Country index
Africa
🇲🇦 International Moving to Morocco
InUsed Household Goods and Personal Effects
Documents Required
- Copy of passport showing entry permit
- Packing list
- Certificate of change of residence (returning citizens; certificate must be stamped by the Moroccan Consulate in the country of departure)
- Original rated bill of lading (OBL) / express release / air waybill (AWB)
Detailed inventory in French dated, valued, and signed by the owner of the goods - Invoices for electrical, hi-fi appliances and items bought less than 6 months prior to import
- Resident permit / work permit / letter of employment
- Salary advice for the last 2 years (returning citizens)
- Exemption certificate, if applicable (returning citizens)
Motor Vehicles
Documents Required
- Copy of passport
- Original registration card
- OBL / AWB
Pets
Documents Required
- Vaccination record
- Veterinary health certificate
- Authorization from the Ministry of Health (birds)
Restricted/Dutiable Items
- Firearms and ammunition (only smooth barreled hunting weapons are permitted but retained by Customs until a firearm and hunting permit is obtained).
- For this reason, firearms and ammunition must be easily identifiable and placed near the doors of the container.
Prohibited Items
- Phones, answering machines, and fax machines
- Unlawful drugs
Please see our International Moving to Morocco page for more information.
🇿🇦 International Moving to South Africa
Used Household Goods and Personal Effects
Documents Required
- Original passport (including page with entry stamp)
- Original bill of lading (OBL) / express or telex release / (copy of) air waybill (AWB)
- Detailed inventory
- Permanent residence documents / temporary residence permit / work permit
- Affidavit (returning citizens only)
- Customs form DA 304 and P.1.160
- Diplomatic clearance (diplomats)
- Certificate from Embassy signed by South African Department of Foreign Affairs (diplomats)
Motor Vehicles
Documents Required
- Customs form DA 304/A (only needed for automobiles / motorcycles)
- Vehicle registration (only needed for automobiles / motorcycles)
- Original bill of lading (OBL) / express or telex release / (copy of) air waybill (AWB) (only needed for automobiles / motorcycles)
- Document showing that vehicle has been in the owner of the goods’ use and possessions abroad for more than 12 months prior to the importation of the vehicle (e.g., original purchase invoice, insurance certificate, etc.).
- Valuation certificate (3 copies)
- Import permit
- Letter of authority (LOA) issued by the South African Bureau of Standards (SABS) in Pretoria (must be submitted at the time of clearance)
Pets
Documents Required
- Rabies vaccination certificate
- Veterinary health certificate
- Import permit
Inheritances
Documents Required
- Copy of death certificate
- Copy of will of deceased or certified relevant extract, or copy of Probate from the court if the deceased died intestate; English translation required.
- Inventory with lawyer’s declaration that the imported goods are the legatee’s rightful share of the estate
- South Africa Bureau of Standards Letter of Authority in Pretoria (not applicable for second-hand household effects unless motorized vehicles)
- Import permit (not applicable for second-hand household effects unless motorized vehicles)
- Declaration from the Legatee confirming permanent residency in South Africa and the right to share of the estate
Wedding Trousseau / Gifts
Documents Required
- Invoice
- Import permit (if requested by Customs – applies to second-hand goods)
Restricted/Dutiable Items
- Local currency of over $10,000; gold coins, coin and stamp collections and unprocessed gold must be declared.
- Endangered species of plants or wildlife, alive or dead, including parts and articles made from them (require CITES permit)
- Animal and animal byproducts
- Medicines for personal use (note from physician and prescription required)
- Cigarettes (200), cigars (20), tobacco (250g)
- Perfume (50 ml)
- Eau de toilette (250ml)
- Goods for personal use
- Wine / liquor / alcohol
- Import permit and liquor removal certificate required.
- If less than 15 L a liquor removal certificate is not required however, duties and taxes will be applicable.
- A wine list is required and must be loaded last in the shipment.
- Customs exam will be applicable.
- Items subject to payment of duties.
- Documentation requirements must be met prior to the arrival of the shipment.
- Dangerous goods / firearms
- Import permit and South African Police Firearm Registrar Certificate SAP 312 are required.
- Firearms must be hand carried by the owner of the goods.
- Shipment cannot be cleared if the firearms are included in the sea / air shipments
- Items are subject to the payment of duties.
Prohibited Items
- Narcotics
- Illegal drugs
- Plants and vegetable products
- Pornographic books and magazines
- Walkie-talkies and radios (may include other prohibited communication devices)
- Animal products (certain feathers, furs, skins, tusks, or animals identified under protected specifies regulations)
Please see our International Moving to South Africa page for more information.
🇰🇪 International Moving to Kenya
ation.Used Household Goods and Personal Effects
Documents Required
- Original passport (for returning residents, a passport used for the last 2 years)
- Original bill of lading (OBL) / air waybill (AWB)
- Original work permit
- Detailed packing list
- Valued and detailed inventory
- Form C-18 declaration, signed by owner of the goods (baggage claim form)
- Personal identification number / taxpayer registration certificate
- PRO-1B (diplomats)
- PRO-1A, if applicable (diplomats)
Motor Vehicles
Documents Required
- Original passport
- Original work permit
- Import declaration form (IDF)
- Certificate of conformity (COC)
- Personal identification number (PIN) certificate
- Original certificate of registration / logbook of the vehicle in English
Pets
Documents Required
- Vaccination record (must include rabies certificate)
- Veterinary health certificate
- Original owner of the goods / owner of the goods’ passport
- Import permit
Restricted/Dutiable Items
- Weapons, including firearms (firearm certificate issued by the Kenyan Firearms Office is required)
- Wild flora and fauna (plant import permit is required)
- Birds and their products (sanitary import permit issued by the Director of Veterinary Services is required for the import of birds from countries affected by bird flu)
- The following items may qualify for free import with the limits indicated by persons 16 years and older:
- Cigarettes (200), cigars (50)
- Tobacco (1/2 pound)
- Alcoholic beverages (1 bottle)
- Perfume (1 pint)
Prohibited Items
- Game trophies
- Drugs
- Fruit
- Explosives
- Counterfeit currency
- Gambling machines
- Pornographic or obscene literature (books, articles, videos, etc.)
- Animal traps
- Imitation firearms
- Alcohol and other spirits
- Precious metals and stones
Please see our International Moving to Kenya page for more information.
Central America
🇨🇷 International Moving to Costa Rica
Used Household Goods and Personal Effects
Documents Required
- Copy of passport
- Rated original bill of lading (OBL) / airway bill (AWB)
- Packing list in English or Spanish
Motor Vehicles
Documents Required
- Original title
- Original purchase invoice
- OBL
Pets
Documents Required
- Rabies vaccination record
- Veterinary health certificate (2 copies)
- International certificate (APHIS Form 7001) is recommended
- Authorization from the Costa Rican Health Ministry obtained at origin from the Consulate / Embassy
Restricted/Dutiable Items
The following items are subject to taxes:
- Arms and ammunition (a permit from the Ministry of National Security is required for returning citizens or residents)
- Dangerous objects (a permit from the Ministry of National Security is required for returning citizens and residents)
- Plants (a phytosanitary certificate and permit from the Ministry of Agriculture are required prior to import)
- New household goods / new furniture (an original invoice or a statement under oath of the value of the item is required)
- Household / electrical appliances (the brand, serial number, and model must be listed on the packing list)
- Wedding trousseaux, inheritances, gifts and souvenirs
- Carpets
- Antiques and works of art
- Furniture (wooden items / ornaments require a permit from the Ministry of Agriculture)
- Precious metal objects, such as jewelry, coins, etc. (purchase receipts / invoices are required)
- Non-motorized vehicles, such as bicycles, watercraft, etc. (duties depend on value, year, model, cubic centimeters, and features)
- Wine and alcohol (permits from the Ministry of Health /Ministry of Economy are required)
- Tins and food (a permit from the Ministry of Health are required) (3 copies)
Prohibited Items
- Narcotics, drugs and medicines (permits from the College of Pharmacy and Ministry of Health are required)
- Pornographic and subversive materials
- Explosives
Please see our International Moving to Costa Rica page for more information.
🇵🇦 International Moving to Panama
Used Household Goods and Personal Effects
Documents Required
- Rated bill of lading (OBL) / express release / air waybill (AWB)
- Copy of passport (diplomatic passport required for diplomats)
- Copy of detailed inventory
- Original packing list
- Contact information and delivery instructions for billing
- Commercial invoice in Spanish for antiques, artifacts, carpets or art
- Copy of Panamanian Cedula (returning citizens)
- Copy of documents proving that the owner of the goods has lived abroad for at least 2 years (returning citizens)
- Original letter of employment addressed to Panamanian Customs (working visa)
- Original letter from bank in Panama where owner of the goods holds accounts with six figures addressed to Panamanian Customs (self-solvency visa)
- Copy of Carnet from immigration / original letter from Panamanian attorney addressed to Panamanian Customs, stating that the owner of the goods’ visa is in process (working / reforestation / self-solvency visa)
- Copy of approved visa resolution form (pensionado / jubilado visa)
- Original retirement letter from the previous working entity or the Government, stamped by Panamanian Consulate at origin (pensionado / jubilado visa)
- Copy of pensionado carnet / original letter from attorney in Panama addressed to Panamanian Customs, stating that owner of the goods’ visa is in process (pensionado / jubilado visa)
- Copy of certificate of incorporation of the Panamanian Company (investor visa)
- Copy of the social agreement / pacto social (investor visa)
- Copy of investor carnet / original letter from attorney in Panama addressed to Panamanian Customs, stating that the owner of the goods’ visa is in process (investor visa)
- Original letter from employer in Panama to Customs requesting the free entry of household goods and personal effects (diplomats)
- Original letter from the Embassy in Panama addressed to Direccion General de Aduanas requesting the liberation of shipment with previous permit (diplomats)
- Original letter from Foreign Relation Ministry addressed to Autoridad Nacional de Aduana (diplomats)
Motor Vehicles
Documents Required
- Passport copy
- Certificate of ownership
- Original certificate of title
- Motor / engine and VIN number
- Original bill of lading / express release (with costs shown)
- Original commercial invoice from the dealership where purchased
- Original retirement letter (pensionado / jubilado visa holders)
Pets
Documents Required
- Vaccination certificate / carnet
- Veterinary health certificate
- Domiciliary quarantine
Restricted/Dutiable Items
- Cars
- Motorcycles
- Boats
- Items not considered a part of the household goods shipment
Prohibited Items
- Narcotics
- Drugs
- Food items
- Beverages / Alcohol
- Live plants
- New electronics
- Straw or hay packing in lift-vans
- Weapons, firearms, and ammunition
- Right-hand drive vehicles
Please see our International Moving to Panama page for more information.
North America
🇧🇲 International Moving to Bermuda
Used Household Goods and Personal Effects
Documents Required
- Work permit (non-Bermudian)
- Transfer of residence allowance (TRA)
- Customs traveler declaration form 98 (CTD)
- CAPS registration
- Cash valuation sheet
Motor Vehicles
Documents Required
- Transport Control Department (TCD)
- Bill of sale
- Certificate of title
- Overseas vehicle registration
- Owner’s manual
Pets
Documents Required
- Vaccination record
- Veterinary health certificate
- Import permit issued by the Bermuda Department of Environmental Protection
Restricted/Dutiable Items
- Cigarettes (200), cigars (50), tobacco (0.5 kg)
- Spirits and wine (1 L each); amounts above 1 L are charged duties of 25% of the value
Prohibited Items
- Weapons and ammunition
- Illegal drugs
- Pornographic materials
- Counterfeit items
Please see our International Moving to Bermuda page for more information.
🇨🇦 International Moving to Canada
Used Household Goods and Personal Effects
Documents Required
- Copy of passport (photo page only)
- Proof of residency abroad for at least 12 months (bank statements, utilities, rent receipts, income tax statement, etc. for first and last month of 12-month period) (returning citizens)
- Detailed inventory / packing list in English or French
- Owner of goods should be prepared to provide a valued inventory if requested.
- Receipts for new items
- Personal effects accounting document (form BSF186 formerly known as form B4)
- Original bill of lading (OBL) / air waybill (AWB)
- Liquor permit, if applicable
- Immigration papers, if applicable
- Work permit / student visa holders, if applicable
- Proof of residence in Canada (copy of deed / sales agreement / lease agreement) (seasonal residents)
- Copy of death certificate (import of inheritance items)
- Copy of will or letter from the executor of an estate (import of inheritance items)
- Obligation for privilege from the Canadian Ministry of External Affairs (diplomats)
Motor Vehicles
Documents Required
- Copy of passport (photo page only)
- Original proof of ownership (can be sent with the vehicle)
- OBL
- Previous registration
- Proof of insurance
- Must pass Canadian safety and pollution standards test
Pets
Documents Required
- Vaccination record
- Veterinary health certificate
Antiques, Artifacts, Carpets, Paintings
- No documents are required if the items are part of the household effects shipment.
- Proof of age will be required if item is over 100 years old.
- The items are permitted duty-free entry if the following conditions are met:
- The works of art are part of a bona fide household removal.
- The works of art are not for sale or other disposal.
- Antiques and works or art imported into Canada for resale, are subject to different regulations.
Wedding Trousseau / Gifts
- Wedding “trousseau” means goods acquired for use in the household of a newly married couple, but does not include vehicles, vessels or aircraft; wedding “gifts” means goods of a non-commercial nature received by a person as personal gifts in consideration of that person’s recent marriage or the anticipated marriage of that person within three months of the person’s return to Canada.
- Wedding trousseau and gifts may be imported duty and tax free providing:
- A bride’s trousseau / gifts owned by, in the possession of, and imported by a recently married person or a bride-to-be whose anticipated marriage is to take place within 3 months of the date of her return to Canada or has taken place no more than 3 months prior to arrival in Canada.
Restricted/Dutiable Items
- Alcohol (a detailed list including type, size, and quantity is required and an import permit must be obtained prior to importation; duties and taxes apply)
- Import permit must be obtained from the Provincial Liquor Control Board.
- Do not ship wine between October 1 and March 31 to avoid the possibility of freezing.
- Tobacco products are subject to duties and taxes.
- Foodstuffs can cause extensive delays / additional charges (importation is discouraged)
- Meat (authorization is required; importation is discouraged)
- Pornographic materials
- New items (a bill of sale may be required by Customs)
- Hunting trophies (restrictions apply, especially for endangered species; a CITES Certificate may be required; check with agent before shipping).
- Firearms (strict regulations apply; check with agent for details)
- Any one item valued at $10,000 or over is subject to duties and taxes.
Prohibited Items
- Live plants
- Narcotics, drugs, incitements
- Fruits and vegetables
- Live ammunition and explosives
Please see our International Moving to Canada page for more information.
🇲🇽 International Moving to Mexico
Used Household Goods and Personal Effects
Documents Required
- Copy of passport
- Letter to Customs
- Contact details
- Declaration of value
- Original legalized inventory in Spanish (Mexican citizens / permanent resident visa holders)
- Express bill of lading (SWB) / air waybill (AWB)
- Proof of ownership, if applicable (for antiques and artifacts)
- Permanent resident visa, if applicable (returning citizens)
- Temporary resident visa, if applicable
Copy of RFC / CURP number (returning citizens) - Copy of INE/IFE card (both sides)
- Full inventory list (returning citizens / temporary resident visa holders)
- List of electronics (returning citizens / permanent resident visa holders / temporary resident visa holders)
- Letter of guarantee from employer ( temporary resident visa holders)
- Solidarity and compromise Letter (temporary resident)
- Import permit (diplomats)
- Diplomatic franchise from the General Customs Authority (diplomats)
Diplomatic carnet (diplomats)
Motor Vehicles
Documents Required
- Copy of original temporary resident visa / card
- Purchase invoice
- Vehicle title
- Express bill of lading
- Copy of driver’s license
- Owner of the goods’ personal identification
- Letter of authorization
- Diplomatic franchise from Embassy (diplomats)
Pets
Documents Required
- Veterinary health certificate
- Vaccination record
- Sanitary original bill of lading
- Copy of the owner of the goods’ passport
Restricted/Dutiable Items
- Toilet paper
- Diapers
- Tissue paper
- Blank white paper
Prohibited Items
- Beverages including but not limited to wine, beer, spirits, etc.
- Food items including but not limited to spices, tinned products, canned goods, etc.
- Medicine or drugs
- Weapons and ammunition
- Detergents, soaps or similar objects
- Collectable items such as pens, coins, etc.
- Blank CDs, DVDs or tapes
- Large quantities of similar objects because they could be considered items for sale in Mexico
- Pornographic items
- Cars, boats, and/or motorcycles (unless the client is a diplomat)
Please see our International Movers to Mexico page for more information.
🇺🇸 International Moving to the United States
Used Household Goods and Personal Effects
Documents Required
- Copy of Passport (some ports require passports for all family members listed on the 3299)
- Form CF-3299 – declaration for free entry of unaccompanied articles (if applicable)
- Copy of visa (if non-US citizen / permanent resident) / copy of permanent resident card
- I-94 stamp / card
- A-1 visa (diplomats)
- Form DS-1504 (diplomats)
- CBP form 7501 – Customs entry summary
- Form CF-6059B – Customs declaration
- Detailed inventory in English
- Importers Security Filing (ISF)
- Food questionnaire
- Permit C – household goods permit (if importing alcohol) (Hawaii)
- Supplemental declaration (required by most ports) (Hawaii)
Motor Vehicles
Documents Required
- Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) form EPA-3520-21 (if applicable)
- OBL (foreign purchased vehicles)
- Bill of sale / pro-forma invoice with statement of value (foreign purchased vehicles)
- Title of ownership translated into English (foreign purchased vehicles)
- Department of Transportation (DOT) form HS-7
- Proof of conformity by either:
- U.S. title / registration
- Letter of conformity from the manufacturer
- Foreign military sales contract that indicates vehicle meets USA-EPA / DOT regulations
- Exemption as a model 25-year old vehicle as proven by the title
- Copy of U.S. title or registration when previously registered in the USA (vehicles previously owned and shipped from the U.S. by the returning residents / owners of the goods)
- Completed EPA-3520-1, DOT, HS-7 and Customs 7501 forms (vehicles previously owned and shipped from the U.S. by the returning importer)
- Letter of permission from the EPA (non-residents importing vehicles as a tourist)
Pets
Documents Required
- Rabies vaccination record
- Veterinary health certificate
Antiques, Artifacts, Carpets, Paintings
Documents Required
- Purchase invoice
- Detailed inventory
Restricted/Dutiable Items
- Plants and seeds (an import permit and plant and plant product declaration form are required)
- Soil (an import permit is required)
- Meats and meat byproducts (e.g., bouillon soups)
- Medications
- Fruits and vegetables
- Game and hunting trophies
- Gold
- Merchandise from embargoed countries (a license from the Office of Foreign Assets Control is required)
- Certain animal species (contact the destination agent for information)
- Textiles and clothing
- Plants and seeds (an import permit and a PPQ form 505 – plant and plant product declaration are required) (Hawaii)
- Biological materials of public health or veterinary importance (an import permit is required) (Hawaii)
- Wood packing materials (materials from China must be fumigated, verified by documentation) (Hawaii)
- Alcohol
- The importation of alcohol is governed by both Federal and state laws.
