Secure storage in an open customs warehouse (OCW)

Behind steel doors in the open customs warehouse

Hochsicherheits-Lagertür mit biometrischem Zugangssystem und mechanischem Schloss

White metals such as silver, platinum and palladium are generally subject to VAT in Switzerland and the Principality of Liechtenstein. Except these are traded and stored in an open customs warehouse (OZL). White metals can be bought, stored and sold via authorized precious metal dealers or banks. They deliver the goods directly to our open customs warehouse using our security vehicles. This makes a complicated process very simple. The open bonded warehouse is also ideal for the VAT-free storage of other types of goods such as diamonds or precious stones. As a license holder of open bonded warehouses, we offer our customers easy access to VAT-free storage of assets.

Checkliste Hochsicherheitslagerung Download

High security storage checklist

Maximum security for your assets starts with the right choice of storage. Our checklist shows you what really matters, from cost-benefit to ESG.

Download now and make an informed decision.

Definition of open customs warehouses and duty-free warehouses:

Open bonded warehouses (OZL) are bonded warehouses in the Swiss customs territory in which the warehouse keeper, in our case Helveticor AG, can store valuable customer stocks. Customer stocks are in transit from the border to the warehouse (authorized location) and are not cleared through customs.

Following storage, the import assessment (colloquially known as customs clearance) can also be carried out directly on site. There are also options for a transit procedure and a re-expedition from Switzerland.

In contrast to open bonded warehouses, duty-free warehouses (often also called ZFL) are warehouses in which duty-free and untaxed goods are temporarily stored. They are operated by private warehouse companies, have a public character and are open to all interested parties.

THE BENEFITS FOR YOU

    1. Many years of expertise in customs warehousing
    2. VAT exemption for white metals such as silver, platinum, and palladium
    3. VAT-free storage of other valuables such as diamonds and gemstones
    4. Customs warehouses in Switzerland, the Principality of Liechtenstein, and major financial centers
    5. Comprehensive insurance cover in the customs warehouse

WANT TO FIND OUT MORE?

THEN CONTACT US.

Many years of expertise in customs warehousing

Our long-standing expertise in customs warehousing ensures the highest standards and security for duty-free precious metals storage, especially white metals, or other types of goods such as diamonds, gemstones, or art.

With years of experience, we understand the different requirements for the VAT-free storage of different types of goods. Our expertise gives you the certainty that your assets are in safe hands. Whether standard silver bars of 1000 troy ounces, platinum bars and palladium bars or coins, bars as well as diamonds and precious stones – we know the requirements and ensure that your assets are stored correctly.

Standard bars are often stored on pallets, but the requirements for smaller items such as coins or diamonds and gemstones are more differentiated. We understand the variety of different types of goods and items and offer special pallets and boxes to ensure that every shape has its appropriate place.

A central part of our experience is also the handling of storage, relocation and retrieval, as well as the correct processing of the associated customs documents. Naturally, this is carried out exclusively in accordance with the 8-eyes principle. Furthermore, our many years of expertise in the field of customs warehousing is underpinned by our specially designed storage system, which not only meets the highest requirements but is also approved by the customs authorities. Our storage system is designed to meet not only basic security guidelines, but also the demanding banking standard. Your customs inventory data is in safe hands in our specialized storage system, and we do everything we can to ensure the highest security standards.

Paletten mit Edelmetallbarren auf einer Industriewaage

VAT exemption for white metals such as silver, platinum, and palladium

The VAT exemption for white metals such as silver, platinum and palladium is an outstanding advantage of bonded warehousing. These precious metals are normally subject to VAT, which makes trading and storage less attractive for investors and traders. However, storage in an open customs warehouse (OZL) eliminates this VAT obligation. This enables investors and retailers to reduce their costs and increase their profit margins.

This tax relief enables customers to use their financial resources more efficiently and fully exploit their investment potential. The VAT exemption is therefore not only a financial advantage, but also an important instrument for optimizing trading and investments in precious metals.

As a permit holder for open bonded warehouses, we ensure compliance with customs regulations. Our customers benefit from simplified access to customs warehousing options.

