Customs Regulations when Moving Internationally

Moving internationally is a great event, that can be quite stressful. After getting an international moving estimate in order to select your mover, it is time to plan to pass through customs. It can be a very difficult transition for anyone and once you add in the customs/ duties/ taxes maze, it only gets more stressful.

When hiring an international mover, make sure they know the customs clearance situation at your destination. Reputable international movers will let you know of all duties and taxes in their price. However, there are times when you will need to speak and deal with the customs office at the destination directly.

Each country varies greatly and their customs requirements also change all the time.  Always find out who the customs clearance company is at the destination so you can call them with any questions as well. The more information you have, the better prepared you will be. One oversight in this area could cause massive delays, fines or even confiscation of your goods by the destination country.

Relocating to another country is a major undertaking, and research is the key to making the move seamless. What do you need to know when relocating to a different country and passing through customs? There are some general rules that are applicable to many countries. You will read in this article not just more general info but also more specific details about the customs regulations within the EU, Canada, Australia, Mexico, Germany, and the USA, including regulations regarding pets, plants, food, guns, vehicles, and a lot more.

Customs Regulations Worldwide

In an interview given by Atlas International, a subsidiary of Atlas World Group, they explained to us what are the customs regulations when moving internationally. We also talked to David Bakke from Money Crashers and we share this info for you here below.

First of all, when relocating to any country it is important to have all the specific documents required for entry into that country. Keep in mind that requirements and especially duty tax amounts and percentages do change often without notice, so having a recent list of the documents, forms and corresponding customs requirements provided by the destination agent and/or the customs authority of that country is ideal.

Typical documents include a copy of the transferee’s passport & visa, an inventory of goods being shipped, and country-specific forms for importation. There are a variety of ways to locate the forms needed to move to any particular country. You can research the Internet or contact the appropriate embassy for assistance.

Your mover should also be able to assist you. It’s also assumed that in most cases you will need a visa and passport when moving to the countries we talk about in this article, depending upon where you are moving from. To be considered duty-free, household goods must typically be 6 months to 1 year old otherwise they are subject to taxation. Also, the specific forms needed when moving to any particular country depend upon a lot of different factors – whether you will be a student or working (or both) as well as the specific area of the country you’re moving to.

Moving pets internationally

For pets typically you will need to show proof of microchipping. Importing plants and food items is typically discouraged due to the many restrictions and permit costs (these can include religious restrictions on food items or the cost of obtaining Phytosanitary certificates for plants, seeds, and bulbs).

Restricted and prohibited items

Another crucial aspect of relocation is to be aware of items that are on both the “restricted” list and the “prohibited” list. Typically items on the restricted list require additional permits and/or special inspections from another agency, such as the health department for food items and the agricultural department for plants.

In addition to requiring an in-depth inspection from customs officials,  belongings on this list may also be subject to tax and duties. It is important to know what is included on restricted/prohibited lists as they vary from country to country. The inclusion of these items, without proper documentation, may put the entire shipment in jeopardy of being returned to origin, destroyed, or subjected to heavy fines.

Most companies will recommend that they pack the items into cartons. The main reason for this is that all boxes must be labeled and inventoried to show what is in each box. A blank inventory is a red flag for any international relocation and can cause huge delays, seizure of goods or fines. However, it is always recommended to allow the moving companies to pack all the goods so you are covered throughout the shipment for any claims.

Here is a brief list of some items that are usually prohibited from being shipped internationally: firearms or ammunition, alcohol, food items, hazardous items (such as detergents, insecticides, chlorine, etc.), plants, seeds, dried flowers, and pornographic material. While each country has its own list, this a good place to start says Judd Levine from Triple Crown Maffucci Bekins.

Customs Regulations Country by Country

Customs Regulations – USA

When moving to the United States, you must complete either Form 6059B, which is basically a customs declaration or the CF 3299, if you will be shipping in goods that aren’t physically with you when you arrive. In addition, you must have a complete and detailed inventory list of your items. You must also identify any items you believe should be considered duty-free.

There are also certain restrictions and duty taxes that must be paid on certain tobacco and alcohol items. There are also several goods that are either restricted or prohibited, including but not limited to pirated materials like movies, biological materials, and certain cultural artifacts, as well as certain items made from cat or dog fur. Guns and ammunition are also subject to restrictions.

Endangered plants may also be prohibited or restricted. Pets like cats and dogs must “be free of evidence of diseases communicable to man.” Endangered plants may also be prohibited or restricted. You are allowed to bring in $1000 worth of goods for personal use into the United States duty-free.

The following $1000 worth of goods will be taxed at 10%. After that, there are individual duty tax percentages depending upon the individual item.

Customs regulations – Canada

When moving to Canada, you need a confirmation of permanent residence. You also need two copies of your inventory list of all personal items, as well as a list of any other personal items that may be arriving later (valued). You may also need a Customs Declaration Card, which you can usually obtain on the airplane or at the border.

You’ll also need vaccination records. Duty taxes are due on items like alcohol, gifts, or tobacco. If you’re bringing more than $10,000 Canadian, you’ll need to declare that too. The duty tax rates involved with moving to Canada change often and may also be based on where in Canada you are moving to. Contact the Canada Border Services Agency for assistance.