- In general the Federal Government allows a reasonable amount of alcohol to be imported in a household goods shipment.
- If Customs feels the amount is excessive they will require the importer to hire a licensed alcohol importer to file a commercial entry.
- Domestic importers should comply with the residence state laws which vary from state to state.
- Some states allow no alcohol imports while others require the importer to obtain a permit and pay a fee and still others allow a reasonable amount.
- Each state has regulations and must be consulted before making a shipment.
- A detailed inventory must be made at the time of packing in order for food and drug filings to be performed and proper duties and taxes to be paid on the shipment.
- For imports into Hawaii as part of the household goods shipment, the owner of the goods is required to apply for a liquor permit with the City and County of Honolulu Liquor Commission on Oahu.
- The owner of the goods must appear in person to apply for the permit and provide the permit for the liquor to clear U.S. Customs.
- A Permit C – household goods permit form is required for the import of alcohol (Hawaii).
- Inherited Goods (Imports to Hawaii)
- Inherited goods can be imported duty free if the following conditions are met:
- The items are over 100 years old and can be proven through documentation.
- Were available for use in the owner of the goods’ place of residence for 12 months prior to entry into the United States.
- It does not have to be the 12 months prior to the inheritance (e.g., the items were in the owner of the goods’ parent’s house during the owner of the goods’ childhood).
- Food Items
- The importation of food items is strongly discouraged.
- Food products also require a detailed inventory for food and drug filings and duty payment.
- A food questionnaire form must be completed if importing food items (Hawaii).
- Fish / Wildlife
- Ivory items, skins, feathers and shells are regulated by Fish and Wildlife.
- Many of these items require special CITES permits or may be prohibited from being imported.
- Names and country of origin to determine if a permit is required.
- Weapons
- Guns (ammunition should not be shipped as it is a hazardous good) previously owned and shipped from the U.S. can normally be imported if military, government personnel can establish to the satisfaction of Customs that the items were sent from the U.S..
- Weapons purchased overseas are normally required to be imported using a Federal Firearms permit holder but some exceptions do apply to allow non-resident individuals to apply for a permit directly with Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF).
Prohibited Items
- Tuna
- Drug paraphernalia
- Haitian animal hide drums
- Cuban cigars
- Blank tapes and CDs from Iran
- Absinthe
- Counterfeit items or items inappropriately using a federally registered trademark
- Products made from dog and cat fur
- Flavored cigarettes, including cloves
Please see our International Moving to The United States page for more information.
South America
🇧🇷 International Moving to Brazil
Used Household Goods and Personal Effects
Documents Required
- Notarized copies of passport (including all the blank pages) (2 copies)
- Temporary work visa / permanent visa
- Notarized copies of Brazilian tax card / Cadastro de Pessoas Fisicas (CPF Number) (2 copies)
- Detailed inventory of new items in Portuguese
- Detailed inventory of used items in Portuguese
- Notarized copies of airline ticket (2 copies)
- ISPM-15 Fumigation Certificate, if applicable
- Notarized employment contract (non-diplomats)
- Declaration of residence abroad (non-diplomats / returning citizens)
- Copies of Registro Nacional de Estrangeiros (RNE) (2 copies) (non-diplomats)
- Baggage declaration (non-diplomats, returning citizens)
- Guarantee bond (non-diplomats)
- Notarized copies of Declaração Simplificada de Importação (DSI) / diplomatic franchise (3 copies) (diplomats)
- Authenticated copy of Ministério das Relações Exteriores (MRE) identification (diplomats)
- Copies of supplemental form (3 copies) (diplomats)
- Certificate of residence (returning citizens) / utility bill receipts for the preceding 13 months
- Proof of residence abroad (minimum of 12 months required) (returning citizens)
Motor Vehicles
Documents Required
- Certificate of title
- Pro-forma invoice
- Diplomatic franchise
Pets
Documents Required
- Vaccination record
- Veterinary health certificate
Restricted/Dutiable Items
- Foodstuffs (subject to import duties of approximately 50% of declared value)
- Cosmetics (subject to import duties of approximately 50% of declared value)
- Medications (require a doctor’s prescription)
- Cigarettes (400), cigars (25), pipe tobacco (250 g)
- Beverages, wine, and liquor (are subject of import duties of approximately 50% of declared value and require authorization from the Health and Agriculture Ministry)
- Foreign diplomats may import alcohol duty free.
- Persons may enter with no more than a maximum of two liters of alcohol.
- Arms, ammunitions, and dangerous items (are subject to approval by the Brazilian Army prior to departure from origin)
- Only small caliber firearms and hunting rifles for personal use are permitted.
- Dangerous objects and weapons (subject to approval by the Brazilian army)
Prohibited Items
- Live plants
- Drugs and narcotics
- Flammable or corrosive materials
- Tins
- Coins of high value
- Stamp collections
- Food items
Please see our International Moving to Brazil page for more information.
🇨🇱 International Moving to Chile
Used Household Goods and Personal Effects
Documents Required
- Copy of passport
- Non-citizen work visa valid for at least 12 months
- Bill of lading (OBL) / air waybill (AWB)
- Packing list
- Valued inventory
- Exemption form from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (diplomats)
- Travel certificate showing inbound and outbound travel dates obtained in Chile (returning citizens)
Motor Vehicles
Documents Required
- Sales contract / commercial invoice
- Certificate of title
- Original bill of lading
- Sworn declaration of the description of the vehicle
- Cars being shipped from US to Chile must have Fumigation Certificate
Pets
Documents Required
- International vaccination certificate (dogs and cats)
- Veterinary health record
- Pro-forma invoice
Restricted/Dutiable Items
- Foodstuffs (only non-perishable food, canned or sealed, and in an amount limited for personal use may be imported)
- Alcohol (adults over 18 years old may import 2.5 liters of alcohol duty free, including wine; if the amount exceeds 2.5 liters, the owner of the goods must pay duties and taxes of 27% or more)
- Only sports firearms for hunting may be imported (a special permit must be obtained prior to shipping)
Prohibited Items
- Drugs
- Meat
- Used motorcycles (new motorcycles are permitted)
- Used cars (unless imported by a returning citizen given he/she meets the same conditions)
- Used car tires
Please see our International Moving to Chile page for more information.
🇵🇪 International Moving to Peru
Used Household Goods and Personal Effects
Documents Required
- Passport
- Packing list
- Bill of lading (OBL) / air waybill (AWB)
- Diplomatic import permit / diplomatic franchise from Peruvian Ministry of Foreign Ministry Affairs (foreign diplomats, returning diplomats)
Motor Vehicles
Documents Required
- Passport
- OBL / AWB (2 copies each document, if applicable)
- Original purchase invoice
- Certificate of title
- Inspection certificates (gas and technical verification by an authorized engineer)
- DUA signed by the owner of the goods
- Tax ID number (RUC)
- Diplomatic import permit / diplomatic franchise from Peruvian Ministry of Foreign Ministry Affairs (foreign diplomats, returning diplomats)
Pets
Documents Required
- Vaccination record
- Veterinary health certificate
- Sanitary certificate
Restricted/Dutiable Items
- Firearms and ammunitions (proof of ownership and special permission from the Ministry of Interior is required prior to shipment arrival)
- Food items (must not exceed 10% of total net weight in air shipments)
- Telecommunication equipment such as radios, fax machines, telephones, etc. (an original invoice of each item is required and only one of each item type is permitted; additional items require authorization)
- Refrigeration devices (refrigerators / freezers / air conditioners):
- An original manufacturer’s certificate must be issued and signed on the manufacturer’s letterhead stating that coolant is required for use.
- The technical specification manual for each item is required; if unavailable, photographs of the 4 sides of the appliance must be submitted, specifically, the label that displays the specifications and type of gas utilized.
- Import permission must be requested from the OTO-Peru office.
- The cost for this request is 75.00 USD.
- Approved permission must be provided prior to shipment arrival.
- Items are subject to confiscation if requirements are not met.
Prohibited Items
- Drugs and narcotics
- Pornographic materials
- Automatic firearms
- Explosives
Please see our International Moving to Peru page for more information.
Asia
🇨🇳 International Moving to China
Used Household Goods and Personal Effects
Documents Required
- Original passport with a residence permit (valid at least 12 months)
- Original work permit (valid at least 12 months)
- Packing inventory list in English or Chinese (diplomat list must be signed and itemized)
- Ocean bill of lading (OBL) / telex release / air waybill (AWB)
- Arrival notice (sea shipments)
- List of electronic items
- Baggage declaration form, if applicable (2 copies, matching identically)
- Alcohol / wine list
- Original passport with diplomatic visa (diplomats)
- Consulate officer certificate (diplomats)
- Import permit (consulate or embassy must apply for diplomats)
- Diplomatic card (diplomats)
- Pro-forma invoice (diplomats)
Motor Vehicles
Documents Required
- Original purchase invoice / log book with chassis and engine number
- Details of the vehicle including brand name and style (e.g., sedan, SUV, color, vehicle identification number (VIN) number, etc.
- Import permit (diplomats)
Pets
Documents Required
- Vaccination record
- Veterinary health certificate
Restricted/Dutiable Items
- CDs, VCDs, DVDs, LDs, and videotapes may total no more than 100 items to import duty free; items are subject to inspection and will be returned approximately 4 weeks after clearance is completed.
- More than 20 pieces is dutiable for returning citizens.
- These items are subject to a Customs inspection of approximately 2-3 weeks.
- Personal computers with encryption capabilities require an approval of installed software prior to importation.
- Personal computers with simple password software, such as Microsoft products, contained in the household goods and personal effects shipment are generally acceptable.
- Antiques should be registered to avoid issues upon re-export in the future due to the strict regulations on Chinese Customs regarding the export of antiques.
- Milk powder and manufactured meat cannot be included in air shipments.
- Electrical appliances (duties of 20%)
- Books (a letter of explanation must be included and detail where the books were purchased, the total number, the book titles, and value of each, the subject matter etc., e.g., work, study. More than 10 books are dutiable (returning citizens).
- Food products must be dry goods, original canned or vacuum packed, in sealed packaging only.
- One small carton of food items may be included in air shipments and 2-3 small cartons for sea shipments.
- Food products are subject to duties of approximately 10% of the declared value.
- Customs reserves the right to levy higher duties and taxes on quantities deemed commercial.
Prohibited Items
- Firearms and ammunition
- Drugs
- Perishable food items (items containing the essence or extract from eggs are subject to confiscation or destruction)
- Pornographic materials
- Politically subversive materials
- Medicines and other items from epidemic stricken areas
- POE / AOE Chengdu: billiard and pool tables
- Fax / photocopy machines
- Grand and baby grand pianos (contact agent for specific information)
- Alcohol (Beijing)
Please see our International Moving to China page for more information.
🇭🇰 International Moving to Hong Kong (SAR)
Used Household Goods and Personal Effects
Documents Required
- Copy of passport (identification pages only)
- Original bill of lading (OBL) / air waybill (AWB
- Detailed inventory
- Owner of the goods’ full contact details in Hong Kong (address, telephone, fax number, email address, etc.)
Specific Information
- All household goods and personal effects can be imported free of duty.
Motor Vehicles
Documents Required
- Original vehicle documentation
- Original purchase invoice
- Insurance certificate
- Certificate of registration (must show boat dimensions)
- Import declaration
Specific Information
- Certificate of registration must be submitted to Marine Department for application of import permit within 24 hours from arrival of effects.
- Left-hand drive cars cannot be imported.
- All vehicles are subject to strict regulatory inspections and high first registration taxes.
- Taxes are set to discourage the personal import of vehicles; it is highly recommended that an estimate of costs before shipping a vehicle, be obtained.
- First registration fee is based on value, as follows:
- Private Cars:
- From value HK $0 to 150,000 : 40%
- On the next HK $150,000 : 75%
- On the next HK $200,000 : 100%
- On the remainder : 115%
- Motorbikes:
- 35% of value
- All vehicles must comply with the exhaust and noise emissions standard.
- Approval / exemption from the Environmental Protection Department before shipping vehicles into Hong Kong are advised.
- Vehicles must satisfy local standards.
- It is difficult to obtain insurance for vehicles older than 10 years.
Pets
Documents Required
- Import permit
- Health certificate from origin country
Restricted/Dutiable Items
- Plants and plant products (special license is required)
- Weapons and ammunition (special license issued by the Hong Kong Police Department is required)
- Alcohol (detailed list showing quantity and CIF value is required):
- Duty is payable on the CIF value depending on the liquor and the alcohol strength:
- Liquor with 30% alcohol by volume or less is duty free.
- Liquor with more than 30% alcohol by volume measured at a temperature of 20 degrees Celsius is charged 100% duties.
- Liquor other than wine with less than 30% alcohol by volume measured at a temperature of 20 degrees Celsius is duty free
- Wine is duty free.
- Tobacco (passengers age 18 and older may bring the following limited quantities duty free):
- Cigarettes (10)
- Cigars (1 or 25 grams)
- Other manufactured tobacco (25 grams)
- Illegal drugs
- Firearms, explosives and ammunition (permission required)
- Knives and deadly weapons
- Controlled chemicals
- Pets and animals (permission required)
- Meat and poultry
- Rough diamonds
- Counterfeit goods
- Pornographic material
Prohibited Items
🇮🇳 International Moving to India
Used Household Goods and Personal Effects
Documents Required
- Original passport (copy of Passport duly certified is accepted for diplomats)
- Valued list of articles with date of purchase
- Baggage customs declaration signed by the owner of the goods
- Packing list
- List of electronic items
- Authority letters (diplomats / non-diplomats, refer to agents for more information)
- Duty-free exemption certificate issued by diplomatic organization in India
- Original bill of lading (OBL) / sea waybill / copy of air waybill (AWB)
- Original residence permit (foreigners)
- Valid visa / PIO card for foreign nationals / Overseas Citizen of India card
- Employment letter / transfer letter / assignment letters
Specific Information
- The packing list must be stamped by the Consulate / the Embassy for diplomatic shipments.
- The owner of the goods must be present for Customs clearance.
- All shipments are subject to Customs examination unless a diplomatic shipment.
- All containers (except diplomat) are offloaded at the point of entry (POE) / (TOE) and reloaded into vans.
- Foreign nationals must possess a visa valid for 1 year.
- Indian nationals must have lived abroad for at least 2 years preceding transfer to India and intend to reside in India for a period of at least 1 year.
- Owner of the goods must have not must not have visited India for more than 180 days in the preceding 2 years.
- Air shipments must be dispatched from the origin airport within 15 days after the arrival of the owner of the goods in India.
- Sea shipments must be dispatched from the origin seaport within 1 month after the arrival of the owner of the goods in India.
- Shipments may arrive at the India airport / seaport 2 months prior to arrival of the owner of the goods; however, the shipment will be subject to demurrage or detention as applicable.
- Electronic items should be loaded in the front (opening side) of the container or lift-van
- A list of electronic items should be provided on a separate sheet.
Motor Vehicles
Documents Required
- Original passport
- Original manufacturer’s invoice
- Import license (unless coming to India on a Transfer of Residence)
- Insurance policy
- Certificate of title / registration
- OBL
- Duty exemption certificate (diplomats)
Pets
Documents Required
- Vaccination record
- Veterinary health certificate
- Advance NOC from the Animal Quarantine department in India
Restricted/Dutiable Items
- New items are subject to duties (invoice must be supplied).
- Customs duties are approximately 16.50% to be levied on the following items:
- Televisions (Old technology
- Video home theatres
- Dishwashers
- Domestic Refrigerators above 300L or equivalent
- Deep freezers
- Video cameras
- Firearms, ammunition and weapons
- Restricted item must be included with the household goods shipment.
- A license must be obtained prior to import.
- Duplicate items or items in sums of excess of Rs. 150,000 (Rs. 500,000 in Delhi and Mumbai) are duties of approximately 36.01 to 61%.
- Import of foodstuffs / edibles varies between different cities throughout India. Foreign nationals may be allowed import of foodstuff up to Rs. 1,000,000 in a year.
- It is advisable to check with the respective destination agent and then include in the shipment.
- Plasma/LCD/LED Tvs of similar technology are dutiable at 38.5% duty whether used or new.
Prohibited Items
- Beef and beef products
- Narcotics, non-branded drugs and psychotropic substances
- Obscene literature, photographs or films
- Politically subversive literature
🇮🇩 International Moving to Indonesia
Used Household Goods and Personal Effects
Documents Required
- Original passport
- Original packing list stamped by the Indonesian Embassy at origin
- Original inventory
- Original bill of lading (OBL) / air waybill (AWB)
- Boarding pass
- Original work permit (IMTA)
- Original residence permit (KITAS)
- Letter of employment from company at origin
- Original letter from Indonesian Embassy or Consulate at origin (returning citizens)
- Original ID card / KTP (returning citizens)
- Copy ITAS online
- Copy ID card (diplomat)
- Copy visa (diplomat)
- Diplomat passport
- Original letter of approval from the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs – PP8 (Diplomats)
- Original letter of approval from the Indonesian Ministry of State Secretariat – PP19 (Semi-Diplomats)
Motor Vehicles
Documents Required
- Copy of passport
- Original bill of lading (OBL) / air waybill (AWB)
- Original packing list, stamped by the Indonesian Embassy in the origin country (Diplomats)
- Original letter of approval from the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs – PP8 (Diplomats)
- Statement letter of the consignee from the organization.
- Copy of ID card of the signed statement letter
- Copy of ID card of the consignee
- Original title and registration of the vehicle
Pets
Documents Required
- Import permit (issued by the Indonesian Directorate General of Livestock Service)
- Veterinary health certificate
- Vaccination record
Restricted/Dutiable Items
- Cultural objects/statues may be taken to the Indonesian Directorate of History and Archaeology to be examined.
