Public Stores

Summary of Public Stores

Generally, a warehouse or other facility operated by the Federal government for the storage of contraband, seized merchandise, or goods not released from Federal custody. Under the customs regulations, these storage facilities are operated by government personnel for merchandise not released from customs control pending clearance. Goods not entered through customs within five days of arrival in the customs territory may be placed in the public stores (or a general order warehouse) at the discretion of the customs authorities. Goods placed in such status are held at the risk and expense of their owner. A general order warehouse, unlike a public stores facility, is a privately owned and operated warehouse acting under license from the Customs Service.

PUPS. Synonymous with Doubles (read this and related legal terms for further details).

(Main Author: William J. Miller)