Over 20 years of experience in customs services allows for efficient customs formalities for timely transportation of clients' goods.

Advantages of cooperation with Raben Ukraine:

• Own customs warehouse and TSW with a convenient location near major transport hubs in the Kyiv region.
• Storage of goods of various categories, including those with special conditions (temperature regime +2 +6, security and video surveillance 24/7).
• Comprehensive customs clearance - import, export, transit, re-export.
• Additional services: repackaging, labeling, palletizing, assembly.
• Modern IT integration - transparent system for tracking goods in the warehouse and document exchange.
• Preparation of additional documents, e.g., Certificates of origin.
• Consultations with specialists on customs issues and foreign economic activity.

Who might be interested in the services of a customs warehouse or TSW?

Customs warehouses and TSWs are key logistics tools for:

• importers who want to optimize customs costs;
• exporters forming large batches of goods;
• distributors and manufacturers working with foreign suppliers;
• companies selling goods through e-commerce or retail networks.

Understanding the functions and benefits of a customs warehouse and a temporary storage warehouse (TSW) allows businesses to manage supplies more effectively, reduce costs, and accelerate logistics processes. Raben Ukraine is a reliable partner with all the necessary infrastructure, experience, and qualifications to ensure efficient storage and customs clearance of goods according to the client's needs.