- The following items may qualify for free import at ‘reasonable’ quantities:
- Cigarettes, cigars, tobacco
- Perfume
- Dry food
Prohibited Items
- Buddha head statue made of stone is strictly prohibited
- Alcohol
- Firearms and ammunitions, explosives gas, gasoline
- Motor bikes/motorized scooters, vehicle spare parts
- Pornography
- Politically sensitive material
- Protected species under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES)
🇯🇵 International Moving to Japan
Used Household Goods and Personal Effects
Documents Required
- Original Customs declaration form C5360
- Copy of passport
- Detailed packing list / inventory in English or Japanese
- Ocean bill of lading (OBL) /air waybill (AWB)
- Keys / combinations to any locked baggage
Motor Vehicles
Documents Required
- Original passport
- Vehicle registration
- Application of duty exemption on automobiles
- Proof of ownership for more than 1 year
- Original bill of lading
- Sales receipt / purchase receipt
- Insurance certificate
- Original Customs declaration form C-5360
- KANGI form
Specific Information
- Automobiles, boats, and other vehicles, may be included in household goods shipments, provided that the owner of the goods has owned the vehicle for more than 1 year prior to import from the origin country.
- Automobiles and other vehicles may be imported temporarily free of duty and tax provided that they will be re-exported.
- Automobiles must comply with Japanese exhaust emission control and safety regulations.
- A test of emission control and safety regulations will be given (SHAKEN).
- Modifications can be quite expensive for an imported car to be examined and registered.
- KANGI forms can be obtained by the Foreign Ministry in Japan.
Pets
Documents Required
- Veterinary health certificate
- Microchip
- Vaccination record
- Certificate from the Animal Quarantine Service
Restricted/Dutiable Items
- Plants with or without soil, fresh fruits and vegetables (a quarantine certificate is required prior to Customs examination).
- To import fresh meat including poultry, sausage, ham, bacon or any other meat products requires an animal health certificate issued by the animal health authority of the exporting country.
- Bones, eggs, fat, blood, skins, hides, pelts, Fur, hair, feathers, down, horns, antlers, hooves etc. (subject to an animal quarantine inspection)
- Medicines and cosmetics (e.g., pharmaceutical products; amount for use during a period of 2 months; quasi-drugs: 24 pieces)
- Firearms (a permit is required)
Prohibited Items
- Opium, ether, narcotic drugs and utensils for opium smoking, and stimulants (including Vicks Inhalers and Sudafed)
- Psychotropic substances (excluding those designated by an ordinance of the Ministry of Health and Welfare)
- Counterfeit, altered, or imitated articles of coins, paper money, banknotes, or securities
- Books, drawings, carvings, and any other article which injures public security or morals (obscene or immoral materials, pornography, etc.)
- Articles which infringe upon rights in patents, utility-models, designs, trademarks, copyrights, neighboring rights, or layout design of integrated circuits
- Firearms (pistols, rifles, machine guns, etc.) and ammunition (bullets) thereof, and parts of firearms
- Weapons (swords, daggers, bows and arrows, etc. with blades more than 15 centimeters in length prohibited)
For more information on international moving to Japan, click here.
🇲🇾 International Moving to Malaysia
Used Household Goods and Personal Effects
Documents Required
- Passport
- Detailed inventory in English, dated and signed by the owner of the goods
- Copy of bill of lading (OBL) / air waybill (AWB)
- Full contact information of the owner of the goods in Malaysia
- Letter of employment / copy of work permit
- Copy of Malaysian ID (returning citizens)
- List of electrical items
- Diplomatic exemption letter from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (obtained by the Embassy – diplomats)
Motor Vehicles
Documents Required
- Original passport (1 copy)
- Original registration (1 copy)
- Proof of ownership
- Original insurance policy in country of origin proving use (1 copy)
- Letter from owner of the goods requesting permission to import a motor vehicle
Pets
Documents Required
- Certificate of vaccination
- Veterinary health certificate
- Import permit
Antiques, Artifacts, Carpets, Paintings
Documents Required
- Import permit
- Origin certificate
- Photograph of Item
- Valuation report
Specific Information
- Contact the destination agent in Malaysia for further instruction.
Restricted/Dutiable Items
- Liquor, wine and tobacco (a special import permit is required and is difficult to obtain); these items are subject to high import duties and taxes.
- To import alcohol or tobacco a list must be supplied mentioning type of alcohol, quantity in ml or liter, country of origin, purchase value and percent of alcohol.
- The following items may qualify for free import if within the indicated limits:
- Cigarettes (200), tobacco (225 g)
- Alcohol (1 L)
- Books,VCD,DVD, CD, etc. (subject to censorship screening on arrival).
- A screening fee will be charged directly to the owner of the goods.
- Restricted pets include:
- Bull mastiff
- Bull terrier
- Doberman
- Rottweiler
- Belgian / German shepherds
- To import these pets requires a pedigree certificate and micro-chip.
- The government veterinary officer will inspect owner’s residence prior to approval for import permit.
Prohibited Items
- Narcotics (the death penalty is given for drug trafficking)
- Non-branded drugs
- Firearms, gas pistols, electric shock batons, stun guns (and similar weapons), ammunition and explosives (flares incorporating a barrel, etc.)
- Indecent or obscene video cassettes, DVDs, films, books, magazines and other articles
- Flick knives, butterfly knives and certain other offensive weapons, including some martial arts weapons
- Counterfeit currency
- Radio transmitters, walkie-talkies, citizen band radios, cordless telephones, etc. (an import permit is required)
- Meat and poultry; many other animal products; check with agent
- Plants and plant produce including trees and shrubs, potatoes and certain other vegetables, fruit, bulbs and seeds
- Animals and birds, whether alive or dead (egg. stuffed), parts and articles derived from protected species, including furs, skins, ivory, reptile leather and goods made from them
For more information on international moving to Malaysia, click here.
🇵🇰 International Moving to Pakistan
Used Household Goods and Personal Effects
Documents Required
- Original passport
- Original computerized national identity card (CNIC) (Pakistani nationals)
- Copy of visa
- Original or express bill of lading (OBL) / air waybill (AWB)
- Inventory list in English
- Packing list with purchase invoices
- Certificate of employment
- Transfer of residence certificate
- Exemption certificate (diplomats)
- Copy of diplomatic ID card (diplomats)
Motor Vehicles
Documents Required
- Copy of passport
- Original or express release bill of lading (OBL) / air waybill (AWB)
- Original technical passport / certificate of title
- De-registration certificate
- Invoice of purchase showing the engine number, model, and horsepower
Pets
Documents Required
- Original passport of owner of the goods
- Health certificate and vaccination certificate (issued by origin country)
- Quarantine certificate issued by the Government of Pakistan / veterinary certificate
- Pet passport
Restricted/Dutiable Items
- Items may qualify for free import if within the limits indicated:
- Cigarettes (200), cigars (50), tobacco (1/2 kg)
- Eau de toilette (1/4 L) and perfume (1/8 L)
- Gifts and souvenirs (reasonable number and quantity)
- Electronic items of any kind are dutiable even under the transfer of residence
Prohibited Items
- Weapons of any kind
- Alcohol
- Pornography
- Narcotics
- Toxic and radioactive materials
- Any literature, CD, DVD material against Islam or Pakistan
- Any art, painting, or object which is obscene and shows nudity
- Hides / ivory of animals
- Any goods of Israeli origin
🇵🇭 International Moving to Philippines
Used Household Goods and Personal Effects
Documents Required
- Original passport
- Sea waybill (BL) / air waybill (AWB)
- Inventory list in English
- Copy of visa
Motor Vehicles
Documents Required
- Approved BIS / DTI import permit
- Packing list
- Proof of purchase (i.e. deed of sale)
Pets
Documents Required
- Vaccination certificate
- Veterinary health certificate
- First page copy of owner of the goods’ passport
- Import permit (from the Bureau of Animal Industry)
Restricted/Dutiable Items
- Ammunition, explosives and firearms must be duly licensed and have Philippines National Police clearance.
- Drugs and medicines, including over-the-counter pharmaceutical, prescription drugs and medicines should be hand carried in minimal amounts.
- Computers can be imported as part of a household goods and personal effects shipment.
- Duties and taxes are assessed by Philippine Customs.
- Wine, liquor and food items should be loaded last into the container to facilitate easy inspection by Philippines Customs and all boxes clearly marked.
- A separate inventory should be made for wine, liquor and food items with detailed information such as the number of bottles, volume of each bottle, and type of spirit, value and alcohol percent.
- The following items may qualify for free import if within the limits indicated:
- Cigarettes (400), cigars (50), tobacco (250 g)
- Alcohol (maximum of 6 bottles of 1 L each)
Prohibited Items
- Obscene literature, photographs and films
- Politically subversive literature
- Narcotics and drugs
- Gambling equipment
- Firearms (guns / ammunition)
- Sharp or bladed weapons
- Perishable items
🇸🇬 International Moving to Singapore
Used Household Goods and Personal Effects
Documents Required
- Copy of passport (photograph and personal information pages)
- Declaration of facts form
- Original bill of lading (OBL) / air waybill (AWB)
- Copy of the owner of the goods’ employment pass / green card (both sides)
- Goods and services tax relief form (GST)
- Supplementary Customs declaration form
- Wine and liquor declaration form
- Exemption permit (diplomats)
Motor Vehicles
Documents Required
- Certificate of compliance
- Original commercial invoice
- Insurance papers
- Vehicle registration certificate
- Owner of the goods’ passport
- Inward declaration permit
- Customs in-payment permit
- Customs duty payment receipt
- Temporary certificate of entitlement
- Manufacturer’s letter confirming the date the automobile was manufactured
Pets
Documents Required
- Import license from the Agri-Food and Veterinary Authority of Singapore (AVA)
- Reservation for quarantine (if applicable) must be made prior to import
Restricted/Dutiable Items
- Intoxicating liquors
- Tobacco products
- Motor vehicles
- Petroleum products
Prohibited Items
- Liquors and cigarettes marked with the words “SINGAPORE DUTY NOT PAID” on the labels, cartons or packets
- E-cigarettes
- Chewing gum, chewing tobacco, and imitation tobacco products (except approved oral dental and medicated gum by the Health Sciences Authority)
- Shisha
- Smokeless cigars, smokeless cigarillos or smokeless cigarettes
- Dissolvable tobacco or nicotine
- Any product containing nicotine or tobacco that may be used topically for application, by implant or injected into any parts of the body
- Any solution or substance, of which tobacco or nicotine is a constituent, that is intended to be used with an electronic nicotine delivery system or vaporizers
- Nasal snuff (with effect from 1 August 2016)
- Oral snuff (with effect from 1 August 2016)
- Gutkha, khaini and zarda (with effect from 1 August 2016)
- Weapons, gun, ammunition of any kind, cigarette lighters of pistol or revolver shape
- Narcotics, controlled or non-branded drugs, and psychotropic substances
- Endangered species of wildlife and their byproducts
- Firecrackers or counterfeit currencies
- Obscene articles, pornographic books, materials, publications on video tapes / discs and software
- Reproduction of copyright publications, video tapes, video compact discs, laser discs, records or cassettes
- Seditious and treasonable materials
- Animals and birds and their by-products
- Endangered species of wildlife and their by-products
- Plants
- Nasal snuff
- Arms and Explosives
- Bullet-proof clothing
- Weapons, Kris, spears and swords
- Prerecorded cartridges and cassettes
- Films, video tapes / discs, laser discs, CD-ROMS, and video games
- Medicines, pharmaceuticals, and poisons
- Telecommunications, radio communication equipment, and toy walkie-talkies
For more information on international moving to Singapore, click here.
🇰🇷 International Moving to South Korea
Used Household Goods and Personal Effects
Documents Required
- Copy of passport (photo, entry stamp, & long term visa pages)
- Detailed inventory / packing list (in English)
- Copy of bill of lading (OBL) or sea waybill / air waybill (AWB)
- Alien registration card (ARC) (from Korean Immigration Office)
- Certificate of entry and exit (returning citizens and accompanying family members only)
- Application for duty exemption issued by Ministry of Foreign Affairs Korea (diplomats)
- Customs declaration form
- Power of attorney
Motor Vehicles
Documents Required
- Original title
- Original registration certificate
- Copy purchase receipt or invoice
- Insurance policy documents
- Detailed inventory (diplomats)
- Customs duty exemption showing frame number, chassis number, engine number, model, and type (diplomats)
Pets
Documents Required
- Microchip installation showing below information:
- Valid health certificate
- Vaccination record (must include rabies vaccination)
- Proof of identification
Restricted/Dutiable Items
- The following household goods may be imported duty free by persons 19 years and older within the limits indicated:
- Alcohol (1 L)
- Cigarettes (200), cigars (50), tobacco (250 g)
- Perfume (2 oz.)
- Personal items (gifts, new items, etc. up to $400)
- Firearms, ammunition, and explosive materials, including fireworks (permission from the Korean authorities is required)
- Narcotic and psychotropic drugs
- Animals
- Foodstuff
- Food items are allowed in sea shipments only.
- If the owner of the goods is shipping food items ensure all food items are sealed and labeled.
- Duty free entry for small amounts.
- The shipment is subject to payment of 20% duty if total amount is too large for a household good shipment.
- Check with destination agent for more details.
- Plants and plant byproducts (subject to quarantine and approval by the authorities; denial of entry is possible)
Prohibited Items
- Illegal drugs
- Pornographic material
- Counterfeit goods or materials
- Subversive and treasonous materials
🇱🇰 International Moving to Sri Lanka
Used Household Goods and Personal Effects
Documents Required
- Passport with residence visa
- Original bill of lading (OBL) / air waybill (AWB)
- Packing list
- Detailed inventory
- Insurance certificate
- Duty free clearance certificate (if applicable)
- Import license (if applicable)
- Bank guarantee (if applicable)
Motor Vehicles
Documents Required
- Passport
- Certificate of title / registration
- Purchase receipt
- Appropriate application forms (contact the destination agent for correct form)
Pets
Documents Required
- Vaccination record
- Veterinary health certificate
- Import permit
Restricted/Dutiable Items
- Satellites, remote control equipment, telephones and fax machines need special approval must be obtained prior to shipment arrival.
- An operation manual must accompany each item.
Prohibited Items
- Narcotics
- Pornographic materials
- Anti-religious materials
🇹🇼 International Moving to Taiwan
Used Household Goods and Personal Effects
Documents Required
- Scanned copy of passport photograph and signature pages (picture must be clear and legible)
- Scanned copy of the entry stamp, dated within the last 6 months (before shipment’s arrival date)
- Copy of bill of lading (BL) / air waybill (AWB)
- Inventory list / packing list in English
- Owner of the goods’ arrival flight details matching entry stamp into Taiwan
- Original signed Customs entrusting letter
- Customs declaration form (inward declaration form)
- Scanned copy, front and back, of the owner of the goods’ Taiwan ID (national citizens)
- Scanned copy, front and back, of the owner of the goods’ ARC or work permit (foreign citizens)
Motor Vehicles
Documents Required
- Copy of passport (photograph with signature pages)
- Original certificate of title
- Original bill of lading
- Original Taiwanese ID (nationals)
- Original of ARC (residence permit for non – citizens)
- Work permit
- Copy of vehicle invoice
- Vehicle declaration form
Pets
Documents Required
- Copy of passport
- Certificate of health from origin country
- Vaccination record, must include rabies
- Blood rest certificate
Restricted/Dutiable Items
- Only one of the following items may be imported per family:
- Stove and refrigerator
- Washer and dryer
- Air conditioners and dehumidifiers
- Television sets, stereos, amplifiers, turn tables, speakers, tape decks, receivers, video players
- Duty rates for electrical items range from approximately 5% to 19.2% of the assessed value.
- Wine and liquor (maximum 5 L may be imported by sea only).
- If included in the shipment, it will delay the shipment due to Customs inspections which can take 10-14 days for clearance and calculation of duty and taxes, hence, demurrage charge will incur.
- Alcohol under 20% will be charged tax at NTD 7.00 / per percent.
- Alcohol over 20% will be charged NTD 185.00 / L.
- Duties for wine and liquor depend on the type of alcohol as follows:
- Wine and other spirit: 40%
- Sparkling wine / champagne: 20%
- Whisky: Free
- Beer: Free
- Non-perishable food items can be imported in small amounts (maximum 6 kgs) in sea shipments only.
- Food is subject to duty if the amount is too large for inclusion in a sea shipment.
- Food cannot be sent by air.
Prohibited Items
- Firearms, swords, long knives, and ammunition
- Narcotics and non-branded drugs
- If the shipment contains animal fur (lion skin, leopard skin, or ivory), please inform the owner of the goods to get a CITES approval before sending the mentioned items to Taiwan.
- Otherwise the goods will be confiscated and may also cause a lawsuit.
For more information on international moving to Taiwan, click here.
🇹🇭 International Moving to Thailand
Used Household Goods and Personal Effects
Documents Required
- Original passport (with one-year visa issued by immigration in Thailand required for free duty and tax import)
- Packing list
- Work permit
- Original bill of lading (OBL) / air waybill (AWB)
- Copy ID card (returning citizens) (air shipment only)
- 90 day business class visa (non Thai immigrants)
- Diplomatic privileges approval issued by Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Thailand
Motor Vehicles
Documents Required
- Original passport
- Original driving license
- Original car registration
- Import license (from Ministry of Commerce in Thailand)
- DP1 document (from respective Embassy)
- Diplomatic exemption certificate (diplomats)
- Original bill of lading
- One set of certified copy of all documents mentioned and certified by the owner of the goods
Pets
Documents Required
- Vaccination record
- Microchip certificate
- Copy of the owner of the goods’ passport
- Import/export license for pet shipping as excess baggage and manifest cargo
- Government health certificate
- Air waybill
- Pet’s container
Restricted/Dutiable Items
- Wine, spirits, foodstuffs (must not be included in the shipment without prior consultation) – taxes and duties apply to quantities in excess of 1152-400%
- Baby items, including toys
- Alcohol
- Antiques and objects of art (permission from the Fine Arts Department is required)
- Office items and equipment
- Sports equipment, including golf sets
- Musical instruments, including pianos
- Luxury items, including crystal and porcelain, and carpets
- Only one of each electrical item is allowed duty and tax free; subsequent items will be assessed on the most expensive items.
- Firearms, ammunition, fireworks (permission from the Ministry of Interior)
- Wild flora, fauna, fish, and other aquatic fauna (permission from the National Park, Wildlife and Plant Conservation Department / Department of Agriculture / or Department of Fishery is required)
- Toys, baby items, office items including files, bicycles, exercise equipment, sport equipment, golf sets, and certain luxury items including crystal glasses and porcelain vases, and fax machines are all dutiable and are not considered by Customs for duty exemption especially coming in via air freight.
