AM Distilling provides secure Bonded Warehousing UK solutions and global logistics for the spirits trade. As a fully WOWGR-registered facility, we enable brands to store, process, and transport alcohol under duty suspension, optimizing cash flow and ensuring full HMRC compliance.
Navigating the complexities of international alcohol trade requires a partner who understands more than just shipping. Our Alcohol Logistics team manages the entire supply chain—from customs clearance of bulk tequila tanks to the final mile delivery of bottled goods to UK retailers.
Secure Bonded Storage
Our Bonded Warehousing UK facility allows you to defer UK Duty and VAT payments until your goods are dispatched for retail. This is a critical cash-flow advantage for growing brands holding aging stock.
- Duty Suspense: Store Cased Goods and Bulk Containers (IBCs/Drums) without triggering tax liabilities.
- Security: 24/7 monitored CCTV, perimeter fencing, and restricted access control systems approved by HMRC.
- Inventory Management: Real-time stock tracking with lot traceability. We provide monthly stock reports to satisfy your audit requirements.
Specialized Cask Storage & Maturation
For independent bottlers and investors, our Bonded Warehousing UK capabilities extend to long-term cask maturation. We understand that whisky and rum are living products that require specific environmental conditions to reach their potential.
- Storage Formats: We offer both palletized racking (for cost efficiency) and traditional dunnage-style storage (for optimal airflow and evaporation control).
- Cask Management: Our team handles essential maturation services including regauging, sampling for ABV checks, and re-racking into new wood for finishing.
- Insurance: All casks held in our care are fully insured at market replacement value, giving you peace of mind while your asset matures.
Global Import & Export Services
We connect the UK to the world. Whether you are importing Glass from Europe or exporting Whisky to the USA, we handle the paperwork and the physical movement.
Import Services
We specialize in the importation of bulk spirits. We handle the Customs Clearance and movement guarantees required to bring goods from the port of entry (e.g., Felixstowe, Grangemouth) to our bonded facility.
Export Documentation (EMCS)
Exporting alcohol post-Brexit requires precise documentation. We generate:
- EMCS (Excise Movement and Control System): For moving duty-suspended goods within the UK and EU.
- Certificates of Origin: Authenticating your product’s provenance for foreign customs.
- T1 Transit Documents: For goods passing through territories without entering free circulation.
Navigating Post-Brexit Alcohol Trade
Since the regulatory changes regarding Brexit, moving alcohol between the UK and the EU has become significantly more complex. Many standard freight forwarders now refuse to handle excise goods due to the paperwork burden.
Our Bonded Warehousing UK service acts as a vital bridge for international brands. We streamline the process by:
- Registered Consignor Status: We can generate the ARC (Administrative Reference Code) required to start a duty-suspended movement from the UK border.
- Deferment Accounts: Utilizing our deferment account to manage Import VAT and Duty payments efficiently on your behalf.
- Regulatory Updates: Our team monitors HMRC policy changes daily, ensuring your Bonded Warehousing UK strategy remains compliant with the latest legislation.
HMRC & WOWGR Compliance
We hold full Warehousekeepers and Owners of Warehoused Goods Regulations (WOWGR) certification. You can verify our status and learn more about excise responsibilities on the official HMRC Guidance page.
Value-Added Logistics
We are not just a storage shed. We offer “Active Warehousing” services to prepare your stock for sale:
- Reworking: Applying UK Duty Stamps or correction labels to imported stock.
- Gift Packing: Assembling gift sets or promotional packs within the bonded area.
- Palletisation: Restacking loose cartons onto UK (Chep) or Euro pallets for distribution.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Bonded Warehouse?
A Bonded Warehousing UK facility is a secured area authorized by customs where goods can be stored without payment of duty. Duty is only payable when the goods leave the warehouse for the UK market.
Do you handle single bottle picking?
No. We focus on trade logistics (Pallet In / Pallet Out). For brands requiring D2C (Direct to Consumer) fulfillment, we can arrange transport to your designated fulfillment partner.
Can you help with T-1 forms?
Yes. Our logistics team can raise T-1 transit forms to move goods across borders while maintaining their duty-suspended status.