CASE STUDY: STORING USED CONTAINER GANTRY CRANES IN A BONDED WAREHOUSE FOR RE-EXPORT

However, due to the specialized nature of this type of cargo, many businesses encounter difficulties in determining applicable trade policies, customs documentation requirements, and practical implementation plans at ports and bonded warehouses.

In this article, THT Cargo Logistics shares practical insights through a case study involving the placement of used container gantry cranes into a bonded warehouse pending re-export.

1. The Business Challenge

For shipments involving used project machinery, especially oversized and overweight equipment, businesses typically need to address three key requirements simultaneously:

This is why shipments of this nature require not only a team with strong customs expertise but also a logistics provider with practical experience in handling project cargo operations.

2. Legal Basis for Goods Stored in Bonded Warehouses for Re-Export

According to Official Dispatch No. 14808/CHQ-GSQL issued by the Customs Department regarding customs procedures for used container gantry cranes placed in bonded warehouses, goods imported from abroad and stored in bonded warehouses pending export to a third country are subject to regulations governing goods stored in bonded warehouses.

This Official Dispatch was issued by the Customs Department on April 3, 2026, according to information published on the Vietnam Customs Portal.

Regarding foreign trade management policies, Clause 2, Article 57 of the Law on Foreign Trade Management, as referenced in Official Dispatch No. 14808/CHQ-GSQL, provides that foreign trade management measures are generally not applied to goods moved from overseas into separate customs areas, except for measures such as import prohibitions, temporary import suspensions, or quarantine requirements.

The Official Dispatch also refers to Point c, Clause 2, Article 85 of Decree No. 08/2015/ND-CP, as amended and supplemented by Decree No. 167/2025/ND-CP, which allows goods from overseas to be brought into bonded warehouses while awaiting export to a third country.

Therefore, these goods may be placed in a bonded warehouse for temporary storage and subsequently exported in their original condition to a third country, provided they are not intended for importation into the Vietnamese domestic market.

Regarding customs procedures, the Official Dispatch instructs that implementation shall follow Clause 1, Article 91 of Circular No. 38/2015/TT-BTC, as amended and supplemented by Circular No. 39/2018/TT-BTC and Circular No. 121/2025/TT-BTC.

3. Important Considerations During Implementation

For used container gantry cranes, both documentation preparation and on-site operations should be carefully planned from the very beginning. Key considerations include:

4. THT Cargo Logistics’ Practical Project Execution Capabilities

With extensive experience in handling project machinery cargo, THT Cargo Logistics provides end-to-end logistics solutions for shipments requiring high standards of compliance, scheduling, and operational safety.

The categories of cargo that THT has experience handling include:

For container gantry crane shipments, THT not only supports businesses with documentation preparation and customs declarations but also participates from the earliest planning stages, including site surveys, transportation planning, lifting equipment arrangements, on-site supervision, bonded warehouse coordination, and re-export schedule monitoring.

5. Recommended Implementation Process

To ensure that shipments are handled in compliance with regulations and delivered according to schedule, THT Cargo Logistics follows a coordinated multi-department implementation process.

Step 1: Collect Shipment Information

THT gathers detailed information regarding the equipment, cargo condition, dimensions, weight, port of arrival, intended bonded warehouse location, destination country for subsequent export, and the customer’s timeline requirements.

Step 2: Review Regulatory Requirements and Customs Solutions

Our documentation and customs specialists review commodity policies, the intended bonded warehouse purpose, required supporting documents, and any issues that should be clarified before the cargo arrives in Vietnam.

Step 3: Assess the Logistics Plan

THT coordinates with all relevant parties to evaluate transportation methods, lifting equipment, warehouse receiving conditions, storage locations, and operational safety requirements.

Step 4: Complete Procedures for Moving Cargo into the Bonded Warehouse

THT assists customers in preparing the required documentation and coordinates with both the bonded warehouse operator and customs authorities to complete all procedures in accordance with applicable regulations.

Step 5: Monitor Storage and Cargo Preservation

While the cargo remains in the bonded warehouse, THT works closely with all parties to monitor cargo conditions, storage requirements, movement plans, and any additional requests from cargo owners or overseas partners.

Step 6: Arrange Re-Export to a Third Country

Once the next export plan is confirmed, THT supports document preparation, transportation coordination, lifting operations, cargo handling, and completion of all required procedures to ensure the goods are re-exported in their original condition according to schedule.

6. Real Project Machinery Handling Video at THT

To provide businesses with a more practical perspective on project cargo operations, THT Cargo Logistics regularly documents actual handling activities at ports, warehouses, and project sites.

Businesses may embed actual project cargo handling videos here, including activities such as cargo receiving, lifting operations, transportation, warehousing, and safety supervision.

7. Conclusion

Placing used container gantry cranes into a bonded warehouse for re-export is a specialized operation that requires a close combination of regulatory knowledge, customs expertise, and practical field execution capabilities.

For high-value shipments with large dimensions and strict scheduling requirements, selecting the right logistics partner plays a critical role in minimizing risks, controlling costs, and ensuring cargo is handled safely and efficiently.

THT Cargo Logistics is ready to accompany businesses in machinery and equipment projects, oversized and heavy-lift cargo operations, and bonded warehouse storage solutions for re-export.