Mehrere Paletten mit gesicherten Goldbarren
Gestapelte Palladiumbarren mit Herstellerprägung in einem gesicherten Lager

CONTACT US

Our professional is ready to assist you with any inquiries.

Contact Collage Dienstleistungen

VAT-free storage of other valuables such as diamonds or gemstones

In addition to white metals, the open bonded warehouse (OZL) also offers the option of VAT-free storage of other valuables such as diamonds or precious stones. This variety of storage options makes the open bonded warehouse an attractive option for investors and collectors who want to store their assets in a tax-optimized manner.

VAT-free storage allows customers to reduce their costs and maximize their returns. In addition, the bonded warehouse provides a safe and secure environment for the storage of high-value items, which is invaluable for both investors and collectors.

As a licensee of open bonded warehouses (OZL), we not only take care of secure storage in the bonded warehouse, but also ensure compliance with customs regulations. Our customers benefit from simplified access to customs warehousing options.

Hochwertiger Diamant in schwarzer Schutzbox mit GIA-Zertifikat
Hochwertiger Diamant in schwarzer Schutzbox mit GIA-Zertifikat auf einem Schreibtisch

Customs warehouses in Switzerland, the Principality of Liechtenstein, and major financial centers

Switzerland and the Principality of Liechtenstein are known for their political stability and neutrality. These features provide an additional layer of security for the customs warehousing of goods subject to VAT, especially in times of geopolitical uncertainty. The long tradition in the financial sector and the reputation for reliability make Switzerland and Liechtenstein first-class locations for the customs storage of valuable assets such as silver, platinum, palladium, diamonds and precious stones.

We also provide customs warehousing at the highest level in international financial centers. The choice of international financial centers enables geographical diversification of storage locations. This reduces potential risks that could be associated with regional events. Our international security transports not only guarantee the safe and reliable transportation of your valuables, but also compliance with customs regulations. We place the highest value on integrity and security during the entire transportation process.

Helveticor-Sicherheitsfahrzeug im Gebirgseinsatz bei winterlicher Morgensonne, flankiert von zwei Mitarbeitenden vor dem Matterhorn
estapelte Silberbarren auf Paletten in einem klimatisierten Zolllagerraum bei Helveticor

Comprehensive insurance cover in the customs warehouse

Our insurance policy is a so-called all-risk insurance and is placed directly on the international insurance market Lloyd’s Market in London. Lloyd’s Market stands for the highest safety standards in the insurance sector worldwide. By placing our insurance policy directly at Lloyd’s Market, we can ensure that your valuables stored in the bonded warehouse enjoy first-class protection.

Of course, all our national and international security transport options are also fully insured, meaning that your valuables are fully covered even during transportation. This means that your valuable goods are also fully protected during transportation.

estapelte Silberbarren auf Paletten in einem klimatisierten Zolllagerraum bei Helveticor
Panoramablick auf ein Helveticor-Fahrzeug vor dem Eingang eines Hochsicherheits-Zolllagers

CONTACT US

Our professional is ready to assist you with any inquiries.

OTHER SERVICES

HIGH SECURITY WAREHOUSE

We store your valuable assets in high-security buildings in Switzerland, the Principality of Liechtenstein, and in the most important financial centers in the world. Whether you require long-term storage, a brief stopover, or time in our own customs warehouse, we have a solution to suit you.

NATIONAL VALUE TRANSPORT

Helveticor AG is the ideal choice for securely transporting various valuable assets within Switzerland. We use state-of-the-art security vehicles, accompanied by trained, armed personnel, and comprehensive insurance coverage.

INTERNATIONAL VALUABLES LOGISTICS

Whether by road, air or sea – we make sure that your valuable assets arrive safely, on time and by the fastest route. With our international secure transport, your valuable assets remain in the care of our experts around the clock, and are fully insured.

PRICES & SURCHARGES

Track the current prices of gold, platinum, palladium, silver or other metals and get the latest information on diesel prices, congestion surcharges and energy costs.