A bonded warehouse lets you store imported goods without paying duties until they leave; a non-bonded warehouse is standard storage where duties are already settled. The right choice depends on your cash flow and customs strategy.
How bonded storage helps importers
In a customs-bonded facility, duty payment is deferred until goods are withdrawn — useful if you're re-exporting, holding inventory long-term, or managing cash flow on high-duty products.
When non-bonded is the simpler fit
For most domestic distribution, non-bonded warehousing is simpler and cheaper. Once your goods clear customs, they flow straight into standard 3PL storage and fulfillment.
Getting the right advice
Your customs broker and 3PL should coordinate on this. A port-adjacent Los Angeles 3PL can receive cleared freight straight off the terminal and into distribution without missing a beat.
