---
title: "Bonded Goods"
description: "Bonded goods are goods where the customs duty hasn't been paid yet, so they remain in warehouses under customs supervision until the duty is paid."
language: en
canonical: https://www.flexport.com/glossary/bonded-goods/
lifecycle: live
dateModified: 2026-10-08T14:52:03Z
topics:
  - "Customs & Compliance"
  - "Tariffs"
  - "Customs Brokerage"
  - "Prep"
  - "Warehouse Network"
---

# Bonded Goods

Bonded goods are goods where the customs duty hasn't been paid yet, so they remain in warehouses under customs supervision until the duty is paid.

## What are bonded goods?

Goods where the customs duty has not yet been paid. These goods are required to be stored in [bonded warehouses](https://www.flexport.com/glossary/bonded-warehouse/)—that is, warehouses under the supervision of customs authorities, until the customs duty has been paid on them.

## Why do importers keep goods in bond?

Importers store goods in bond to delay paying duties and taxes until they sell, use, or move the goods. That frees up cash. If the importer re-exports the goods, it may not owe duty at all, depending on the country's rules.

## What happens when goods leave bond?

Goods stay under customs control until the importer pays the duty and files the paperwork to release them, ships them to another bonded location, or exports them. Importers usually need a customs bond, which is a guarantee to the customs authority that the duty will get paid. Moving or releasing goods without authorization can lead to penalties.

Back to the [full glossary](https://www.flexport.com/glossary/).

---

*This is a markdown version of [https://www.flexport.com/glossary/bonded-goods/](https://www.flexport.com/glossary/bonded-goods/) for AI/LLM consumption.*