- Buddha statues and relics require import permits
Prohibited Items
- Shortwave radios
- Pornographic or obscene objects, literature, pictures, etc.
- Counterfeit currency, bonds, coins or other counterfeit objects
- Medical equipment without a license
- Gold and silver
- Buddha heads / non full figure Buddha article or religious items
- Firearms, ammunition
The Caribbean
🇧🇸 International Moving to Bahamas
Used Household Goods and Personal Effects
Documents Required
- Original passport with entry visa
- Packing list
- Inventory list
- Letter authorizing destination agent to clear the shipment upon arrival
Motor Vehicles
Documents Required
- Ownership title
- Invoice (for recently purchased vehicles)
- Duties and taxes are as follows:
- Value of $10,000 or less = 45% duty + 7% stamp tax
- Value of $10,000-$20,000 = 50% duty + 7% stamp tax
- Value of $20,000 or more = 65% duty + 7% stamp tax
Pets
Documents Required
- If you wish to ship your pet, please contact the consulate/embassy for specific details concerning your type, breed, and documentation for pets.
Restricted/Dutiable Items
- Antiques
- Plants
- Trailers and caravans
- Underwater guns (except for Hawaiian slings)
- Any articles that are contrary to Bahamian religious beliefs or morality
Prohibited Items
- Weapons and ammunition
- Drugs
- Fireworks and firecrackers
- Counterfeit currency
- Pornography
🇩🇴 International Moving to the Dominican Republic
Used Household Goods and Personal Effects
Documents Required
- Passport
- Original bill of lading (OBL) / air waybill (AWB)
- Detailed inventory in English or Spanish
- Marriage / divorce certificate, if applicable
- Resident visa (if the owner of the goods is requesting a tax exemption)
- Proof of residence abroad for at least 2 years (returning citizens)
- Commercial invoice (if new furniture and household goods are included in the shipment)
- Diplomatic franchise (diplomats)
Motor Vehicles
Documents Required
- Original title / registration
- Original bill of lading
- Purchase invoice
Pets
Documents Required
- Rabies vaccination record
- Veterinary health certificate
Restricted/Dutiable Items
- Live plants (phytosanitary certificate from origin prior to arrival and a permit from the Dominican Agriculture after arrival are required; plants should not be sent as part of the household goods shipment or risk confiscation/destruction upon arrival)
- Alcohol and wine (only small quantities for personal consumption are permitted)
- Food items (only small quantities for personal consumption are permitted)
- Medicines, narcotics, and drugs (a doctor’s prescription is required and are duty free; otherwise, the owner of the goods may face criminal prosecution and penalties or deportation)
- Household goods and new furniture (commercial invoice is required and the items are subject to payment of duties)
- New electrical appliances (subject to duties)
- Firearms (military permit for personal firearms must be obtained in-person after the arrival of the owner of the goods but prior to shipment arrival; the owner of the goods may face criminal prosecution and penalties if unauthorized items are found in the shipment)
- Appliances, spare parts, and machines (are subject to duties)
Prohibited Items
- Dangerous objects / weapons
- Explosives
- Pornographic and subversive materials
- Illegal drugs
🇯🇲 International Moving to Jamaica
Used Household Goods and Personal Effects
Documents Required
- Copy of passport (data page and landing stamp) (2 copies)
- Work permit or residence permit if not a Jamaican citizen
- Unconditional stamp if Jamaican and arriving on foreign passport
- Tax compliance certificate for import of auto / commercial goods
- Tax registration number
- Inventory / packing list
- Unaccompanied baggage declaration form (C.27) provided at the airport upon arrival in Jamaica or at Customs interview
- Letter of employment
- Returning residents must also provide the following documents:
- Customs declaration form (C.5) provided to the Customs officer at the time of arrival
- Letter notarized by a J.P. confirming place of residence if staying with a friend or relative or a copy of rental / lease agreement, etc.
- Documents proving customer has lived outside of Jamaica for more than 3 years
- Document stating Customer’s intention to re-establish permanent residence in Jamaica
- Letter of separation from employer at origin (foreigners)
- Tax returns for the last 3 years (foreigners)
- Pay stubs, W2, P45 (foreigners)
- Invoices or bills from residence abroad (foreigners)
- Copy of retirement papers / pension advice, P60 (foreigners)
- Evidence of the disposal of property owned (foreigners)
- Copy of sale of agreement / purchase agreement (foreigners)
- Evidence of property acquired (returning citizens)
- Copy of utility bill, such as electric bill, water bill, etc. (returning citizens)
- Tax receipt (returning citizens)
- Lease agreement (returning citizens)
- Evidence of employment (returning citizens)
- Letter from institution attended (returning students)
- Copy of 1-20 ID (returning students)
- Copy of transcript (returning students)
- Original bill of lading (OBL) / air waybill (AWB)
Motor Vehicles
Documents Required
- Passport
- OBL
- Import license (which must be obtained prior to import)
- Driver’s license (the owner of the goods can drive in Jamaica for 12 months before a Jamaican license is required)
- Insurance certificate
- Certificate of title or registration documents
- Vehicles require an invoice detailing the model, accessories and CIF value
- Tax compliance certificate
- Import entry C78
Pets
Documents Required
- Vaccination record
- Veterinary health certificate
- Permit from the veterinary division of the Ministry of Agriculture (must be obtained prior to import)
Restricted/Dutiable Items
- New items (dutiable if less than 6 months old for non-returning residents and invoices must be provided)
- Firearms and ammunition (except where prior permission has been obtained from the Commissioner of Police and Trade Administrator) and drugs.
Prohibited Items
- Drugs
🇵🇷 International Moving to Puerto Rico
Used Household Goods and Personal Effects
Documents Required
- Copy of passport (some ports require passports for all family members listed on the 3299)
- Form CF-3299
- Supplemental declaration (required by most ports)
- Detailed inventory in English
- Copy of visa (if non-US citizen / permanent resident) / copy of permanent resident card
- I-94 stamp / card
- Copy of bill of lading (OBL) / air waybill (AWB)
- Form DS-1504 (diplomats)
- A-1 visa (diplomats)
- Importers security filing (ISF)
Motor Vehicles
Documents Required
- Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) form EPA-3520-21, if applicable
- OBL (foreign purchased vehicles)
- Bill of sale / pro-forma invoice with statement of value (foreign purchased vehicles)
- Title of ownership translated into English (foreign purchased vehicles)
- Department of Transportation (DOT) form HS-7
- Proof of conformity by either:
- USA title / registration
- Letter of conformity from the manufacturer
- Foreign military sales contract that indicates vehicle meets USA-EPA / DOT regulations
- Exemption as a 25 model year old vehicle as proven by the title
- Copy of USA title or registration when previously registered in the USA (vehicles previously owned and shipped from the USA by the returning owner of the goods)
- Completed EPA-3520-1, DOT, HS-7 and Customs 7501 forms (vehicles previously owned and shipped from the USA by the returning owner of the goods)
- Letter of permission from the EPA (non-residents importing vehicles as a tourist
Pets
Documents Required
- Rabies vaccination record
- Veterinary health certificate
Antiques, Artifacts, Carpets, Paintings
- Purchase invoice
- Detailed inventory
Restricted/Dutiable Items
- Plants and seeds (an import permit is required)
- Soil (an import permit is required)
- Meats and meat byproducts (e.g., bouillon soups)
- Medications
- Fruits and vegetables
- Game and hunting trophies
- Gold
- Merchandise from embargoed countries (a license from the Office of Foreign Assets Control is required)
- Pets
- Textiles and clothing
- Alcohol:
- The importation of alcohol is governed by both Federal and state laws. In general the Federal Government allows a reasonable amount of alcohol to be imported in a household goods shipment. If Customs feels the amount is excessive they will require the importer to hire a licensed alcohol importer to file a commercial entry.
- Domestic importers should comply with the residence state laws which vary from state to state. Some states allow no alcohol imports while others require the importer to obtain a permit and pay a fee and still others allow a reasonable amount. Each state has regulations and must be consulted before making a shipment.
- A detailed inventory must be made at the time of packing in order for food and drug filings to be performed and proper duties and taxes to be paid on the shipment.
- Food Items:
- The import of food items is strongly discouraged.
- Importing food products requires a detailed inventory for food and drug filings and duty payments.
- Fish / Wildlife:
- Ivory items, skins, feathers and shells are regulated by Fish and Wildlife.
- Many of these items require special CITES permits or may be prohibited from being imported.
- It is critical for the origin agent to consult with the USA agent to determine if an item requires a permit or can be legally imported.
- The permits cannot be issued once the shipment has left the origin country.
- The destination agent will need to know the common, scientific names and country of origin to determine if a permit is required.
- Weapons:
- Guns (ammunition should not be shipped as it is a hazardous good) previously owned and shipped from the USA can normally be imported if military, government personnel can establish to the satisfaction of Customs that the items were sent from the USA.
- The best method is for the owner of the goods to register the weapons with Customs prior to export from the USA.
- If the owner of the goods does not have a registration then a copy of sales receipts, the export OBL, inventory and a declaration will sometimes satisfy Customs.
- Weapons purchased overseas are normally required to be imported using a Federal Firearms permit holder but some exceptions do apply to allow non-resident individuals to apply for a permit directly with Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF) permit.
- The ATF Permit filing should be applied for at least 6 weeks in advance of the arrival of the shipment.
- The application requires that the Customs broker who will handle the entry be named on the ATF application, so it is important that the application is filed properly from the start to avoid delays on arrival.
- The owner of the goods should consult with the USA agent when considering shipping any weapons and provide all the facts regarding how and where the weapons were acquired.
- It should be noted that not all types of weapons can be imported.
Prohibited Items
- Tuna
- Drug paraphernalia
- Illegal drugs
- Pornographic materials
- Haitian animal hide drums
- Cuban cigars
- Blank tapes and CDs from Iran
- Absinthe
- Counterfeit items or items inappropriately using a federally registered trademark
- Products made from dog and cat fur
- Flavored cigarettes, including cloves
For more information on international moving to Puerto Rico, click here.
🇹🇹 International Moving to Trinidad & Tobago
Used Household Goods and Personal Effects
Documents Required
- Copy of passport
- Copy of bill of lading (OBL) / air waybill (AWB)
- Copy of work permit, if applicable
- Detailed inventory
- Affidavit of returning resident (returning residents)
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs forms (diplomats)
- Diplomatic franchise (diplomats)
- Importer Registration (N number)
- Valued listing of new items (less than 1 year old)
Motor Vehicles
Documents Required
- Certified copy of title / registration
- Import license
- Copy of OBL
Pets
Documents Required
- Vaccination record
- Veterinary health certificate
- Import permit
Restricted/Dutiable Items
- Weapons, including firearms, swords, etc. (require permission from the Police Commissioner of Trinidad and Tobago)
- New items less than 12 months old
- Alcohol (1 q.)
- Cigarettes – persons over 17 years or older (200), cigars (50), loose tobacco (1/2 lb.)
- Building materials (e.g., tiles)
Prohibited Items
- Narcotics
- Communications equipment such as CB radios, walkie-talkies, etc.
Europe
🇦🇹 International Moving to Austria
Used Household Goods and Personal Effects
Documents Required
- Passport
- Residence registration form (primary residence)
- Original Austrian Customs forms (ZBefr2a)
- Original power of attorney
- Duty-free permit, if applicable
- Invoices for all new furniture, appliances, gifts, and objects of art / antiques (2 copies)
- Exit certificate / certificate of stay abroad for at least 12 months (confirmation from the local authority of the previous residence, confirmation by employer or other official proof)
- ZBefr2a form for returning Austrains, EU citizens, and immigrants who have lived in the EU.
- ZBefr2 form for someone who has never lived in the EU before.
- Zbefr1 form for diplomats
Motor Vehicles
Documents Required
- Vehicle title / registration
- Vehicle papers (type certificate)
- Invoice / purchase order
- Form T1, if applicable
Pets
Documents Required
- Certificate of vaccination
- Veterinary health certificate
Restricted/Dutiable Items
- Firearms
- Pump guns
- Spirits, cigarettes, tobacco, perfumes for personal consumption.
- Antiques, if over 100 years of age are duty free but subject to value added tax (VAT) in addition to Customs duties and taxes
- New furniture, appliances, gifts, souvenirs, and objects of art / antiques are subject to duties and taxes
- Plants and plant products
Prohibited Items
- Drugs
🇧🇪 International Moving to Belgium
Used Household Goods and Personal Effects
Documents Required
- Copy of passport showing photograph and signature
- Certificate of residence (Model 2)
- Certificate for free entry (diplomats)
- Letter of employment
- Packing list
Motor Vehicles
Documents Required
- Original registration card
- Certificate of insurance from origin country
- Copy of purchase invoice / sales contract / good faith declaration
Pets
Documents Required
- Vaccination record
- Veterinary health certificate
Restricted/Dutiable Items
- Food
- Ivory (CITES)
- Stuffed animals / animal skins
- Untreated wood
- Plants
- Alcohol (authorization from the territorial administration is required)
- Tobacco and tobacco products
- Coats, fur, and leather shoes made from protected animals (authorization from the territorial administration is required)
Prohibited Items
- Firearms and ammunitions
- Illegal drugs
For more information on international moving to Belgium, click here.
🇧🇬 International Moving to Bulgaria
Used Household Goods and Personal Effects
Documents Required
- Copy of passport
- Copy of local ID / residence permit
- Declaration of value / pro-forma invoice
- Packing list
- List of electronic items (must include serial numbers and model)
- Letter of employment (must be for a minimum of 12 months)
- Copy of residential rental contract (must be for a minimum of 12 months)
- Copy of plane tickets showing return to Bulgaria
- Original bill of lading (OBL) / air waybill (AWB)
- Copy of diplomatic passport (diplomats)
- Power of attorney (returning citizens)
- Diplomatic ID (diplomats)
- Letter of assignment (diplomats only – issued by the embassy stating the position and duties of owner of the goods)
- Declaration for temporary import (diplomats)
- Original T2L (issued by Customs at country of origin)
Motor Vehicles
Documents Required
- Original vehicle title / registration
- Purchase invoice
- Technical data (model, make, year of production, first year of registration, kilowatts of the engine, color, etc.)
Pets
Documents Required
- Pet passport
- Vaccination record
- Veterinary health record / certificate
- Identification chip
Restricted/Dutiable Items
- Guns and ammunition (permission must be obtained)
- Personal home computers as well as new electrical items are subject to Customs duties and taxes and purchases are required
- Precious metal, precious stones must be declared in writing.
- Medications for personal use can be imported but may not be expired.
- Tobacco may qualify for free import within the limits indicated:
- Cigarettes (200)
- Cigarillos (100)
- Cigars (50)
- Tobacco for smoking (250 grams)
- Alcohol may qualify for free import within the limits indicated:
- Wine (2 L)
- Sparkling or fortified wine (2 L)
- Spirits over 22% volume alcohol content (1 L)
- Coffee (500 g), coffee extract (200 g )
- Tea (100 g), tea extract (40 g)
- Perfume (50 g), eau de toilette (250 ml)
- Currency (cash sums greater than 8000 levs require the completion of a Customs declaration prior to import)
Prohibited Items
- Illegal drugs
- Pornographic materials
- Dangerous chemicals
- Knives and deadly weapons
🇭🇷 International Moving to Croatia
Used Household Goods and Personal Effects
Documents Required
- Copy of passport, notarized by notary public in Croatia
- Copy of visa / extended stay permit / work permit / proof of residence
- Copy of lease / purchase contract
- Detailed, valued inventory, signed by the owner of the goods (Croatian and English) (2 copies)
- Original bill of lading (OBL) / air waybill (AWB)
- Power of attorney (foreigners)
- Statement from Croatian embassy at origin (returning citizens)
- Employment contract or company registration documents (self-employed)
- EORI number (returning citizens)
- Croatian ID card (returning citizens)
- Original letter of protocol (diplomats)
- Copy of diplomatic passport (diplomats)
- Detailed, valued inventory should list all used items.
- They must have been owned by the owner of the goods for a minimum of 6 months prior to import into Croatia.
- Statement from Croatian embassy at origin must show that the owner of the goods has lived abroad for more than 12 months (returning citizens).
Motor Vehicles
Documents Required
- Original vehicle documentation (title / registration) (in English and Croatian)
- Invoice or pro-forma invoice with the vehicle value
- Technical data (chassis number, weight, power, etc.)
- Green card
- Driver’s license
- Proof of ownership by owner of the goods for at least 6 months
- Diplomatic protocol, if applicable
- Letter of Indemnity (LOI)
- The owner of the vehicle as stated on the vehicle documents must provide a signed statement confirming that the fuel tank of the vehicle is empty and that the battery has been disconnected.
Pets
Documents Required
- Veterinary health certificate
- Vaccination record
- Pet passport
- Microchip / tattoo number
- Pro-forma invoice
- Copy of owner of the goods’ passport
- RNATT test, if applicable
- Import permit, if applicable
Antiques, Artifacts, Carpets, Paintings
Documents Required
- When importing jewelry / art antiques, these items must be registered upon arrival in Croatia.
- No restriction on registered items as long as document from Croatian Ministry of Culture is available to show the presence of item in Croatia.
Restricted/Dutiable Items
- All weapons and ammunition (permit required and must be reported to the police upon entry)
- The following items may be brought in duty and tax free within the limits indicated:
- Cigarettes (200), cigars (50), cigarillos (100), tobacco (250 g)
- Spirits (1 L), wine (2 L), liqueur (2 L)
- Cologne (250 L), perfume (50g)
- National currency (15,000 HRK)
Prohibited Items
- Firearms and ammunition
- Stuffed animals
- Alcohol, wine, & spirits
- Tobacco
- Narcotics
🇩🇰 International Moving to Denmark
Used Household Goods and Personal Effects
Documents Required
- Passport
- Bill of lading (OBL) / air waybill (AWB)
- Packing list in English
- Declaration from diplomatic organization (diplomats)
- Detailed inventory (if alcohol is included in the shipment)
Motor Vehicles
Documents Required
- Original registration
- Insurance card
- Original bill of lading
Specific Information
- Cars, motorcycles, airplanes, caravans, pleasure crafts, and motor trailers may be imported duty free if it is in the owner of the goods’ possession and registered abroad for a minimum of 6 months.
- The original foreign registration papers and insurance card must be available and submitted to Customs.
- The owner of the goods must personally present the vehicle to authorities for registration within 30 days following Customs clearance.
- Danish vehicle registration tax is extremely high and is required.
Pets
Documents Required
- Rabies vaccination record
- Veterinary health certificate
Specific Information
- The entry of pets is permitted from most countries with valid documentation.
