commerce
Bonded warehouse
Defined in law
A warehouse approved by the tax authority for storage of goods on which duty is suspended; in the UK, an excise warehouse approved under the Customs and Excise Management Act 1979.
Where it is defined
Customs and Excise Management Act 1979, s.92; referenced in Scotch Whisky Regulations 2009 (SI 2009/2890), reg. 3(1)(f) and reg. 4
Worth knowing
Scotch must be matured in an excise warehouse or a 'permitted place', so maturation location is not merely a tax matter but part of the legal definition of the product.
Related terms
Last reviewed 2026-07-30 · All glossary terms