Companies that operate as general warehouses in Brazil, responsible for the storage and conservation of third-party goods, play a crucial role in the logistics chain. To ensure the transparency and integrity of their activities, these establishments are subject to a strict set of rules and regulations. This article aims to demystify one of the most important obligations: accountability through financial statements. Understanding this requirement is essential for those seeking security and reliability in managing their assets.

The activities of general warehouses are determined by centuries-old legislation, Decree No. 1,102, dated November 21, 1903, which established the initial guidelines for the sector. More recently, Normative Instruction No. 52, dated July 29, 2022, issued by the Department of Business Registration and Integration (DREI), updated and reinforced these procedures, detailing the information that must be reported.

These regulations exist for one primary purpose: ensure that, when entrusting your goods to a general warehouse, you can be sure that they are under the care of a transparent and monitored institution, which strictly complies with market standards.

One of the most important responsibilities of companies that operate general warehouses is the obligation to periodically register their financial statements. Article 13 of Decree No. 1,102 already provided for this requirement, which is embodied in the presentation of quarterly balance sheets and a detailed annual balance sheet.

• Quarterly Balance Sheets: These are concise reports that provide an overview of the movement and status of the general warehouse every three months. They systematically detail the entries and exits of goods, as well as the physical stock existing at the end of each period. This periodic view allows continuous monitoring of the warehouse’s operational dynamics.
• Detailed Annual Balance Sheet: This document is more comprehensive and retrospective. It consolidates all operations and services performed by the general warehouse and its eventual public sales rooms during the previous calendar year. Additionally, it must be accompanied by a detailed report, where the company can present its considerations on the annual performance, justifying significant variations, detailing investments made or any other aspects relevant to a complete understanding of the exercise.

The requirement to regularly present balance sheets lies in the need for effective supervision and control of the activities of general warehouses by the Board of Commerce. By requiring the periodic disclosure of financial and operational information, regulatory authorities primarily aim to ensure the transparency of operations and compliance with established legal standards. This requirement contributes to the legal security of transactions involving deposited goods and to the protection of the interests of all those involved.

It is essential that general warehouses are aware of delivery times:

• Quarterly balance sheets: Submission must occur by the 15th of April, July, October and January of each year.
• Detailed annual balance sheet: For the previous year, it must be submitted by March 15th.

Failure to comply with these deadlines for submitting balance sheets, whether quarterly or annual, may result in the application of fines, aiming to ensure the effectiveness of the regulation and the importance of accounting for maintaining the regularity of the general warehouses activities.

Understanding the complexity of the general warehouse universe and its regulatory obligations is essential to ensuring the safety and efficiency of your supply chain. Our company is dedicated to demystifying these topics, offering clear and objective information. If you are looking for partners who demonstrate full compliance and transparency in the storage of your goods, or need clarification on the importance of choosing a regulated general warehouse, our team of experts is at your disposal. We are ready to help you find the safest and most suitable solutions for your needs.