How long can goods stay in UK temporary storage?
Goods can remain in UK temporary storage for up to 90 days. Present them to customs and submit a temporary storage declaration, then arrange a customs procedure or re-export within the limit. Track each declaration, its deadline and the evidence needed to close it. Cambridge China Bridge helps buyers prepare supplier documents in China.
Establish the deadline before making delivery promises
HMRC requires presentation of the goods to customs and a temporary storage declaration. Its full import declaration guidance measures the 90-day deadline from presentation to customs.
Ask your customs agent and storage operator to confirm the presentation date and final deadline in writing. Record the source of that date alongside the declaration reference. Set internal reminders early enough to resolve missing documents before the deadline.
Keep a tracker for each storage declaration
Use the temporary storage declaration reference as the organising key. Record the consignment reference, goods description, package count, quantity, current facility, presentation date, confirmed deadline, responsible person and intended customs procedure or re-export. For demonstration goods, see our guide to temporary imports from China.
Attach the declaration confirmation, invoice, packing list and transport documents. Give every missing document an owner and a target date. Use our UK customs clearance documents guide for the document pack rather than rebuilding that checklist here.
Match the exit plan to the declared goods
HMRC says the customs declaration must represent the entire amount of goods submitted to an individual temporary storage declaration. Reconcile your proposed declaration against the stored quantities before instructing the agent.
If you want to split a shipment between destinations or procedures, ask the agent and operator how they will handle the existing storage declaration. For a longer storage plan, discuss the route covered in our UK customs warehouse guide. If goods are faulty, keep the supplier claim separate using our faulty goods guide.
Track movements and obtain release evidence
Keep movement references, departure and arrival confirmations, the destination facility and the deadline information together. Ask the agent to confirm how the proposed movement affects your existing storage record and deadline before arranging transport.
The operator may only remove goods, or allow their removal, with evidence that customs have authorised release. Ask for that evidence and the operator's confirmation that the storage record has been closed. Keep collection evidence too; a transport booking alone is not a useful closure record.
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Escalate an unresolved exit before time runs out
Goods may be seized if the 90-day limit is exceeded. Treat a missing declaration, unresolved quantity discrepancy or uncertain release status as an urgent issue, rather than waiting for the supplier dispute or delivery booking to finish.
Send the agent and operator the declaration reference, confirmed deadline, outstanding documents and your proposed exit route. Ask what action remains, who owns it and what evidence will confirm completion. Cambridge China Bridge's staff in China can help chase factory invoices, packing details and shipment explanations.
Frequently asked questions
How long can goods stay in UK temporary storage?
Up to 90 days. HMRC requires a customs declaration to a customs procedure or re-export within that limit.
When does the temporary storage deadline start?
HMRC's full import declaration guidance measures it from presentation to customs. Ask your agent and operator to confirm the presentation date and deadline in writing.
What should I track for a temporary storage declaration?
Track the declaration and consignment references, quantities, facility, presentation date, confirmed deadline, exit route, document owner and release evidence.
What happens if I miss the temporary storage deadline?
HMRC says goods may be seized if you exceed the 90-day limit. Contact your customs agent and storage operator urgently with the declaration reference and current status.