Temporary Storage and ETSF Customs Support
Imported goods can be held under customs control in temporary storage while the correct clearance or onward procedure is arranged. Cartwright CS supports importers, freight forwarders and warehouse operators with declarations and coordination for goods moving into, through or out of an External Temporary Storage Facility (ETSF).
We are Cartwright Customs Services
Cartwright CS Ltd is a UK customs broker and customs agent based in Southampton, Hampshire. We support businesses, freight forwarders, hauliers and private clients with customs declarations, border documents and practical coordination across the UK and Europe.
Our approach is simple: gather the right information early, explain what is needed in plain English and keep the customs paperwork connected to the real movement of the goods.
What this service covers
- Import clearance for goods held in temporary storage
- Coordination with ETSF operators, carriers and receiving depots
- Inventory and consignment reference checks
- Customs removal and onward procedure support
- Transit movements to or from an approved facility
- Document checks before release
- Resolving mismatched, missing or uncleared inventory records
- Eligibility, authorisation and documentary requirements depend on the goods, route and circumstances of each movement.
Who we help
- LCL and groupage freight operators
- Freight forwarders using ETSF depots
- Importers whose goods require documents before clearance
- Warehouse and distribution partners
- Businesses moving uncleared goods between approved locations
Why this service matters
Temporary storage gives time to complete the correct customs formalities, or move them onwards under Transit Procedures. The goods must remain under customs control. They cannot be used or removed without permission, records must match the physical goods and statutory time limits apply.
How Cartwright CS helps
We connect the commercial documents, transport record, inventory reference and customs declaration. We coordinate with the depot and freight parties so release is based on the correct customs status, not assumptions.
Common challenges we solve
- The warehouse inventory does not match the customs declaration
- Missing UCN, consignment or badge references
- Part shipments or short-landed groupage cargo
- Goods moved before customs release
- Unclear responsibility between depot, forwarder and importer
- Storage time running down while documents are missing
How the process works
- Send us the arrival notice, inventory reference and shipment documents.
- We confirm where the goods are held and what customs action is required.
- We identify missing data or controls.
- The relevant import, transit or removal declaration is submitted.
- We coordinate release with the ETSF and logistics parties.
- You receive confirmation when the goods are customs-cleared and available to move.
Why choose Cartwright CS
We understand the distinction between goods held in temporary storage and goods already cleared through customs. We match the commercial documents, depot records and inventory references before preparing an import, transit or onward movement declaration.
Our role is customs documentation and coordination with the authorised facility, not the operation of a warehouse. Release instructions are tied to the correct customs status.
Location and coverage
We are based in Southampton, close to Southampton and Portsmouth, and support customs movements across the UK. Depending on the service and route, we can assist with movements through Southampton, Portsmouth, Dover, Felixstowe, Tilbury, London Gateway, Liverpool, Grangemouth, Immingham, Harwich and other UK locations, as well as coordinated European movements.
Frequently asked questions
What is an ETSF?
An External Temporary Storage Facility is an approved location where imported goods can be held under customs control before a customs procedure is completed.
Are goods in an ETSF customs cleared?
Not necessarily. They remain under temporary storage until released to a customs procedure or re-exported.
How long can goods remain in temporary storage?
A statutory time limit applies, generally up to 90 days. Operational depot terms and charges may be much shorter.
Can goods move between facilities?
Only using the appropriate approved arrangements and records. The movement must not break customs control.
Can you arrange delivery after clearance?
Yes, we may be able to coordinate onward haulage through trusted partners.
Have goods held in an ETSF?
Send Cartwright CS the arrival notice and shipment documents so we can identify the quickest compliant route to release.