Approved places are a significant element of customs procedures, allowing businesses greater flexibility and efficiency in handling imported and exported goods.

In this article, we present everything that entrepreneurs interested in the status of an approved place should know – from the registration process, through operational rules, to measurable business benefits.

What is an approved place?

An approved place (also referred to as an “approved place”) is a location approved by customs authorities where certain customs operations can be carried out outside the standard customs office. This most often relates to:

🔸submitting goods to customs authorities,
🔸temporary storage of goods,
🔸conducting customs inspections,
🔸completing formalities related to the admission of goods to circulation and export.

An approved place can be a warehouse, terminal, storage yard, or another space owned by the entrepreneur that meets specific legal and technical requirements.

How does an approved place operate?

The operation of an approved place is based on several key principles:

🔸reporting goods,
🔸temporary storage,
🔸customs inspections,
🔸admitting goods to circulation.

How to register an approved place?

The registration process for an approved place requires careful preparation and going through several stages:

Preparing documentation

The first step is to prepare a complete set of documents required by the customs authorities:

🔸application for the recognition of a place (on the appropriate form),
🔸site plan of the property,
🔸document confirming the right to manage the property,
🔸description of technical and organizational safeguards,
🔸information about the types of goods that will be handled,
🔸internal procedures concerning the handling of goods under customs supervision,
🔸company registration documents.

Submitting the application

The complete set of documents should be submitted to the relevant local head of the customs and tax office. The application should contain detailed information about:

🔸the location and characteristics of the place,
🔸operating hours,
🔸type of activity,
🔸responsible persons,
🔸security systems,

Verification and inspection

After submitting the application, the customs authorities conduct a formal analysis of the documentation, carry out a physical inspection of the site, and verify whether the location meets all technical, organizational, and safety requirements.

Issuance of decision

Based on the conducted verification and inspection, customs authorities issue a decision.

Technical and organizational requirements

For a place to be recognized by customs authorities, it must meet a number of requirements:

🔸spatial and infrastructural requirements,
🔸safety requirements,
🔸organizational requirements.

What are the benefits of the status of an approved place?

Having the status of an approved place brings many measurable benefits to entrepreneurs:

Logistical benefits

🔸Time flexibility – the ability to receive and handle goods outside standard customs office hours.
🔸Supply chain optimization – elimination of additional handling and transport to external customs warehouses.
🔸Reduced delays – shortening the waiting time for customs processing.
🔸Simplicity of the process – goods go directly to the destination.

Operational benefits

🔸Control over the process – complete oversight of goods at every stage of customs clearance.
🔸Better planning – the ability to flexibly plan warehouse work.
🔸Priority service – often faster and more individualized service from customs authorities.

Strategic benefits

🔸Competitive advantage – the ability to offer customers faster customs service.
🔸Reputation – the status of a trusted entity in the eyes of customs authorities (authorised economic operator).
🔸Better negotiating position – the ability to obtain better terms of cooperation with logistics partners.

Responsibilities and liabilities

The status of an approved place is also associated with specific responsibilities:

🔸Maintaining detailed records – registering all goods under customs supervision.
🔸Regular reporting – providing the customs authorities with required information and statements.
🔸Ensuring the integrity of goods – protecting goods from unauthorized access.
🔸Allowing inspections – ensuring customs authorities access to goods and documentation.
🔸Complying with the terms of the permit – acting in accordance with the issued decision.
🔸Updating data – informing about any changes in the operation of the approved place.

Summary

The status of an approved place represents a significant facilitation for companies regularly importing and exporting goods. Although the registration process requires effort and meeting a number of requirements, the long-term benefits significantly outweigh the initial difficulties.