Customs Bonded Warehousing

Bowker’s customs bonded warehouses, approved by HM Revenue & Customs, allow us to store imported goods whilst deferring the charges of Duty and VAT until the goods are required.

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Call today on 01772 628800 or email us at enquiries@bowkergroup.co.uk

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HMRC Approved Bonded Warehousing

Storing ‘under bond’ at our bonded warehouses can considerably improve cash flow for businesses importing goods from outside the UK. Our customs bonded warehouse operations have direct links to HMRC with our state-of-the-art warehouse management system supporting them, which provide full stock visibility, including goods under bond and in free circulation.

At W.H. Bowker, we have over 1.5 million ft² of warehousing throughout the UK. Services include bonded warehousing, fulfilment services, e-commerce logistics, sampling and added value services.

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Fully equipped racking and handling equipment

Each of our eleven distribution centres are fully equipped with the latest racking and handling equipment. Sites are managed by teams of experts, supported by industry-leading technology meaning you can store and distribute your goods in our custom bonded warehouses with confidence.

Types of commodities Bowker can store under dry 'bond':

  • Chemicals
  • Pharmaceuticals
  • Food & Drink
  • Packaging
  • E-Commerce
  • FMCGs
  • Raw materials
Food grade warehousing Chemical warehousing Pharmaceutical warehousing
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International haulage since 1961

Bowker led the way into Europe in 1961 and remain a major provider of international transport services carrying a wide range of goods to and from most destinations in Europe.

Primarily shipping using Northern ports, Bowker are ideally positioned for Belgium, Netherlands, German and Italian imports/exports.

Recently crowned the Northern European Haulier of the Year, Bowker continue to be one of the UK's leading European carriers offering a fast, efficient service to all destinations.

Belgium Imports / Exports Italian Imports / Exports Dutch Imports / Exports Customs Clearance

FAQs

The primary benefit is cost savings, as it enables delayed duty payments until goods are exported, improving cash flow for many companies. Additionally, it offers a strategic advantage by allowing companies to store goods in an improved location while awaiting sales, reducing final-mile costs and lead times.

Our in house customs team located in Hull simplifies the process for our clients, with expert knowledge to control and help guide them through. Additionally, our customer portal allows for full transparency of stock, keeping clients continuously informed at all times. We offer value added services, such as picking & packing, re-labelling, re-building of pallets & much more.

A bonded warehouse (also called a customs warehouse) is an HMRC‑approved, secure facility for storing imported goods without immediate payment of Duty and VAT. Duties become payable only when the goods are released into free circulation or exported.

The key difference is tax status. In a bonded warehouse, Duty and VAT are suspended until goods leave the facility. In a normal warehouse, taxes must be paid before storage. Bonded warehouses also require HMRC approval and are subject to strict customs controls.

A bonded warehouse suspends both Duty and VAT on non-UK goods. A VAT warehouse, meanwhile, only suspends VAT, not customs duties, and is typically used for goods traded within the UK or EU. Bonded warehousing offers broader relief, especially for imports.

Spotlight on Hull Distribution Centre

Our Hull distribution center, one of our bonded facilities, offers approximately 10,000 pallet locations and is AA BRCGS and MHRA accredited, making it ideal for both food-grade and pharmaceutical goods. Strategically positioned near northern ports and home to our international fleet, it provides an optimal storage solution for goods destined for export.

Hull Distribution Centre

Contact us

Email us at enquiries@bowkergroup.co.uk, call us on 01772 628800 or complete our quick form.

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Our Values

Effective working in partnerships with its colleagues, customers and suppliers have been Bowker’s fundamental building blocks and these principles have remained unaltered since 1919.

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Preston Distribution Centre

01772 628800

Holme Road
Bamber Bridge
Lancashire
PR5 6BP

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Droitwich Distribution Centre

01299 851441

Site 7 Kidderminster Road
Droitwich
WR9 0NS

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Hull Distribution Centre

01482 706557

Littlefair Road
Hull
HU9 5LP

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Registered in England No. 364757, Registered Office, Holme Rd, Bamber Bridge, Preston, PR5 6BP