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The log · Service & process guides · 24 May 2026 · By Sherif Awad, Owner, GeoMarineHub
Bonded Stores on Ships: Duty-Free Supply, Rules & Customs Explained
Bonded stores let ships buy tobacco, alcohol and consumables duty-free — but only under strict customs control. Here is how bonded supply works, what is allowed, and how to stay compliant.
Bonded Stores on Ships: Duty-Free Supply, Rules & Customs Explained
Bonded stores let ships buy tobacco, alcohol and consumablesduty-free — but only under strict customs control. Here ishow bonded supply works, what is allowed, and how to staycompliant.
Geomarine Marine Team
Among the cartons of provisions and spares that come aboard, a special category is handled differently from everything else: bonded stores. These are the duty-free goods — tobacco, alcohol, and certain consumables — that ships may carry for crew use without paying local import duties. The savings are real, but so are the rules. Mishandling bonded stores is one of the easier ways to attract a customs penalty.
What "Bonded" Actually Means
"Bonded" refers to goods held under customs control on which duty and tax have not yet been paid. Because a ship engaged in international trade is, in customs terms, leaving the country, it can take certain goods aboard duty-free — they are treated as exports. The goods move from a bonded warehouse directly to the vessel under customs supervision, sealed and documented.
What Counts as Bonded Stores
—Tobacco products — cigarettes, cigars, rolling tobacco.
—Alcoholic beverages — spirits, wine, beer for the slop chest / crew bar.
—Certain consumables — some perfumery, confectionery and similar goods, depending on the jurisdiction.
Quantities are not unlimited. Customs authorities set reasonable allowances based on crew size and voyage length to prevent bonded stores being diverted into the local market.
How the Process Works
—The vessel (or its agent) orders bonded items from a licensed bonded supplier.
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