Companies holding an authorisation to operate a Temporary Storage Facility (Installation de Stockage Temporaire (IST) in French) in France must submit a new application through the European TP-CDS portal by 30 November 2026. This requirement applies to existing authorisations issued through SOPRANO-DT, as they will not be transferred automatically.
Since June 2026, applications for Temporary Storage Facility authorisations have been handled through the European TP-CDS system as part of the modernisation and europeanisation of French customs procedures.
What is a Temporary Storage Facility?
A Temporary Storage Facility is a location authorised by customs authorities to hold non-Union goods after they have been presented to Customs.
The goods are stored there pending their placement under a customs procedure, re-export or, where applicable, destruction.
Temporary storage is generally limited to 90 days. During this period, the goods remain subject to the applicable customs requirements, including those relating to duties, taxes and trade policy measures.
Operating a Temporary Storage Facility involves several obligations, including:
- obtaining customs authorisation;
- maintaining appropriate records to ensure the traceability of goods;
- providing a customs guarantee, unless an exemption or reduction applies.
TP-CDS: what changes for customs authorisations?
The European Customs Decisions System (CDS) enables customs authorities to manage decisions and authorisations provided for under the Union Customs Code.
The Trader Portal – Customs Decisions System (TP-CDS) allows economic operators to submit authorisation applications and monitor their progress.
The introduction of this system aims to harmonise the management of customs authorisations across the European Union. However, for companies in France that already hold a Temporary Storage Facility authorisation issued through SOPRANO-DT, this change requires a new administrative application.
Important: existing authorisations will not be transferred automatically. Operators concerned must submit a new application through TP-CDS by the specified deadline.
What steps must be taken before 30 November 2026?
The steps required depend on the operator’s individual circumstances.
| Situation | Required action |
|---|---|
| Applying for a Temporary Storage Facility authorisation for the first time | Submit the application through the TP-CDS portal. |
| Existing Temporary Storage Facility authorisation issued through SOPRANO-DT | Submit a new application through TP-CDS by 30 November 2026. |
| Current Temporary Storage Facility authorisation | Check that the French EORI number (in French) linked to the company’s SIREN number is valid and prepare the information required for the application. |
| Authorisation relating to an LADT (Approved Location for Temporary Storage of Goods – Lieu Agréé aux fins du Dépôt Temporaire in French) | No transfer is currently planned under this measure; the existing SOPRANO process remains applicable at this stage. |
To prepare their applications, the companies concerned should:
- Identify all Temporary Storage Facility authorisations currently held in SOPRANO-DT.
- Check that their French EORI number is valid.
- Gather the information and supporting documents required for the new application.
- Submit the application through TP-CDS before 30 November 2026.
Companies should also check the applicable requirements with the French customs authorities to ensure that their applications meet the current rules.
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Why should companies prepare for the change in advance?
The 30 November 2026 deadline is approaching. Leaving the process until the last minute could make it more difficult to prepare the application and monitor its progress.
Preparing in advance helps companies to:
- identify the authorisations affected by the transition;
- identify any missing information;
- verify the validity of their company identification details;
- prepare their application for submission through the European portal;
- reduce the risk of administrative difficulties during the transition.
Companies operating a Temporary Storage Facility in France should therefore begin the necessary checks as soon as possible to prepare for this regulatory change.
Stay Compliant with French Customs Requirements
Find out what the transition to TP-CDS means for your Temporary Storage Facility and identify the steps you need to take.
ASD Group Customs Editorial Team
Experts in customs regulations, compliance, and international trade
The ASD Group customs team is a collective of specialized experts. They create and manage blog articles and news updates across our sites, focusing on customs operations, import/export procedures, compliance, and regulatory changes. With a clear and educational approach, the team makes complex customs and trade subjects easily understandable and relevant for businesses.
Sources :
- https://www.douane.gouv.fr/fiche/les-autorisations-douanieres-dans-cds (in French)
- https://www.douane.gouv.fr/service-en-ligne/systeme-de-decisions-douanieres-tp-cds (in French)
- https://www.edouane.com/dgddi-nao-n-2600090-bascule-des-autorisations-dexploitation-dist-a-leori-siren-outil-europeen-cds/ (in French)
