External Temporary Storage Facilities (ETSF)
An ETSF extends the customs boundary, allowing goods to be stored for up to 90 days without the immediate need for an import entry upon arrival. This arrangement is particularly beneficial for import groupage, as it enables goods to be separated and cleared individually. Additionally, it offers the flexibility to defer import duties and VAT if customs paperwork is not readily available when goods arrive in the UK.
We operate two ETSF sites: our southern site in Basildon, Essex, and our northern site near the port of Immingham.
For more detailed information on ETSFs, please visit the UK Government’s guidance on temporary storage.