Products Suitable for the bonded Warehouse
Frequently Asked Questions About the Bonded Warehouse
Which precious metals are suitable for storage in a duty-free warehouse?
When is VAT on silver due in the bonded warehouse?
Why do precious metals have to come from abroad?
A bonded warehouse is used to store goods that have not yet been cleared through customs or paid taxes on. Therefore, only precious metals that are imported directly from abroad into the Swiss bonded warehouse can be stored there. Precious metals already located in Switzerland or products from Swiss manufacturers such as Argor-Heraeus or Valcambi do not meet this requirement.
Can I store precious metals I already own in a duty-free warehouse?
No. Pre-existing precious metals generally cannot be placed in a bonded warehouse because they have already been imported into Switzerland and cleared through customs—or, in other words, the value-added tax has already been paid. Storage in a bonded warehouse is only possible for precious metals that are imported directly from abroad into the bonded warehouse. For pre-existing precious metals, we would be happy to advise you on a suitable safe-deposit box solution.
Who Can Benefit from a Duty-Free Warehouse?
A duty-free warehouse is particularly well-suited for investors who wish to invest in silver, platinum, or palladium for the long term. Since Swiss value-added tax is not due until the time of delivery, the entire invested capital remains tied up in the precious metal for the time being. This can increase capital efficiency and offer a tax advantage, especially for larger silver investments.
How does buying and selling precious metals in a bonded warehouse work?
Buying and selling precious metals in a bonded warehouse is a straightforward process through Geiger Edelmetalle. You can place your buy or sell orders by phone or email. Before executing your order, our staff will discuss the current precious metal price with you to ensure your order is executed at a binding, agreed-upon price.
Can I sell my precious metals from the duty-free warehouse at any time?
Yes. You can sell your precious metals at any time through Geiger Edelmetalle. If the sale takes place directly from the duty-free warehouse, the precious metal remains stored there and does not need to be shipped. The sale is made at the current market price and, as a rule, is not subject to Swiss value-added tax.
Do I have to file my own VAT return when selling silver from the duty-free warehouse?
No. When you sell your silver directly from the duty-free warehouse, Geiger Edelmetalle handles all VAT-related procedures for you. You don’t have to worry about tax formalities or administrative processes.
Can I have my precious metals delivered from the bonded warehouse at any time?
Yes. You can have your precious metals delivered from the bonded warehouse at any time. However, once they are released for free circulation in Switzerland, the statutory import duties and Swiss value-added tax become due.
Are my precious metals stored separately in the bonded warehouse?
No. The precious metals are stored in the bonded warehouse as part of a professional collective custody arrangement. Your ownership remains clearly assigned to your account at all times and is fully documented. This ensures that you can always track which inventory belongs to you.
Is my precious metal insured in the bonded warehouse?
Yes. Your precious metals are kept safe while in storage in the bonded warehouse. We would be happy to discuss the exact scope of insurance coverage and the applicable storage conditions with you in a personal consultation.
Can I personally inspect or access my precious metals in the duty-free warehouse?
No. The duty-free warehouse is a highly secure storage facility to which private individuals do not have direct access. Your precious metals are professionally stored and remain assigned to your account at all times. However, for security and customs reasons, personal access to the warehouse is not permitted.
Do you have any questions about the Swiss Bonded Warehouse?
Our team will be happy to advise you personally on storing your precious metals, the process, or the application.