Bonded warehouses offer businesses plenty of advantages, the main one being exemption from paying customs duties or VAT on imported stored goods before they go into public circulation. This benefit is one of the main reasons why bonded warehouse security requirements are so important, not just for protecting your stock but also for keeping your business compliant with customs authority regulations.
ID Security Systems (IDSS) is here to detail what the requirements of bonded warehouse security are and the advantages the latest security systems can offer these spaces.
Necessary Security Requirements
There are two types of bonded customs warehouses:
- Public customs warehouse – businesses that store goods belonging to depositors
- Private customs warehouse – businesses that store their own goods and are also the depositor
Whether you run a public or private bonded warehouse, the security requirements remain the same. To ensure compliance with HMRC and customs authorities, bonded warehouse security measures must be robust to prevent theft, tampering or unauthorised access to goods held under bond.
Basic requirements include secure perimeter fencing, controlled entry points, 24/7 surveillance systems, like CCTV (Closed Circuit Television) and VSS (Video Surveillance Systems) and alarm monitoring. Only authorised personnel should be accessing the bonded warehouse, which means ID checks and keycard entry systems will be required, as well as a record of visitors, stock and accounts.
Bonded warehouse security requirements also dictate that goods must be sealed, tracked and regularly audited. HMRC can access the bonded warehouse premises at any reasonable time to view records and assess your security measures. Failing to meet these standards can result in fines, licence revocation and legal action, making security a top priority for bonded warehouse operators.
Our Recommended Checklist
At ID Security Systems, we have a bonded warehouse security checklist detailing the ideal security systems you should have in place. However, these aren’t just standard, basic alarms and locks – they are the latest and most innovative systems paired with key bonded warehouse strategies. Not only do they enhance security, but they can also benefit operational efficiency and accountability and be scaled with your processes.
Access Control Systems
Access control for bonded warehouses can come in various forms, from card entry and fob access to biometric scanners. These systems are vital for preventing unauthorised entry to sensitive areas, including the main site entrance, warehouse floor, packing areas, and admin rooms. As well as prevention, you can also monitor exactly who is entering and leaving the bonded warehouse. Access control as part of bonded warehouse security also includes physical barriers monitored by authorised personnel and other security systems.
VSS/CCTV Installations
It may sound obvious, but bonded warehouse security requirements include warehouse surveillance systems like CCTV or VSS. These should be installed on the exterior and throughout key areas internally. These installations benefit bonded warehouses in several ways, from gaining 24/7 monitoring of operations to deterring theft and providing vital evidence in case of incidents. Our CCTV/VSS solutions also feature advanced analytics and artificial intelligence (AI), going beyond basic surveillance to provide insights into security, safety and business operations, and keeping your bonded warehouse fully compliant.
Intruder Alarm Systems
Motion sensors, glass break detectors, panic buttons, door and window contacts – all components of advanced bonded warehouse intruder alarm systems. These bonded warehouse security systems will rapidly detect and respond to unauthorised entry or break-ins, protecting valuable stock and maintaining regulatory compliance. They’re essential for out-of-hours protection and will be paired with other security measures, including video surveillance and access control. For more details, explore our intruder alarm systems.
Physical Security and Staff Training
Bonded warehouses should also have physical security in place, with trained security personnel monitoring the premises both during operations and outside regular working hours. Physical security can include barriers, gates, fences, lighting and CCTV/VSS. The security personnel will be background checked and should have specialised training in operating each installed system and follow correct procedures in the event of security incidents.
Advantages of Choosing ID Security Systems
So, how do you install these security systems for your bonded warehouse? ID Security Systems is here to help. Choosing us for bonded warehouse security systems ensures your business fully complies with all HMRC regulations. We are an approved installer, Cyber Essentials Certified and an SSAIB Certified Company, meaning leading authorities trust us to provide our clients with the highest-quality systems.
We have provided countless security audits and site surveys for bonded warehouses and installed our systems following our findings, bringing businesses up-to-date and helping make them compliant and fully secure. After installation, we also provide expert aftercare, maintaining systems and completing any repairs needed to continually help businesses meet bonded warehouse security requirements. Get in touch with us to receive tailored bonded warehouse security, seamlessly integrated with your site and operations. We are a phone call away on 0121 328 8150 or available via email at mailto:enquiries@idsecuritysystems.co.uk.