- The veterinary health certificate must not be more than 1 month old and must be issued by a European Union approved veterinarian
- The veterinary health certificate must be issued at least 3 weeks but not more than 12 months prior to departure from the origin country.
- Identification of the animal (tattoo or microchip) will be verified against documents prior to entry.
- All original documents must accompany the pet and be available to authorities at each point of transshipment and border crossings.
- Pets from certain countries may be required to undergo a rabies serological test prior to importation.
- Quarantine will not be required for healthy animals.
Restricted/Dutiable Items
- Narcotics and medicines (authorization is required)
- Firearms and ammunition (a license from the Danish Ministry of Justice is required)
- Live plants (a license from the Danish Governmental Plant Protection Service is required)
- Live, dead, and pre-manufactured animal parts (authorization and a license from the Danish Nature Conservancy Board is required)
- Wine / spirits / tobacco:If alcoholic beverages are included in the shipment, a detailed inventory listing brand, alcohol percentage, numbers, and bottle size must be included with the shipping documents.
- Except for identical bottles, it is a requirement that the inventory provides a separate listing for each bottle.
- Any quantities of wine / spirits included in any household goods shipments must be declared to be for personal consumption.
- Duty and tax will be assessed on what is declared.
- The amount of duties and taxes will be assessed on the kind, value, and quantity of imported tobacco products.
- Estimates prior to import are not available.
- The contents of cartons marked ‘packed by owner (PBO)’ must be declared on the inventory.
- Inheritances:
- Inheritances, except wine, spirits, and tobacco may be imported duty free within 2 years following the finalization of the estate.
- The owner of the goods must produce documentation in the form of a will or a declaration issued and legalized by the lawyers handling the estate.
Prohibited Items
- Weapons and ammunitions
- Explosives
- Live, dead, and pre-manufactured animal parts outline in the Washington Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES)
For more information on international moving to Denmark, click here.
🇫🇮 International Moving to Finland
Used Household Goods and Personal Effects
Documents Required
- Copy of passport
- Import declaration (Customs form 45) in Finnish, Swedish, or English
- Detailed inventory in Finnish, Swedish, or English (must include exact number and description of each item)
Specific Information
- For shipments originating outside of the European Union (EU), household goods and personal effects can be imported free of duty if:
- The goods have been used by the owner of the goods or the owner of the goods’ family abroad for at least 6 months.
- The owner of the goods has lived in a primary residence abroad for at least 12 months.
- The owner of the goods must have a primary residence in Finland to begin the Customs clearance process.
- Personal property imported from the EU is admitted free of Customs duty, tax, and other restrictions, except prohibitions referred to Article 36 of the Treaty of Rome.
- Diplomats may import household goods and personal effects duty free provided a detailed inventory has been completed and an obligation for privilege granted by the Foreign Ministry.
Motor Vehicles
Documents Required
- Certification of title / registration
Specific Information
- All vehicles subject to taxes; however, the car tax on one taxable private vehicle imported by the owner of the goods at transfer of the normal place of residence is reduced by a maximum of Euro 13,450 if the following three conditions are met:
- The owner of the goods has stayed abroad continuously for at least 12 months immediately before moving to Finland.
- The vehicle has been in the ownership, or in the possession leading to ownership, of the owner of the goods or a spouse and in the owner of the goods’ use abroad for at least six months immediately before the move to Finland.
- If the owner of the goods has previously brought in a vehicle free of tax, it is required that the time limit within which that vehicle may not be transferred without payment of tax has expired before his moving to Finland.
- A tax reduction will not be granted to a person under the age of 18 nor a person who has previously lived in Finland and stayed abroad mainly for educational or study purposes.
- Vehicles imported duty free by a foreigner are subject to prohibition on the sale, hire, and transfer of the vehicle for 3 years, one of which must be in Finland.
- Motor vehicles imported from within the EU are subject to the Finnish Value Added Tax (VAT) Act and Car Tax Act.
- As a rule, VAT is not collected in Finland on vehicles imported as removal goods from within the EU.
Pets
Documents Required
- Vaccination record
- Veterinary health certificate
Specific Information
- Pets are subject to examination upon arrival to Finland and quarantine; contact the destination agent to confirm the duration.
- Pets without the vaccination record will be returned to the port of origin.
- Pets may be imported duty free with proof of ownership.
Wedding Trousseau / Gifts
- Wedding trousseaux (may be imported duty free as part of the household goods shipment)
- Inheritances (may be imported duty free if the owner of the goods’ primary residence is in Finland; a detailed inventory and a certified copy of the will).
Restricted/Dutiable Items
- Alcoholic products, narcotics, tobacco (are subject to duty and VAT and incitements require special permits)
- Firearms and ammunition (a special permit by police authorities is required)
- Live animals and animal products (a special permit is required)
- Plants and plant parts (a special permit is required)
- New items (are subject to VAT and duty and must be declared separately on Customs form 45; a commercial invoice is also required)
- Art, antiques, and precious metal objects (are duty free as part of the household goods shipment; otherwise subject to VAT and duty; a detailed inventory is required)
Prohibited Items
- Narcotics / illegal drugs of any kind
- Pornography and subversive material
- Explosives, ammunitions, and weapons including knives, swords, and fireworks
- Feathers, furs, tusks, skins etc. of animals included on the Endangered Species List and those protected under the CITES Convention
For more information on international moving to Finland, click here.
🇫🇷 International Moving to France
Used Household Goods and Personal Effects
Documents Required
- Copy of passport
- Visa, if applicable
- Packing List
- Detailed Inventory valued in Euro and signed by the owner of the goods
- Certificate of change of residence by the French Consulate
- Certificate of Transfer
- Non-resale attestation
- Proof of residence in France
- Bill of lading (express release) / air waybill (AWB)
- Sales invoices for items purchased within 6 months prior to import
Specific Information
- Owner of the goods’ presence for Customs clearance is not required.
- A visa is only necessary if other documentation cannot be provided.
- Packing list is not required for Customs clearance, but is required at time of delivery
- Certificate of change of residence by the French consulate must show that the owner of the goods has established primary residence in origin country for at least 12 months.
- If less than 12 months abroad, the shipment is subject to more duties and taxes.
- Certificate of transfer must be on employer letterhead with date of employment in the country of origin country and date of transfer.
- Certificate of transfer must also show proof of at least 12 months abroad and primary residence in origin country.
- This document may not be accepted by all Customs office for free entry.
- Non-resale attestation must be completed, dated, and signed by the owner of the goods and must mention a vehicle when applicable.
- Proof of residence in France, such as last phone, electricity bill, or rental contract (less than 3 months old).
- Sales invoices must clearly identify items, date, year, and place of purchase.
- Used household goods in the owner of the goods’ possession or use for at least 6 months are duty free if the owner of the goods’ primary residence will be in France.
- If the payment of duties is required, authorization must be obtained from French Customs prior to arrival.
- For countries outside Europe items are subject to VAT of 20% plus duties (about 10%).
- Customs clearance takes approximately 3 to 4 days to clear the effects.
- For free entry, transfer of primary residence and the owner of the goods must have spent at least 12 months abroad.
Motor Vehicles
Documents Required
- Original certificate of title
- Current vehicle registration
- Import declaration
- Copy of vehicle purchase invoice showing taxes paid
Specific Information
- Customs duties are dependent on the vehicle’s country of origin; however, all imported vehicles are subject to value added tax (VAT).
- Duties and taxes are paid when the vehicle is cleared through Customs.
- The owner of the goods qualifies for duty and tax free entry if the following conditions are met:
- They have spent more than 12 months abroad
- They are transferring primary residence to France
- They have owned / used the car for at least 6 months prior to shipment
Pets
Documents Required
- Vaccination record
- Veterinary health certificate
Restricted/Dutiable Items
- Alcoholic beverages must be registered and are permitted within the limits indicated by persons 17 years and older as accompanied baggage (include a separate and detailed inventory of each item and an import license / state liquor license may be required):
- Wine (4 L)
- Beer (16 L)
- Alcohol not exceeding 22% alcohol by volume (2 L)
- Alcohol exceeding 22% alcohol by volume (1 L)
- Only “Fond de Cave” (15 bottles).
- Tobacco products are subject to duty or tax payments and can be imported by persons 17 years and older as accompanied baggage.
- Firearms and weapons (proof of ownership, registration / certificates / licenses are required and must be obtained prior to import).
- Contact agent for specific information as some weapons are prohibited.
- Medications for personal use only are permitted.
- Customs clearance takes approximately 3 to 4 days once required documentation is obtained.
Prohibited Items
- Weapons, ammunitions, and explosives
- Products made from animals (ivory, turtle shell, etc.)
- Endangered flora and fauna species and products made from them
- Items protected by the 1973 Washington Convention (CITES)
- Narcotics and drugs
Please see our International Moving to France page for more information.
🇩🇪 International Moving to Germany
Used Household Goods and Personal Effects
Documents Required
- Copy of passport
- Copy of visa
- Bill of lading (BL) / air waybill (AWB)
- Packing list in German or English
- Customs declaration / signed letter by owner of the goods
- Customs registration form 0350
- Letter of employment or botschaftsbescheinigung (returning citizens)
- Anmeldebestaetigung (registration)
- Diplomatic entry form 0349 (diplomats)
- Certificate from the diplomatic organization in Germany (diplomats)
Specific Information
- Effective processing of the Customs declaration can only commence once the goods are in the European Union and have been presented at the Customs office.
- Products imported into the European Customs Union are subject to duties only when and where the product first enters the European Union (e.g., Germany).
- The Customs declaration should be provided by the local agent in Germany.
- A letter signed by the owner of the goods certifying that the following taxable high value goods have not been included in the shipment:
- Firearms
- Alcohol
- Tobacco
- Cigarettes
- Tea
- Coffee
- Customs registration form 0350 stating goods will not be sold for 12 months.
- Letter of employment must state the term of employment will be for a minimum of 12 months and that the owner of the goods lived abroad for at least 12 months (must be issued by the employer of the client)
- Anmeldebestaetigung can be obtained from the appropriate German town hall confirming registration of new residency in Germany (not older than 3 months).
- Effective 1st November, 2015, the owner of the goods is required to obtain a confirmation letter, called “Wohngeberbescheinigung” from their future landlord in order to get a registration, “Anmeldebestaetigung”.
- The confirmation letter, “Wohngeberbescheinigung” must confirm that the owner of the goods will live at the address mentioned.
- Shipment must arrive in Germany within 12 months after registration in Germany.
- Botschaftsbescheinigung from the German Embassy or Consulate at origin.
- This document serves to confirm the period of time abroad (returning citizens).
- Proof of registration may not be older than 3 months.
- All goods for duty-free importation, such as household goods and personal effects must have been in the owner of the goods’ possession for at least 6 months in the origin country.
- Duty-free entry for foreign diplomats is permitted if a bilateral agreement exists with the origin country.
Motor Vehicles
Documents Required
- Proof of ownership
- Car documents
- Original bill of lading
- Anmeldebestatigung
- Insurance card from country of origin
- Third-party liability insurance initiated at Customs clearance
- Registration and copy of title from origin country
- The registration must show a minimum use of the last 6 months prior to shipping / prior to the first registration of the client in Germany
Specific Information
- Owner of the goods’ town hall registration in Germany (Anmeldebestatigung).
- Cars and motorcycles must be in the owner of the goods’ possession and must have been used for at least 6 months (as evidenced by a proper registration) at origin prior to shipment; adequate confirmation will be given by simple declaration as part of the Customs declaration.
- Approval for possession and use requires title and registration documents showing customers name and identified vehicle for import.
- Cars must be inspected before licensing, and must comply with German technical and environmental regulations and may require modifications.
- Customs clearance requires knowledge of all technical details of the car.
- Tax and duties must be paid in advance to the Customs office.
Pets
Documents Required
- Vaccination record
- Veterinary health certificate in German or translated by a licensed veterinarian
Specific Information
- The veterinary health certificate is valid ten days from the date in which it was issued (20 days for pets coming from non-European countries).
- It must describe the animal and state that the pet is free from rabies and other contagious diseases.
- Animals must be fitted with an identification microchip.
- The import of cats and dogs under 3 months old requires the purchase of an import permit from the state authority of the future residence in the destination country as well as the authority of the port of entry (POE).
Restricted/Dutiable Items
- Weapons (applicable license is required)
- Live plants (special import license is required)
- Tobacco and cigarettes (subject to duties and taxes)
- Alcohol does not qualify as household effets and is always subject to duties and taxes. The shipper is required to sign a customs declaration to confirm that the shipment does not contain alcoholic beverages.
- Customs clearance of alcohol is an additional customs clearance and not included in standard destination rates
- Alcohol is subject to duties as per a EU customs code which is complicated. Alcohol is also subject to taxes based on
- duties as per tariff
- taxes of 19% based on duties plus proportionate costs of transport (door-to-door)
Prohibited Items
- Drugs and narcotics
- Dried plants
- Pornographic materials
- Certain types of meat
- Radioactive materials
- Any protected animal or species (ivory, snakeskin, leopard fur, etc.)
- Items of historical significance (pre-Columbian items, etc.)
Please see our International Moving to Germany page for more information.
🇬🇷 International Moving to Greece
Used Household Goods and Personal Effects
Documents Required
- Copy of passport
- Copy of packing list
- Original bill of lading (OBL) – or copy if express release / Convention Marchandises Routiers (CMR) / air waybill (AWB)
- Original T2L form (page 4), if applicable
- Certificate of repatriation (persons entering from non-EU countries requesting duty-free entry)
- Authorization form / declaration form
- EORI application / declaration form
- Owner of the goods’ value added tax (VAT) ID number
- Residence permit issued by Greek authorities (foreigners)
- Copy of diplomatic passport (diplomats)
- Diplomatic franchise (diplomats)
- T1 form (diplomats)
Motor Vehicles
Documents Required
- Vehicle ownership documents
- Proof of car insurance
- Title / registration card
- Copy of driver’s license
- Diplomatic franchise (diplomats)
- Diplomatic ID (diplomats)
- Letter from Embassy certifying diplomat’s employment, including beginning and ending dates
Pets
Documents Required
- Vaccination record
- Veterinary health certificate
- Pet passport
Restricted/Dutiable Items
- Alcohol and spirits (only a small quantity is permitted; items must be identified as kitchenware and loaded first in the container or truck)
- Hunting weapons (authorization from the Ministry of Interior is required)
- Duties apply to the assessed Customs values as follows:
- Electrical items: 23%
- Electronic items: 35%
- Furniture: 18%
- Carpets: 30%
- Computers and fax machines: 18%
- Antiques (over 100 years): 8%
Prohibited Items
- Drugs
- Tobacco products
- Alcohol (12 bottles)
- Cigarettes (3 cartons)
- Explosive materials
- Live plants
- Stuffed animals
- Guns
🇭🇺 International Moving to Hungary
Used Household Goods and Personal Effects
Documents Required
- Copy of passport
- Packing list
- Bill of lading (BL) / express release / air waybill (AWB)
- Resident permit / work permit / registration card / Hungarian ID
- Detailed inventory in English, dated, valued, signed by the owner of the goods
- Proof of living abroad a minimum of 1 year outside the European Union (company confirmation, utility bills, etc.)
- Bank guarantee, if applicable
Motor Vehicles
Documents Required
- Original registration card
- Purchase invoice (must show purchase price and date of purchase)
Pets
Documents Required
- Health certificate
- Valid vaccination record
Restricted/Dutiable Items
- Firearms and ammunition (authorization from the territorial administration is required)
- Alcohol and spirits should be sent separately from the personal effects shipment and are subject to tax.
- Medication
- Hunting weapons (authorization from the Ministry of Interior is required)
- The following household goods may be imported duty free within the limits indicated:
- Cigarettes (200), cigars (50), cigarillos (100), tobacco (500g)
Prohibited Items
- Unlawful drugs
- Narcotics
- Pornography
- Explosive materials
If you need more information on international moving to Hungary, click here.
🇮🇸 International Moving to Iceland
Used Household Goods and Personal Effects
Documents Required
- Copy of passport
- Detailed inventory, dated, and signed by owner of the goods
- Original bill of lading (OBL) / air waybill (AWB)
- Duty exemption registration (if applicable)
Motor Vehicles
Documents Required
- Copy of passport
- Original certificate of title showing owner of the goods’ name and vehicle serial number
- Original registration card of origin country
- Original purchase invoice / bill of sale
- Insurance certificate
- Inventory
- Letter of employment
Pets
Documents Required
- Vaccination record
- Veterinary health certificate
- Pet passport
Restricted/Dutiable Items
- Restricted:
- Alcohol / wine (must be inventoried separately with brand name, type, amount, number of bottles, and value); a person importing wine or alcohol in a shipment of household goods must pay duties and taxes.
- Tobacco (is subject to duty and tax)
- Narcotics
- New items (items less than 12 months old)
- Telephones and communications equipment
- Angling gear (clothing used abroad must be disinfected prior to importation)
- Riding gear (leather items are prohibited, including saddles, bridles, muzzles, reins, etc.)
- Weapons, ammunition, and explosives (contact the destination agent for exceptions)
- Live animals (permit required from The Icelandic Food and Veterinary Authority)
- Meat products (must be boiled or canned)
- Foodstuffs
- Flowers and other plants
- Medicines
- The owner of the goods may bring into the country medicine for their own use in a quantity that corresponds to usage for 100 days max.
- Male hormonal medicine classified as anabolic steroids and comparable substances, as well as peptides and comparable substances may only be imported in a quantity that corresponds to 30 days of use maximum
- Customs officers have the authority to request proof of prescription or medication to these drugs in the prescribed quantity.
- Please note that the import of drugs by mail for personal use from countries outside the EEA is prohibited.
- See the Icelandic Medicines Agency website for more details.
- Knives (cannot have blades exceeding 12 cm)
- Toxic and hazardous substances
- Dutiable:
- Objects and equipment for commercial use
- Vehicles that are subject to registration, motorized vehicles, and other vehicles for sailing or flight
- Objects usually fixed to the walls or floor of the owner of the goods’ residence (i.e. fixtures, wood flooring, etc.)
- Food and beverages, including alcohol and tobacco
Prohibited Items
- Paints, polishes, and cleaning solvents
- Drugs and narcotics
- Natural plants
- Food items
- Chewing tobacco and finely powdered snuff
- Explosives
🇮🇪 International Moving to Ireland
Used Household Goods and Personal Effects
Documents Required
- Copy of passport
- Packing list
- Transfer of residency 1(TOR 1) – PPS declaration document
- Express release / air waybill (AWB)
- Documentary evidence of residence abroad for at least 12 months
- Two original copies of utility bills. (Electricity bill and a bank statement will do. Must not be older than 12 months).
