Bonded

Bonded refers to a trade system approved by customs where imported goods, before tax payment procedures are completed, are stored, processed, assembled, displayed, etc., in specific domestic locations (such as bonded warehouses, bonded zones, bonded factories), with import tariffs and import-related taxes deferred. Its core is 'deferred tax payment, customs supervision.' Use cases include: transit trade, international procurement, distribution and delivery, processing trade, cross-border e-commerce bonded stocking, etc. Notes: Goods under bonded status may not circulate freely and are subject to customs inspection; if sold domestically, taxes and deferred tax interest must be paid. Different bonded models (such as bonded warehouses, bonded logistics parks) have different supervision requirements. Difference from 'tax exemption': tax exemption is a permanent exemption from tax liability, while bonded is temporary deferral, which may ultimately be taxed or re-exported; difference from 'tax refund': tax refund is the return of taxes already paid, while bonded means taxes have not yet been paid. Foreign trade practitioners need to distinguish accurately to avoid violations.