Single window valuation system cargo tracking

7.5 Transfer of Goods to a Government Customs 
Warehouse
Goods stored in a customs warehouse can be transferred to a 
Government customs warehouse under certain condition. In 
particular, the following will be transferred:
• Goods which are not removed from the warehouse within the 
specified time limits; and
• Goods contravening customs law.
Goods not removed within this time limit will be transferred to 
a Government customs warehouse. The operator of temporary 
customs storage takes the responsibility of such goods. He/she shall 
transfer the goods to:
• A Government customs warehouse; or
• any other storage place designated by ERCA (this will be 
considered as a Government customs warehouse with respect 
to such goods).
Where the operator fails to transfer the goods to the above 
destinations, ERCA may:
• Itself transfer the goods at the cost of the warehouse operator; 
or
• Decide that the goods remain in the warehouse or business 
premises dependent on certain conditions set by ERCA (the 
warehouse shall then be deemed to be a Government customs 
warehouse with respect to such goods).
Goods contravening customs law may also be transferred by ERCA 
to government customs warehouses; or be kept at the business 
premises where they are stored (this shall then be deemed to be 
a Government customs warehouse with respect to such goods). 
The documents required for putting such goods in a Government 
customs warehouse are:
48

---

ETHIOPIAN CUSTOMS GUIDE -
MARCH 2017
62
49 Model 270 is a document issued by customs stations or control posts to persons who pos- 
sessed illegal goods that were seized or forfeited. A copy of this document has to be present-
ed with the good to be stored in government warehouse.
50 Customs Procedures Manual, 2013, Chapter Three. 
51 Customs Procedures Manual, 2012.
• The forfeiture decision or the transfer order to the Government 
customs warehouse;
• A document indicating that the seized goods are contraband 
items (if they are contraband goods); or
• A duly completed Model 270
49
by customs stations for goods 
seized or forfeited due to contravention of customs law.
50
If the owner of goods transferred to the Government customs 
warehouse pays the taxes and duties and other costs before their 
disposal, he/she has the right to take the goods within seven (7) 
working days from the date of such payment. The documents 
needed for the release of the goods from the Government customs 
warehouse are:
51
• For goods sold or released by court order, a document 
prepared by the relevant official;
• For goods for which customs procedures were completed after 
transfer to the Government warehouse, a goods release upon 
approval of the completion of customs procedure;
• Proof of payment of the customs warehouse fee; and
• Decision of a higher official to release the good upon 
completion of the customs procedure.