- Proof of residence in Ireland (2 forms)
- Copy of property lease, rental agreement, or purchase in Ireland
- Resident / work permit / letter of employment
- Travel itinerary returning to Ireland / copy of flight confirmation / copy of boarding pass
- Letter from the Irish Department of Foreign Affairs Protocol Section
Specific Information
- All goods should be in the ownership of the owner of the goods for at least 12 months prior to import.
- Required documents must be received by the agent prior to the arrival of the shipment to minimize any port charges.
- Owner of the goods does not need to be present for Customs clearance.
- Owner of the goods should arrive in the country prior to the arrival of the shipment.
- Used household goods may be allowed entry on a duty and tax free basis once the TOR has been verified.
- Imports not deemed qualified as part of a TOR shipment will be subject to duty (6% to 13%) and value added tax (VAT) of approximately 23%.
- If they do not have a European Union country passport they must provide a copy of their Irish entry authorisation visa.
- Letter from the Irish Department of Foreign Affairs Protocol Section authorizing release of the consignment from the port (diplomats).
- Needs to be confirmed ahead of arriving into port as Ireland only extends the same privileges it receives in the country of origin.
Motor Vehicles
Documents Required
- Copy of passport
- Original registration
- Original bill of lading (OBL) / air waybill (AWB)
- Copy of current insurance certificate (copy of previous policy documentation is acceptable if no current insurance is in effect)
- Bill of sale showing date of purchase and price
Pets
Documents Required
- Vaccination record
- Veterinary health certificate
- Pet passport
Restricted/Dutiable Items
- Alcohol is subject to duties (variable according to type, strength, etc.) and VAT (23%).
- A declaration form is needed prior to arrival of the container and should be loaded at rear of the container for easy access if examination is required.
- New furniture and household goods (items purchased within 6 months of the date of shipping are subject to customs duties and VAT of 23%).
Prohibited Items
- Narcotics
- Drugs
- Explosives
- Pornography
- Firearms
- Meat products
- Live plants
- Endangered species and any products or parts thereof as outlined by CITES (authorization from CITES is required)
🇮🇹 International Moving to Italy
Used Household Goods and Personal Effects
Documents Required
- Copy of passport
- Original bill of lading (OBL) / air waybill (AWB)
- Copy of tax code number / Codice Fiscale from the Agenzia delle Entrate
- Packing list in English or Italian
- Diplomatic franchise / telepresso addressed to the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, issued by the owner of the goods’ diplomatic organization (Diplomats)
- Customs Dichiarazione Sostitutiva di Certificazione, completed and signed by owner of the goods
- Detailed inventory signed by owner of the goods, stamped and signed by Italian Consulate / Embassy at origin and attached to the Dichiarazione Consolare di Rimpatrio (citizens, EU nationals)
- Permit to stay released by the Questura Police Office (non-Diplomats)
- Copy of residence certificate / receipt from Italian City Hall stating the owner of the goods has requested residence registration (non-Diplomats)
- Original consular declaration / Dichiarazione Consolare di Rimpatrio released by the Italian Consulate / Embassy (Italian citizens)
Specific Information
- The Dichiarazione Sostitutiva di Certificazione must include the following information:
- Number of family members
- City of nationality
- Country of origin from which the owner of the goods is transferring residence
- Date of establishing residency in Italy
- The Consular Declaration / Dichiarazione Consolare di Rimpatrio must include the following information:
- Period of time the owner of the goods was a resident abroad (must be a minimum of 12 months)
- Names of family members and the date of the owner of the goods’ definitive return to Italy
- Packing list
- The authorization to import new furniture must be obtained for clearing Customs by paying duties and value added tax (VAT).
- For new furniture, duties are subject to change depending on the material of the furniture.
- VAT is 22% on the CIF value of the shipment.
- The owner of the goods has 6 months from the date of establishing residency in Italy to import the household goods shipment duty and tax free (non-Diplomat / national citizens of a non-EU Country).
- The owner of the goods has 1 year from the date of departure from the origin country to import the household goods shipment duty and tax free (citizens / EU nations).
- Diplomats can apply for the entry permit / franchise issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs only after they have started working for the diplomatic organization in Italy.
- In order to avoid extra fees at the port / airport, transportation should be put on hold until given the green light by the destination agent in Italy.
- It is strongly recommended that Italian citizens obtain a consular certificate as soon as possible to expedite the Customs process (citizens / EU nationals).
- A detailed list including an accurate description of art pieces and antiques is required.
- A legalization of the list from the Italian Consulate at origin is advisable.
Motor Vehicles
Documents Required
- Copy of passport
- OBL
- Original title (in owner of the goods’ name)
- Technical data sheet issued by the manufacturer, car features and declaration of conformities with EU requirements.
- Original registration
- Proof of ownership of vehicle for more than 6 months
- Insurance valid for circulation in Italy
- Certificate of residence issued by Italian City Hall from the new city of residence / Consular documents for returning Italian Citizens (issued by the nearest Consulate in the Country of origin )
- Copy of diplomatic franchise / telespresso addressed to the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued by the owner of the goods’ diplomatic organization in Italy (Diplomats)
Pets
Documents Required
- Original international vaccination book
- Pet passport (with microchip number)
- Rabies vaccination certificate
- Veterinary health certificate in English or Italian
Specific Information
- Pets must be imported within the 10-day period of validity identified in the veterinary health certificate.
- Veterinary health certificate must be issued by competent authorities and be valid for 10 days.
Restricted/Dutiable Items
- All audiovisual items such as televisions, radios, stereos, video-recorders, DVD players and personal computers are to be listed with serial number and trademark.
- Only audiovisual sets that are marked “CE” (European Commission) or purchased prior to January 1996 without bearing “CE” can enter Italy. Customs might inspect these items to check whether they meet requirements and proof of purchase may be required.
- Live plants require a Phytosanitary Certificate for import.
- The import of weapons must meet the following conditions:
- Weapons must be recorded in the National Catalogue of Weapons.
- Weapons without a serial number (applies to USA, Canada, Japan, and Australia) must be sent to the National Test Stand at Gardone Val Trompia (BS), where Customs will assign one to the weapon.
- Customs clearance generally takes 15-20 days for weapons with serial numbers and 2 -3 months for weapons requiring the assignment of a serial number.
- The owner of the goods must be present for the clearance process.
- An import license should be requested by the owner of the goods in their city of residence.
- Weapons should be shipped separately in cartons or crates easily reachable (i.e., near the door of container) indicating their location.
Prohibited Items
- Tobacco (in any form)
- Spirits and wine
- Food items
- Cigarettes and cigars
- Animal skins
- Non-prescribed medicines and drugs
- Cordless electronics, including walkie-talkies
🇱🇺 International Moving to Luxembourg
Used Household Goods and Personal Effects
Documents Required
- Copy of passport
- Packing list copy in French or in German
- Bill of lading (express release) / air waybill (AWB)
- Certificate de Franchise en Douane
- T-Form for transit within the European Union (EU) (new furniture and goods)
- Original purchase invoice of new furniture and goods
- Consumption declaration (COM 4) for new furniture and goods
- Customs declaration in French or German
- Inventory list numbered in French or English and without any blanks (5 copies)
- Declaration 136 F
- Attestation from employer / “Fiche de Renseignements”
- Inventory list in French or English (3 original, completed, and signed on every page by the owner of the goods)
Motor Vehicles
Documents Required
- Copy of passport
- Original title
- Customs declaration in French, signed by the owner of the goods
- Original bill of lading / air waybill
- Original purchase invoice
- Proof of insurance covering the previous 6 months
- Certificate of residence
- Proof of invoice or another document as evidence of the ownership abroad
- Letter from Ministry of Foreign Affairs verifying diplomatic status or employment
- T-Form for transit within the European Union (EU)
Pets
Documents Required
- Vaccination record
- Veterinary health certificate
Specific Information
- Medical examination may be required on arrival
- As regulations are often changing, contact the destination agent or Consulate for specific information.
Wedding Trousseau / Gifts
- Form 136
- Inventory certificate from the local authorities abroad, giving evidence that the applicant has resided together with his parents before marriage (residence is compulsory for one person of the couple) (duty-free import – 5 copies)
- Certificate document showing place and date of the marriage (duty-free import)
- Document showing that at the time of the marriage one spouse was residing in the country and the other abroad (duty-free import)
Restricted/Dutiable Items
- Dangerous objects (an authorization from the Ministry of Justice is required prior to import)
- Tobacco
- Spirits and wine (a detailed list showing the number, the size and degree of alcohol of the bottles as follows:
- If < 13° = 12% VAT on the declared value + taxes of € 13.1 per hectoliter
- If > 13° = 15% VAT on the declared value + taxes of € 13.1 per hectoliter
Prohibited Items
- Ammunition
- Ivory
- Medicines
- Narcotics and drugs
For more information on international moving to Luxemburg, click here.
🇳🇱 International Moving to the Netherlands
Used Household Goods and Personal Effects
Documents Required
- Copy of passport
- Detailed inventory
- Bewijs van aanmelding
- Aangifte – Douane 39 form (diplomats)
- Copy of the registration at town/city hall where the shipper will live (document must mention the country the shipper is moving from).
- When client does not have his town/city hall registration yet, client may also submit a proof of deregistration from the country of origin. Please also supply one of the following documents:
- Copy of a work contract or declaration from the employer confirming the period of working for them abroad and will now be working for them in the Netherlands as from …… (date),
or
- Copy of a rental agreement or purchase contract of the residence in the Netherlands. This may not be older than 6 months.
Motor Vehicles
Documents Required
- Certificate of title / registration
- Purchase invoice or other proof of ownership
- Original bill of lading
- Certificate of residence
- Copy of foreign insurance certificate or proof of insurance
Pets
Documents Required
- Vaccination record
- Veterinary health certificate
Wedding Trousseau / Gifts
- Inventory in 2 copies.
- Marriage certificate.
- Certificate of residence.
- Exemption of duties form.
Restricted/Dutiable Items
- Hunting and shooting firearms require a permit issued by the Dutch authoritie
- Medicines:
- To import medicines, a manufacturing license issued by the Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport is required.
- Medications must be for personal use.
- Owners of the goods should request a medical passport from a general practitioner to verify the personal use of the medication.
- Plants / flowers / fruits / vegetables:
- These items require a phytosanitary certificate from the country of origin declaring the items healthy and free from diseases.
- If a phytosanitary certificate is unavailable, Customs will confiscate the items.
- Animal Products / Food Items:
- A health certificate is required for the import of these items, including but not limited to, cheese, milk, eggs, meat, meat products, animal skins, and hunting trophies.
- The health certificate must be issued by the authorities of the origin country at the time the goods are imported.
- All animal products and food items are subject to veterinary examination upon arrival.
- Goods of animal origin, including food items, are subject to special requirements.
- Contact the destination for specific information and exceptions.
- Powdered milk, baby food, and special food items for medical purposed may be imported provided the following requirements are met:
- The products do not need to be chilled prior to consumption.
- The products are packaged products of a registered trademark.
- The packaging should be unopened and undamaged.
- An exemption from the required health certificate applies to products in which an animal ingredient is no longer identifiable (e.g., chocolate, etc.).
- Contact the Dutch Embassy in the origin country if you need assistance.
Prohibited Items
- Weapons (toy and imitation) and ammunition (strike, thrust or stabbing weapons; gas pistols, alarm pistols, pepper sprays, etc.)
- Alcohol / Cigarettes / Tobacco
🇳🇴 International Moving to Norway
Used Household Goods and Personal Effects
Documents Required
- Passport
- Original bill of lading (OBL) / air waybill (AWB)
- Detailed inventory in Norwegian, English or German (2 copies)
- Customs Form RD 0030E (Importation of Removal Goods Declaration)
Motor Vehicles
Documents Required
- Title / registration
- Status report
- OBL
Pets
Documents Required
- Vaccination record
- Veterinary health certificate
- Import license
- Identification marking (tattoo or approved microchip)
- Certificate of de-worming against echinococcos
Restricted/Dutiable Items
- Cigarettes – persons over 18 years or older (200), tobacco leaves (200), other tobacco products (250 g)
- Television sets (Customs will report television imports to the Norwegian Broadcasting Corporation (NRK), which will forward an annual license invoice to the owner.)
- New items (any item owned and used less than 12 months are considered new and subject to import tax and duty)
- Vitamins (milligram dosage allowed in Norway is very low. It is advised not to include them in the shipment.)
- Medications (must be hand carried by the owner of the goods and a prescription shown to Customs upon arrival)
- Weapons (a permit from the local police is required)
- Food items (only canned food, dried food, and spices can be imported and in small quantities for personal consumption – not recommended for import)
- Outboard engines (charges of approximately NOK 285,- per horsepower + 25% VAT calculated from purchase price/invoice apply)
- Wood packaging materials must be treated and marked according to ISPM-15 regulations.
- Live plants (a certificate from the Plant and Wildlife Department at origin is required)
- Alcohol:
- An import permit from the Ministry of Drugs is required and must be obtained prior to import.
- The import of alcohol is strongly discouraged as high duties and taxes will apply.
- A detailed list including brand, volume, year and strength must be presented to Customs.
- Spirits containing over 60% alcohol by volume cannot be imported.
Prohibited Items
- Drugs
- Poisons
- Explosives
- Potatoes
- Endangered animal and plant species
For more information on international moving to Norway, click here.
🇲🇹 International Moving to Malta
Used Household Goods and Personal Effects
Documents Required
- Original passport
- Packing list
- Letter of employment from origin
- Valued inventory for Maltese Customs
- Original bill of lading (OBL) / express release / air waybill (AWB)
Motor Vehicles
Documents Required
- Original express release / original bill of lading
- Original car log book
- Purchase invoice showing purchase price
- VEH07 and all requested documents attached
- Photos of the vehicle
Pets
Documents Required
- Pet passport
- Vaccination record
- Veterinary health record
- Import license issued by the Director of Veterinary Services
Restricted/Dutiable Items
- Food
- Alcoholic beverages (only 6 bottles)
Prohibited Items
- Weapons
- Firearms
- Pornographic materials
- Drugs
- Live plants
🇵🇱 International Moving to Poland
Used Household Goods and Personal Effects
Documents Required
- Bill of lading (telex preferred) / CMR / AWB
- Packing list
- Work permit (if required depends on nationality)
- Residence permit
- Confirmation of staying abroad at least 12 months
- Copy of passport (ID page and visa stamp)
- Letter of Employment (from future and previous employer)
- Copy of Polish ID (returning citizens)
- Confirmation of Polish address (returning citizens)
- Written Statement (returning citizens)
- Copy of diplomatic passport (diplomats)
- Detailed inventory in Polish and signed by the owner of the goods
- Certificate from the Polish Ministry of Foreign Affairs (diplomats)
Motor Vehicles
Documents Required
- Invoice / bill of sale
- Proof of insurance
- Original registration, or copy if original is not available
- Signed valuation submitted by owner of the goods
- Original vehicle documents proving ownership
Pets
Documents Required
- Pet passport issued by a veterinarian
- Copy of owner of the goods’ passport
- Anti-rabies vaccination
- Declaration of pet’s value
- Copy of owner of the goods’ ticket as proof of residence
- International health certificate
Antiques, Artifacts, Carpets, Paintings
- Detailed inventory
- Certificate of antiquity
- Two photographs for each item
Restricted/Dutiable Items
- Medications that are for personal use only
- Plants:
- Plants may be imported only if they are intended to be used in the shipper’s home in Poland.
- Plants may only be imported from European Union countries
- A phytosanitary certificate is not required.
- Alcohol and Tobacco:
- The allowance limit for the import of wine and spirits for personal consumption is indicated as follows:
- Importing from Non-EU Country:
- Alcohol not exceeding 22% alcohol (wine, beer, etc.) 2 liters
- Spirits 1 liter
- Tobacco 200 cigarettes, 50 cigars or 250 g tobacco
- Importing from EU Country:
- Wine 90 liters (but no more than 60 liters of sparkling wine)
- Beer 110 liters
- Other alcohol 10 liters
- Tobacco 800 cigarettes, 200 cigars, or 1 kg tobacco
Prohibited Items
- Food, fluids, alcohol
- Chemicals
- Inflammable materials
- Weapons of all kinds
- Pornography
- Narcotics
- Plants
- Medications that are for personal use only
- Toxic and radioactive materials
- Protected animal species
If you would like more information on international moving to Poland, click here.
🇵🇹 International Moving to Portugal
Used Household Goods and Personal Effects
Documents Required
- Original passport (in color)
- Copy of visa
- Inventory list
- TAX card copy
- Baggage certificate
- Residence certificate
- Declaration as per European Union regulations
- Original bill of lading (OBL) / air waybill (AWB)
- Photocopy of air ticket or declaration
- Photocopy of work contract (if applicable)
- Proof of application for residence permit
- Copy of identity card (diplomats)
Motor Vehicles
Documents Required
- Registration certificate
- Original title
- International driver’s license
- Insurance documents
- Import license
- Purchase invoice
- Inspection records
Pets
Documents Required
- Vaccination certificate
- Veterinary health certificate
- Owner of the goods’ passport
Restricted/Dutiable Items
- Wine
- Tobacco
- New items still in packaging
- Essences for regional wine counterfeit
- Systems for copying mail stamping systems
- Fish if it is disemboweled (cannot exceed 20 kg)
- Medicines and foodstuffs harmful to national health and drugs
- Powdered milk for babies, food for children and special medical food (including pet food) may be allowed if not requiring refrigeration and with original, unbroken seal (unless in use at the time),
- Quantity must not exceed the weight of 10 kg originating from Croatia, Faroe Islands, Greenland and Iceland, and of 2 kg if originating in other countries
- Coats, fur and leather shoes made of protected animals (special authorization required)
- Hunting and civilian guns only (guns needs a property title and also need to be mentioned on the Consulate certificate)
- Firearms, cut and thrust weapons, and any instrument without specific application
Prohibited Items
- Meat and milk, and any by-products thereof, from non-European Union countries, with the exception of limited amounts from Andorra, Croatia, the Faroe Islands, Greenland, Iceland and small amounts of specific products from other countries;
- Check with agent for details.
- Protected species and products thereof as listed by the Washington Convention (CITES).
- For example, ivory, tortoise shells, coral, reptile skins, and wood from Amazonian forests.
- Pornographic material / objects
- Alcohol / spirits
- Firearms / weapons
- Drugs
- Food
For more information on international moving to Portugal, click here.
🇷🇴 International Moving to Romania
Used Household Goods and Personal Effects
Documents Required
- Copy of passport / Romanian ID card
- Packing list / valued inventory
- Work / resident permit
- Lease agreement / rental contract
- Letter of employment / registration certificate in Romanian
- Original bill of lading (OBL) / air waybill (AWB)
- Fiscal number and registration certificate copy of the company
- Personal declaration
- Import application
- Letter of repatriation (returning citizens)
- Delegacy from the Embassy (diplomat)
- Request for import and inventory (diplomat)
Motor Vehicles
Documents Required
- Copy of license plate certificates
- Copy of invoice
- Copy of property title
- EORI number for the owner of the goods
- Motor vehicles require the same set of documents listed for household goods as well as those listed above
Pets
Documents Required
- Vaccination record
- Veterinary health certificate
- Identification (microchip / tattoo)
Restricted/Dutiable Items
- The following items may qualify for free import if within the limits indicated:
- Alcohol – only 1 liter over 22 degrees or 2 liters below 22 degrees or 2 liters of wine
- Cigarettes – only 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 250g of tobacco
Prohibited Items
- Illegal drugs
- Food
- Medicine
- Pornographic material
- Firearms, ammunition, explosives
- Protected species and products thereof as listed by the Washington Convention (CITES) / live plants, unless the plant has the phito-sanitary certificate
🇷🇺 International Moving to Russia
Used Household Goods and Personal Effects
Documents Required
- Copy of passport
- Packing list
- Telex release bill of lading (OBL) / copy air waybill (AWB)
- Detailed inventory or pro-forma invoice
- Customs declaration form
- Letter of employment
- Copy of visa (accredited individuals)
- Copy of accreditation card (accredited individuals)
- Copy of diplomatic passport, diplomatic visa, and diplomatic card (diplomats)
- Customs declaration form (non-accredited individuals).
- Registration with the Federal Immigration Services (FMS) (non-accredited individuals)
- Power of attorney
Motor Vehicles
Documents Required
- Original technical passport
- Telex release bill of lading / copy air waybill
- Original Customs declaration
- Pro-forma invoice
- Purchase document
- Employment confirmation letter (non-citizens)
Pets
Documents Required
- Certificate of vaccination
- Veterinary health certificate
- Pet passport
Restricted/Dutiable Items
- Wine and spirits (2 L)
- Arms and ammunition
- Precious jewelry, stones, medicines, and currency can be imported only as accompanied baggage and must be declared with Customs authorities at the time of owner of the goods’ arrival.
Prohibited Items
- Weapons of all kinds
- Pornography
- Narcotics
- Toxic and radioactive materials
- Flora and fauna objects
- Technical / receiving apparatus which operate with frequency higher than 9 KHz
🇪🇸 International Moving to Spain
Used Household Goods and Personal Effects
Documents Required
- Original of passport
- Original of DNI (for Spaniards) or NIE (residence permit for foreigners)
- Detailed inventory, valued and signed in Spanish
- Original certificate of change of residence (“Baja Consular”) issued by the Spanish Consulate at origin
- Spanish resident card / work permit
- Original bill of lading (OBL) / air waybill (AWB)
- “Alta de Empadronamiento” issued by the local authorities of the place of residence in Spain
- Application form for duty-free importation
- Diplomatic Franchise (Diplomats)
- Original certificate of change of residence issued by the Spanish Consulate at origin for Spanish Nationals
- Original certificate of change of residence issued by correspondent Consulate at origin for foreign citizens from a third country
- Official paperwork proving residency in country of departure for at least the last 12 consecutive months: Employer letter, registration certificates from any public administration in origin, rental bills, etc for foreign citizens moving from their country of origin
Motor Vehicles
Documents Required
- Original vehicle purchase invoice
- Original documents of the car (e.g., certificate of title and registration, insurance, etc.)
- The car must be built to fit EU standards.
- Technical details sheet of the imported vehicle
- Official information gathered online from the concrete brand, model, and year must be provided if there is no such document in the country of departure
- If the model of the car is not sold in the EU, owner of the goods must obtain from the manufacturer a document stating to what EU model his car matches.
Pets
Documents Required
- Vaccination record
- International health certificate
Restricted/Dutiable Items
- Fur coats may undergo Customs examination.
- There are no limits on the amount of alcohol and tobacco imported from countries in the European Union; however, Customs is more likely to investigate if bringing more than the quantities indicated:
- Cigarettes (800), cigarillos (400 or 3 g each), cigars (200), smoking tobacco (1 kg)
- Spirits over 22% (10 L), spirits under 22% (20 L), Wine (90 L but no more than 60 L of sparkling wine), beer (110 L)
- The following items may qualify for imported by persons 18 years and older within the limits indicated:
- Cigarettes (200), cigarillos (100), cigars (50), smoking tobacco (250 g)
- Alcohol exceeding 22% volume or un-denatured ethyl alcohol 80% volume and over (1 L), alcohol not exceeding 22% volume (2 L), still wine (4 L), beer (16 L)
Prohibited Items
- Firearms and ammunition (permit is required)
- Antiques (permit is required)
- Liquor and alcohol (small quantities)
- Pictures, sculptures, Persian carpets and other art items
- Protected species and products made from them per the Washington Convention (CITES), such as ivory, tortoise shells, coral, reptile skins, etc.
For more information on international moving to Spain, click here.
🇸🇪 International Moving to Sweden
Used Household Goods and Personal Effects
Documents Required
- Passport
- Swedish Customs form (Foersaekran)
- Detailed inventory in English or Swedish
- Bill of lading (WBL) / air waybill (AWB)
- Letter of employment / lease agreement
- Residence permit (non – citizens)
- Diplomatic franchise
- Stamped copy of registration at the Swedish Tax Office
- Original Swedish customs form
Motor Vehicles
Documents Required
- Original sales invoice
- Title / registration
- Original bill of lading
- Proof of insurance
Pets
Documents Required
- Vaccination record
- Veterinary health certificate
Restricted/Dutiable Items
- Medicine is allowed with a doctor’s prescription and must be for personal use only; only a 5-day supply is permitted.
- New furniture is permitted if a sales invoice with prices, date, and place of purchase as well as a packing list is given.
- Plants, fruit, and vegetables require a plant passport / phytosanitary certificate issued by the Plant Protection Service.
- Contact the destination agent for specific information.
- Special permission is required for products and goods made from animals.
- Alcohol and tobacco:
- Must be declared and are subject to tax and duty.
- Subject to destruction at Customs discretion (charges will still apply).
- Importation may be expensive.
- Customs clearance takes approximately 3 weeks.
- Contact the destination agent for details.
- Firearms
Prohibited Items
- Narcotics and illegal drugs
For more information on international moving to Sweden, click here.
🇨🇭 International Moving to Switzerland
Used Household Goods and Personal Effects
Documents Required
- Copy of passport with clear photo
- Copy of bill of lading (OBL) / CMR (Road) / air waybill (AWB)
- Originally signed Customs form 18.44 (application for duty & tax-free clearance of removal goods)
- Supplemental declaration for alcoholic products
- Detailed inventory list
- Copy of residence permit (except for Swiss citizens and immigrants from the 15 initial EU states and from the EFTA states)
- If not yet available, copy of the work contract or letter of employment from Swiss employer (all confidential data such as salary, bonus, etc may be deleted)
- Registration at local Swiss town hall
- Copy of lease agreement / purchase contract (property title)
- Detailed packing list in German, French, Italian, or English
- Proof of stay more than 1 year outside of Switzerland (military booklet, attestation from Swiss Consulate or earlier de-registration) (returning citizens)
- Original Customs form 14.60 provided by employer, duly signed, and stamped (diplomats)
- Copy of “Carte de Légitimation” (diplomats)
Motor Vehicles
Documents Required
- Official foreign driver’s license
- Original certificate title
- Original bill of sale / purchase invoice
Pets
Documents Required
- Vaccination record
- Rabies required
- Veterinarian health certificate in German, French, Italian, or English
- Blood analysis may be requested depending on country of origin
Antiques, Artifacts, Carpets, Paintings
Documents Required
- Written letter of confirmation
- List of paintings with artist names and values
Restricted/Dutiable Items
- Food products
- Tobacco
- New articles and consumer goods, which do not correspond to normal household requirements are dutiable. Purchas invoice is required.
- Furnishings, which do not correspond to normal household requirements
- Weapons, including firearms (a permit is required)
- The following items are admitted duty and tax free, provided they are destined for one’s own requirements:
- Used motor cars and/or used motor boats (at least 6 months)
- Maximum 12 liters of hard liquor over 25% volume
- Maximum 200 liters of red / white wine, champagne
- Hunting rifles
- The following conditions apply to the import of alcohol:
- Swiss Customs authorities will personally assess whether the quantity of alcoholic beverages imported corresponds with the size of the shipment.
- The maximum duty-free allowance for:
- Spirits and liquors exceeding 25% alcohol by volume is 12 liters
- Red or white wine is 200 liters
- Champagne or other alcohol less than 25% alcohol by volume, depends on the size of the shipment
Prohibited Items
- Drugs and narcotics
- Weapons (other than sporting and hunting guns)
- Ammunition
- Anti-radar equipment
- Animal products from protected / endangered species (ivory, skins etc.)
- Fake items (e.g. watches, faked brand name & model items)
For more information on international moving to Switzerland, click here.
🇺🇦 International Moving to Ukraine
Used Household Goods and Personal Effects
Documents Required
- Copy of passport
- Copy of visa
- Original bill of lading / express release / sea waybill / air waybill
- Packing list
- Pro-forma invoice
- Copy of diplomatic card (diplomats)
- Embassy certificate of accreditation in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (diplomat)
- Letter to Customs officials from the Embassy (diplomat)
- Immigration card (non-diplomats)
- Work permit (non-diplomats)
- Employment contract (non-diplomats)
- Employer registration certificate (non-diplomats)
- Employment confirmation (diplomats must submit on Embassy letterhead)
- Temporary import obligation (non-diplomats)
- Letter from the owner of the goods’ organization requesting Customs procedures (non-diplomats)
- Detailed inventory lists
- Separate list of art objects (non-diplomats)
- Separate list of all electrical appliances with serial number; if possible, an original purchase receipt should be attached for all items listed
- Separate list of antique items (all items produced before 1945)
- Separate list of all books issued before 1939 (must include the name of author and year of issue)
- Customs declaration
Motor Vehicles
Documents Required
- Certificate of title / registration
- Original bill of lading / air waybill
- Purchase invoice
Pets
Documents Required
- Certificate of vaccination
- Veterinary health certificate
- Pet passport
Restricted/Dutiable Items
- The following items may qualify for free import if within the limits indicated in accompanied luggage only:
- Wine (2 L) and spirits (more than 22% alcohol by volume) (1 L), beer (5 L)
- Cigarettes (200), cigars (50), tobacco products (250 g); only persons above 18 years old may import tobacco products.
Prohibited Items
- Weapons of all kinds
- Medicines and chemicals
- Pornography
- Narcotics and drugs
- Toxic and radioactive materials
- Alcohol and food items
- Live plants and seeds
- Skins and animal furs
- Feathers and items containing feathers
- Cleaning and washing materials
- Items under pressure and flammables
- Jewelry
- Currency and bank notes
- Tobacco
- Pigeons
🇬🇧 International Moving to the United Kingdom
Used Household Goods and Personal Effects
Documents Required
- Legible copy of passport
- Detailed inventory in English, dated, and signed by the owner of the goods
- Transfer of Residence (ToR)
- C426 with cover letter from respective embassy (diplomat)
Motor Vehicles
Documents Required
- ToR1 Application
- Declaration form C384 (if less than 6 months old)
- Copy of registration documents proving ownership
- Insurance policy documentation (copies from country of origin proving use)
- Utility bills / bank statements that prove place of residence was outside the European Union and exceeded 12 months
Pets
Documents Required
- Vaccination record
- Veterinary health certificate
- Form C5
- Import license
Restricted/Dutiable Items
- Firearms, explosives, and ammunition
- Fruit, vegetable, and plant products
- Cigarettes (200), cigarillos (100), cigars (50), tobacco (250g)
- Spirits / liqueurs (more than 22% – 1 liter)
- Fortified wine or alcohol less than 22% (2 liters), still wine (4 liters), beer (16 L)
- Imitation firearms
- Offensive weapons
- Live animals
- Endangered animals or plants and products thereof (required a valid CITES permit)
- Fur skins and articles made from fur skin
- Radio transmitters
- Rough diamonds
- Animal food products
Prohibited Items
- Illicit drugs
- Knives
- Self-defense sprays
- Stun guns
- Indecent and obscene material
- Counterfeit, pirated and patent-infringing goods
- Milk products from outside the European Union (England, Scotland)
Middle East
🇪🇬 International Moving to Egypt
Used Household Goods and Personal Effects
Documents Required
- Original passport with Egyptian resident / work permit
- Original bill of lading (OBL) / air waybill (AWB)
- Detailed inventory, valued, dated, and signed in English
- Packing list
- Letter of guarantee
- Form 4DE (diplomats)
Specific Information
- All items are subject to taxes, including consumables.
- All audio visual goods (tapes, video, books, DVD, CD ROMS, etc.) will be inspected, viewed, read by Customs and released no sooner than 3 weeks after import.
- Packing list must be clear and legible as it will be translated into Arabic.
- Do not indicate “miscellaneous,” “packed by owner,” or “PBO.”
- Private owners of the goods must pay duties and taxes.
- All shipments, from private to half-diplomatic are subject to Customs inspection.
- Extra charges may be applied for the inspection of special items, including: alcohol, food, phones, paintings, etc.; check with agent for details.
- Inspection fees and taxes are paid by the owner of the goods.
- All owners of the goods not having a letter of guarantee must pay duties and taxes in cash.
- The letter of guarantee states an amount of money corresponding to the amount of duties and taxes to be paid.
- These funds are placed into a bank account and released to the owner of the goods when moving out of Egypt.
- At time of move, all items must be exported, otherwise taxes and fines will be paid on each missing item.
- The guarantee can only be obtained with a work permit and work visa.
- Vehicles and all audio visual goods must be loaded at the door of the container.
- The inventory must state the model, brand, size, and content (e.g., Sony 40” television) for all electrical and electronic items.
- Instruction manuals must be attached to printers and fax machines.
- Wooden crates in air or sea shipments must be fumigated.
- Diplomatic organizations and some international organizations must apply for duty and tax exemptions on personal effects (approximately 7 to 21 working days).
- Diplomats may be exempted from Customs duties and inspection provided they apply for and are granted form 4DE (protocol).
Motor Vehicles
Documents Required
- Original registration card
- Original bill of lading
- Original passport with residence / work permit
Specific Information
- Only diplomats may import cars older than 12 months of age.
- The temporary registration must be obtained by the owner of the goods.
- OBL must show chassis number, engine number, cubic capacity, year of manufacture, brand, and model.
- Owner of the goods must pay applicable fees upon delivery.
- For non-diplomats, taxes will range from 70% to 170 % CIF value (the value is assessed by the Customs officers).
Pets
Documents Required
- Vaccination record
- Veterinary health certificate
Specific Information
- Veterinary health certificate must be issued at point of origin no more than 2 weeks from date of issue.
- Pets will be examined upon arrival by a doctor from the Egyptian Ministry of Agriculture.
- Animals suspected of having rabies will be quarantined; charges will apply.
- Live chicks are the only bird permitted for import and must meet all health requirements.
Restricted/Dutiable Items
- Scanners, printers, phones, and faxes (agreement by Egyptian Authorities required)
- Firearms and ammunitions (authorization from the local administration required)
- Alcohol (free for diplomats); 3000% duty (non-diplomats)
- Perfume for personal use
- Tobacco
Prohibited Items
- Wireless phones
- Unlawful drugs and narcotics
- Pornography
- Cotton
🇮🇱 International Moving to Israel
Used Household Goods and Personal Effects
Documents Required
- Valid passport, including photo page, entry stamp and spouse’s passport, if applicable (Israeli citizens)
- Express release bill of lading (OBL) / air waybill (AWB)
- Packing list in English
- Proof of residence in Israel
- Residence visa
- Invoices for new items
- Rental contract / lease agreement (1-year minimum)
- Israeli customs forms (MB130 & MB165)
- New immigrant booklet “Teudat Oleh”
- EUR-1 / certificate of origin for items less than 12 months old
- Letter of employment (B-1 visa holders only)
- Bank guarantee / bank deposit (B-1 & A-3 visa holders only)
- Customs bond if no bank guarantee is provided.
- A-3 status page in passport (religious individuals: ministers, priests, theological students, etc.)
- Israeli identity card (single persons)
- Divorce papers (divorced persons)
- Death certificate (widows / widowers)
- Diplomatic passport (diplomats)
- Tax exemption franchise (diplomats)
- Diplomatic ID card (diplomats)
Motor Vehicles
Documents Required
- Proof of registration in owner of the goods’ name
- OBL
- Copy of title (from country of origin)
- Permit from Israeli Ministry of Transportation
- Proof of value, if car was bought specifically for the shipping (i.e. SWIFT copy, etc.)
- Israeli driver’s license
- Insurance documents
- Purchase invoice
Pets
Documents Required
- Vaccination record
- Veterinary health certificate
- Import license
- Declaration of possession
Restricted/Dutiable Items
- Cigarettes (250) and tobacco products (250 g)
- Gifts (non-residents may import gifts equal to approximately USD 125)
- Appliances (no special privileges except 25% discount on sales tax)
- Alcohol (dutiable)
- Communications equipment, including phones, fax machines, etc. (dutiable)
- Curtains, drapes and carpets (dutiable)
- Devices fueled by natural gas, such as methane, propane, etc.
- Must be approved by the Standards Institution of Israel, including the following gas-powered items: barbecue grills, hobs/burners, cookers, ovens, heaters, etc.
- Without approval, items are subject to confiscation and destruction by Customs authorities and the owner of the goods is liable for charges incurred during the process.
Prohibited Items
- Weapons and ammunitions
- Dangerous chemicals
- Explosives
- Drugs
- Gas BBQ / Grill (of any kind)
- Electric bicycle / scooter / moped (of any kind)
- Food (2 kg)
- Wine / alcohol (2 L)
- Biological commodity (seeds, plants, raw wood, etc.)
For more information on international moving to Israel, click here.
🇯🇴 International Moving to Jordan
Used Household Goods and Personal Effects
Documents Required
- Copy of passport showing national identification (ID) / residence permit showing time abroad for a minimum of 12 months (returning citizens)
- Original bill of lading (OBL) / air waybill (AWB)
- Registration certificate (foreigners seeking exemption)
- Packing list
- Authorization letter
- Tax ID No. from the local Jordanian income tax department
Motor Vehicles
Documents Required
- Temporary entry permit
- OBL
- Vehicle registration / title
Pets
Documents Required
- Vaccination record
- Veterinary health certificate
Restricted/Dutiable Items
- Weapons (permission from the Ministry of the Interior / Public Security Directorate is required)
- Firearms and ammunition (permission from the Ministry of the Interior / Public Security Directorate is required)
- Fresh meat and milk products (a permit from the Ministry of Agriculture is required)
- Fresh fruit and vegetables (permission from the Agricultural Marketing Corporation is required)
Prohibited Items
- Weapons & ammunition
- Drugs & narcotics
- Alcohol (2L)
- Wireless equipment (approval from the Telecommunications Regulatory Commission is required):
- CBs
- Walkie-talkies
- Israeli currency
- All video tapes, cassettes, CD’s & printed materials (subject to inspection by the Department of Media Censorship)
- Counterfeit goods
- Pornographic materials
🇱🇧 International Moving to Lebanon
Used Household Goods and Personal Effects
Documents Required
- Documents Required
- Original Lebanese Passport showing entry date into Lebanon (returning citizens)
- Statement by the Lebanese Embassy or Consulate at the country of origin, specifying that owner has resided in the country of origin for more than 3 years and he is moving back to the home country (returning citizens)
- Original Bill of Lading (OBL) / Air Waybill (AWB) (returning citizens, foreigners)
- Delivery Order
- Detailed Packing List
- Transfer letter from employer at origin and at destination (foreigner)
- Sales Contract / Lease Agreement attested from the local municipality (returning citizens, foreigners)
- Employment Contract with Lebanese firm (foreigners)
- Work Permit issued by the Lebanese Labor Office (foreigners)
- Residence Permit issued by the Lebanese General Security Office (foreigners)
- Visa, if applicable
Shipments Sent / Received in the Name of Personnel
- Copy of Identity Card (shipments sent or received by a company / organization)
- Copy of Registration Certificate at the Ministry of Finance (shipments sent or received by a company / organization)
- Copy of the last get well certificate from the social security authority (shipments sent or received by a company / organization)
- Copy of the company registration in the commercial register (shipments sent or received by a company / organization)
- Copy of the commercial circular (shipments sent or received by a company / organization)
- Copy of the company certificate registration at the ministry of Finances (shipments sent or received by a company / organization)
- Customs Clearance Form including a description of shipment items, signed and stamped (shipments sent or received by a company / organization)
- Copy of the Identity Card of the company / organization authority signing the documents (shipments sent or received by a company / organization)
Motor Vehicles
Documents Required
- Vehicle Title / Registration
- OBL
- Purchase Invoice
Pets
Documents Required
- Vaccination Record
- Veterinary health certificate
Restricted/Dutiable Items
- Food items (subject to inspection by the Agricultural Research Institute and require a Visa from the Ministry of Agriculture, Health and Economy)
- Electronic components (subject to inspection by the Industrial Research Institute)
- Dangerous goods (a preliminary authorization from the carrier line or airline is required for import and should be classified as non-restricted cargo)
- Alcohol is permitted but is taxable.
Prohibited Items
- Firearms and ammunitions
- Drugs and narcotics
- Ivory
- Pornographic materials
- Swords (including ornamental), knives
🇶🇦 International Moving to Qatar
Used Household Goods and Personal Effects
Documents Required
- Copy of passport / visa / residence permit visa with page of entry stamp
- Packing list (in English)
- Copy of bill of lading (OBL) / express release or telex release / air waybill (AWB)
- Letter of employment (NOC)
- Letter from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (diplomats)
- Personal authorization letter
- Original authorization letter in Arabic
Motor Vehicles
Documents Required
- Proof of ownership at origin
- Original import manifest
- Registration certificate
- Insurance policy
- Purchase / sales invoice
- Original bill of lading / air waybill
Pets
Documents Required
- Vaccination record
- Veterinary health certificate
Restricted/Dutiable Items
- Cigarettes (free import up to 400)
- Personal items and gifts (free import up to QAR 3,000.-.)
- Firearms (special permission from the Ministry of Defense in Qatar is required)
Prohibited Items
- Alcohol
- Ivory
- Idols
- Narcotic drugs
- Pork products
- Pornographic materials
- Politically subversive materials
- Explosives and explosive items, including fireworks and other flammable items
🇸🇦 International Moving to Saudi Arabia
Used Household Goods and Personal Effects
Documents Required
- Copy of passport with entry visa page
- Original bill of lading (OBL) / air waybill (AWB)
- Detailed and valued inventory
- packing list
- Purchase receipts for electrical / electronic appliances
- Certificate of insurance, if applicable
- Letter of authorization attested by the Saudi Chamber of Commerce (for government employees, only the seal of the government agency is required)
- Copies of residence permit (Iqama) / Saudi National’s ID (Bataqa)
- Copy of diplomatic ID / passport (diplomats)
- Customs duty and inspection exemption certificate from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (diplomats)
Motor Vehicles
Documents Required
- Certificate of title / car registration
- Saudi Arabian Standard Organization (SASO) conformity certificate from the country of origin
- Police clearance / de-registrations from the country of origin
- Proof of ownership (purchase invoice, etc.)
Pets
Note: Pets cannot be imported at this time.
Restricted/Dutiable Items
- Duties are applied as follows:
- Electrical / electronic appliances: 5%
- Audiotapes, videotapes, CDs / DVDs: 5%
- Furniture: 15%
- All similar items manufactured in Saudi Arabia: 5-15%
- Books and used clothing (reasonable quantities are exempt from duty payments)
- The following items are subject to censorship, confiscation, or may result in penalties at the owner of the goods’ expense:
- Exposed film, including prints, slides, etc.
- Records, books, magazines, pictures, photos, other printed matters, etc.
- Personal computers, audio/video CDs, diskettes, USBs, computer hard disks, printers, etc.
- Mobile or cellular phones
- Audio/video VHS/VCR/cassette tapes and phonograph recordings
- Any items that store information
- A penalty will be charged to the consignee for CD’s, VCR tapes and books confiscated after the censorship. (US$ 135.00 each for CD’s and VCR tapes; and US$ 14.00 each for books)
Prohibited Items
- All games of chance (gambling paraphernalia) including chess sets, dice, backgammon and the likes
- Animal skins in commercial quantities
- Weapons and firearms (real or ornamental, antiques, etc.) including guns, ammunition, fireworks, spears, etc. (if imported, the owner of the goods will be subject to investigation that may result in fines and/or prison)
- Military uniforms or military equipment of any kind
- Alcoholic beverages or food products containing alcohol such as vanilla, flavoring extract, cooking wines, etc.
- Books, wine making kits, or other items used in the preparation or manufacture of alcoholic drinks and beverages
- Narcotics and unidentified medicines
- Radio transmitter or communication equipment / devices (including receivers, VHF, Marine / police bands or walkie-talkies)
- Stuffed animals (products of taxidermy), statues, figurines, carving or objects depicting human or animal forms
- Pornographic materials and literature, including fashion magazines with people wearing underwear or swimsuits
- Any foodstuffs containing pork and related pork meat products, etc.
- Any books pertaining to religions other than Islam
If you need more information on international moving to Saudi Arabia, click here.
🇹🇷 International Moving to Turkey
Used Household Goods and Personal Effects
Documents Required
- Work permit
- Detailed inventory
- Original passport
- Letter to Customs
- Tax identification number (TIN)
- Original bill of lading (OBL) / air waybill (AWB)
- Marriage certificate (non – citizens coming for marriage)
- Rental contract / property title or deed (non – citizens)
- Turkish citizenship number (non – citizens / returning citizens)
- Permanent return certificate / export declaration form (returning citizens)
- Diplomatic franchise (diplomats)
- Letter of assignment (diplomats, government officials)
Motor Vehicles
Documents Required
- Passport
- Driver’s license
- Car registration
- Bill of lading / air waybill
- Proof of insurance (card) valid in Turkey
- Carnet de passage transit book (traveling to Middle Eastern countries)
- Permanent return certificate (returning Turkish citizens)
- Copy of work permit (non – citizens coming for work)
- Original residence permit (non – citizens coming for work)
- Diplomatic import per from Turkish Ministry (foreign diplomats)
- Official assignment letters (returning Turkish diplomats / government officials)
Pets
Documents Required
- Vaccination record
- Veterinary health certificate
Specific Information
- Pets may enter as passenger’s accompanied baggage in the cabin or as cargo.
Restricted/Dutiable Items
- Plants (limit of 3)
- Spirits (2 bottles of 2 x 75 ml maximum)
Prohibited Items
- Drugs
- Weapons
- Meat-based products
- Gambling machines
For more information on international moving to Turkey, click here.
🇦🇪 International Moving to the United Arab Emirates
Used Household Goods and Personal Effects
Documents Required
- Copy of passport
- Copy of visa
- Packing list
- Pro-forma invoice
- Copy of diplomatic card (diplomats)
- Embassy certificate of accreditation in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (diplomat)
- Letter to Customs officials from the Embassy (diplomat)
- Immigration card (non-diplomats)
- Work permit (non-diplomats)
- Employment contract (non-diplomats)
- Employer registration certificate (non-diplomats)
- Employment confirmation (diplomats must submit on Embassy letterhead)
- Temporary import obligation (non-diplomats)
- Letter from the owner of the goods’ organization requesting Customs procedures (non-diplomats)
- Detailed inventory lists
- Separate list of art objects (non-diplomats)
- Separate list of all electrical appliances with serial number; if possible, an original purchase receipt should be attached for all items listed
- Separate list of antique items (all items produced before 1945)
- Separate list of all books issued before 1939 (must include the name of author and year of issue)
- Customs declaration
Motor Vehicles
Documents Required
- Certificate of title / registration
- Original bill of lading / air waybill
- Purchase invoice
Pets
Documents Required
- Certificate of vaccination
- Veterinary health certificate
- Pet passport
Restricted/Dutiable Items
- The following items may qualify for free import if within the limits indicated in accompanied luggage only:
- Wine (2 L) and spirits (more than 22% alcohol by volume) (1 L), beer (5 L)
- Cigarettes (200), cigars (50), tobacco products (250 g); only persons above 18 years old may import tobacco products.
Prohibited Items
- Weapons of all kinds
- Medicines and chemicals
- Pornography
- Narcotics and drugs
- Toxic and radioactive materials
- Alcohol and food items
- Live plants and seeds
- Skins and animal furs
- Feathers and items containing feathers
- Cleaning and washing materials
- Items under pressure and flammables
- Jewelry
- Currency and bank notes
- Tobacco
- Pigeons
Oceania
🇦🇺 International Moving to Australia
Used Household Goods and Personal Effects
Documents Required
- Copy of passport (photo and signature page)
- Completed Australian Customs form B534
- Copy of visa or e-visa approval (non-citizens)
- Alcohol inventory, if applicable
Motor Vehicles
Documents Required
- Vehicle import approval (VIA)
- Import declaration (prepared by Customs broker)
- Registration papers from country of origin
- Proof of ownership and purchase receipt
Pets
Documents Required
- Import application
- Import permit
Restricted/Dutiable Items
- Alcohol:
- Customs duties plus goods and services tax (GST) will apply to alcohol imported into Australia.
- Duty is calculated on the type of alcohol, the volume contained per bottle, the alcohol % per bottle and the value per bottle.
- Ten percent (10%) GST is then added to the duty calculated.
- Anabolic and androgenic substances (those that enhance muscle and bone growth and may include health supplements)
- Antibiotics
- ANZAC and any related advertising material
- Items bearing an image of the Australian national flag and coat of arms
- Items bearing an image of the Australian state or territory flags and coat of arms
- Asbestos
- Cat and dog fur products
- Glazed ceramic ware (specific to lead content)
- Cetaceans (whales, dolphins, and porpoises)
- Chemical weapons
- Chewing tobacco and snuff in quantities greater than 1.5 kg
- Cigarette lighters (up to five lighters acceptable if over 18 years or older on a ship or aircraft)
- Cosmetics and toxic materials (cannot contain more than 250 mg/kg of lead but may contain more than 250 mg/kg of lead acetate designed for use in hair products)
- Counterfeit credit cards
- Crowd control equipment (antipersonnel sprays, body armor, extendable batons, electric shock devices, etc.)
- Cultural heritage goods from Papua New Guinea (permission from the Trustees of the Papua New Guinea Public Museum and Art Gallery is required)
- Diamonds (only rough diamonds in tamper proof container from a country participating in the Kimberley Process may be imported and require a Kimberley Process Certificate)
- Dog collars designed to puncture or bruise an animal’s skin
- Passengers arriving on board a ship or aircraft do not need a permit for the import of drugs and narcotics required for personal use if:
- The drugs and narcotics are prescribed by a medical practitioner or veterinarian, and quantity does not exceed a 3 month’s supply at the maximum prescribed dosage,
- The drugs / narcotics are carried as accompanied baggage;
- Prescription must be in English or translated to English.
- Kava may be imported in root or dried form in amounts not to exceed 2 kg and is carried as accompanied baggage by a passenger 18 years or older.
- Firearms and accessories, parts, magazine, ammunition, components of ammunition, and replica
- The following items are embargoed goods and are restricted and require permission to import. Contact the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) for additional information:
- Eritrea – weapons, ammunition, military vehicles and equipment and spare parts
- Iran – weapons, ammunition, military vehicle and equipment and spare parts
- North Korea – weapons ammunition, military vehicles and equipment and spare parts
- Libya – weapons, ammunition, military vehicles and equipment and spare parts
- Endangered animal and plant listed in the appendices to the Convention of International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES)
- Novelty erasers (resembling food in scent or appearance)
- Plastic explosives formulated as a mixture, malleable or flexible at room temperature or with:
- One or more high explosives which in pure form have a vapor pressure less than 10.4 PA at a temperature of 25 degrees Celsius
- A binder material
- Fish and tooth fish
- Electronic flyswatters and mosquito bats
- Growth hormones and substances of human or animal origin
- Hazardous wastes (explosive flammable, poisonous, toxic, exotoxic or infectious, clinical wastes, waste oils, waste residue from manufacture or household waste as defined by the Basel Convention)
- Hydroflurocarbons
- Incandescent lamps
- Knives and daggers
- Laser pointers
- Novelty money boxes coated with material containing more than 90 mg/kg of lead
- Ozone depleting substances and synthetic greenhouse gases
- Pencils and paintbrushes with a coating that contains excess amounts of toxic compounds such as lead, arsenic and barium
- Pesticides and other hazardous chemicals
- Polychlorinated Biphenyls, Terphenyls and Polyphenyls
- Pornography and other objectionable materials
- Radioactive substances
- Therapeutic drugs and substances (abortifacients, aphrodisiacs, etc.)
- Unmanufactured tobacco (not stemmed or stripped or in whole form)
- Toys containing excess amounts of toxic compounds such as lead, arsenic and barium
- Woolpacks
- Weapons (military goods and other weapons including blow pipes, crossbows, martial arts equipment, knuckle dusters, slingshots, maces and flails)
- Trade Practices Act goods
Prohibited Items
- Rough diamonds
- Dogs (dangerous breeds including Dogo Argentino, Fila Brasileiro, Japanese Tosa, American Pit Bull Terrier or Pit Bull Terrier, Perro de Presa Canario or Presa Canario and advertisements referencing these breeds)
- Embryo clones and viable materials, and any related advertising matter advertising these items
- Suicide devices
🇳🇿 International Moving to New Zealand
Used Household Goods and Personal Effects
Documents Required
- Copy of passport
- Original bill of lading (OBL) / air waybill (AWB)
- Treatment / cleaning certificates for the shipment goods
- CITES permit, if applicable
- Detailed inventory valued and in English
- Copy of prescriptions for prescribed drugs
- Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) supplementary declaration form, if applicable
- Unaccompanied personal baggage declaration
- List of wine collections with evidence showing the wine has been collected over a period of time and is of various types
- Receipts for new items
- Residence visa / residence permit, if applicable
- Work visa / work permit (minimum of 12 months / skilled migrant / long-term business visa or permit)
- Visitor’s visa / permit issued for a minimum of 3 years
- Trade single window – client registration application, if applicable
Motor Vehicles
Documents Required
- Copy of passport
- Registration papers (prove length of ownership)
- Car condition report
- Sales invoice
- Statement of compliance
- Owner of the goods code form
- Supplier code form
- Deed of undertaking
Pets
Documents Required
- Vaccination record
- Veterinary health certificate
- Import permit (if necessary)
Antiques, Artifacts, Carpets, Paintings
- B.A.D.A cerificate of authenticity (obtained from approved antique dealers)
- Commercial invoice (if purchased less than 12 months prior to import of goods)
Specific Information
- Antiques are considered items over 100 years old.
- Can be imported duty and tax (GST) free provided they are not for re-sale and have proof of ownership for more than 12 months.
- If the goods were purchased less than 12 months prior to import they are subject to duty (approx. 7%) plus 15% GST on their landed value.
- If they are certified to be over 100 years old and the owner of the goods can show a letter / proof of antiquity the duty will not apply and the import will only be subject to 15% GST.
Wedding Trousseau / Gifts
- Duty and tax free in line with the regulations for normal used household effects.
Restricted/Dutiable Items
- Firearms or parts (a permit issued by the New Zealand Police is required prior to import)
- Ivory in any form, tortoise or sea turtle jewelry or ornaments, animal bone carvings, cat skins or coats, trophies of sea turtles, all big cats, rare reptiles, cranes, pheasants, bears, antelope and deer.
- Live species of eagles, hawks, owls and parrots, many cacti, orchids, cycads, cyclamens and carnivorous plants.
- The following items are subject to tariff duties as indicated:
- Baby strollers: 5%
- Bags (handbags, briefcases): 5%
- Bed linens and blankets: 5%
- Chinaware and cookware: 5%
- Cosmetics: 5%
- Curtains: 5%
- Cutlery: 5%
- Footwear: 10%
- Jewelry: 5%
- Lamps: 5%
- Perfume: 5%
- Pots and pans: 5%
- Saddles: 5%
- Sleeping bags: 5%
- Toys: 5%
- Wet suits: 5%
Prohibited Items
- Controlled drugs other than prescribed medicines including but not limited to LSD, heroin, cocaine, cannabis, ecstasy, steroids, human growth hormone, performance enhancing drugs, precursor substances
- Pornographic materials or those that promote, incite, or instruct in matters of crime or violence, or misuse of drugs
- Weapons including flick knives, butterfly knives, swordsticks, knuckle-dusters, disguised weapons, etc.
- Drug paraphernalia
- Goods designed with the intent to facilitate crime