All plants to be brought into Canada are subject to inspection by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency and may be restricted or prohibited. The same goes for most pets.

Canada does not allow entry of products made in Haiti. In addition, Canadian regulations for importing guns are very stringent. Most guns are not allowed, including replicas. Hunting rifles and handguns require an import permit, along with permits from the Canadian police and the Canadian government.

When clearing customs in Canada the transferee must be present at the Customs Authority office. Failure to appear results in the transferee’s goods being put into storage at the transferee’s expense. Upon arrival in Canada, the transferee will be issued B4E and B15 forms to commence the clearance process.

Customs regulations when entering Australia

Australia has some of the most stringent requirements for importing HHGs. To move to Australia, you’ll need an Incoming Passenger Card, along with Form B534 Unaccompanied Effects for items that will be shipped. Most household goods for personal use are not subject to duty taxes. Goods under $900 (Australian) in value may be imported duty-free. You are also allowed 2.25 liters of alcohol and 50 cigarettes.

For specific duty rates beyond the personal exemption, consult the Australian Customs Service. Fresh produce and dairy and meat products are prohibited. There are also restrictions on medications and firearms, among other items. Most live plants are prohibited from importation.

All pets being imported must meet the requirements of the Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service (AQIS) and are subject to a period of quarantine at an AQIS-approved facility. Quarantine periods vary depending on the type of pet and country of origin. Australia also has an extensive list of restricted and prohibited items.

Importation of goods that have contact with the ground such as motor vehicles, bicycles, golf carts and even golf clubs must undergo thorough steam cleaning and possible fumigation to remove all dirt, sand and/or debris. Quarantine authorities will inspect these vehicles upon arrival. Those not meeting the criteria will be further fumigated at the clients’ expense.

Customs regulations – UK

When relocating to the UK or any EU member country, in order to clear customs, the transferee is required to have an EORI (Economic Operators Registration and Identification) number for all imports and exports. This identification number replaces the TIN number and Social Security number. In the UK several additional forms are required.

Most personal items are allowed into the UK duty-free, although you’ll have to declare what you’re bringing in using Form C3 or C426 if a diplomat. Cats and dogs are allowed in as long as they meet the requirements of what’s called the Pet Travel Scheme. You will have to complete the C5 Form if you’re moving to the UK from outside of the European Union, and they may be subject to a six-month quarantine depending on your country of origin. Most plants are allowed into the UK as long as they were grown in a country of the European Union and are pest and disease-free.

Some of the items prohibited from importation include unlicensed firearms and other weapons, some types of diamonds, and items made from fur skin. You are allowed to bring in one liter of alcohol and 200 cigarettes duty-free.

If importing a vehicle one will submit a C104A or C384 and, if importing inheritance items, the transferee will need a C1421 form. Art/ antiques require a C88 form. Other forms may be required based on the transferee’s status or the item being imported. The transferee must also agree not to sell, lend or leave behind any of their imported goods for up to a year or be subject to payment of the tax/ duty of the original shipment.

Customs regulations for Germany

Most items are free to import as long as they’re kept to amounts commensurate with personal use. Products of animal origin that don’t originate from an EU member state (with a few exceptions) are not allowed. Certain plants are subject to restriction from importation if they fall under the Washington Convention. Or you may need an import permit, and it usually will be restricted unless coming from an EU member state.

You will need something called a Statement of Transfer translated into German preferably from your employer (if your move is part of a work transfer), and an inventory list of the items you’re bringing in (valued and signed stating that the items are under your ownership). You may also need a copy of your health insurance coverage and a Power of Attorney for customs clearance.

German customs requires additional forms such as Registration Form 0350 which states that you won’t sell any of your goods for one year, a Customs Declaration document obtained through German customs, and a Residency Form obtained from the local Town Hall of the city one will be living in and the German police.

Also required is a letter from the transferee’s German employer outlining the work contract while in Germany. If applicable, a letter from the transferee attesting particular high-value items such as firearms, alcohol, tea & coffee are not included in the shipment. Pets must be microchipped for easy identification. 

You should also have proof of vaccinations a valid pet and a health certificate that must have a 10-day validity if coming from another EU country or a 20-day validity if outside of the EU. All of these documents must be in German or should be translated into German. The duty and border tax implications are rather vague, but for the most part, you won’t pay these taxes on your personal items.

Customs regulations – Mexico

For those moving to Mexico, you’ll need your passport, and you must also fill out all appropriate documentation forms provided by the flight attendant upon arrival. Typically, this involves a “tourist card” among other forms.

You’ll also need your work permit status, an inventory list (notarized, in Spanish, and valued), a declaration of customs certifying that you have no prohibited items of value, a Letter of Commitment for employment if applicable, and a Federal Registration or Tax ID number, which is typically provided by your employer.

Required documents must be in Spanish or translated into Spanish. Mexico has several visa categories. Most will fall into the FM-3 category for foreigners and the FM-2 category for returning nationals. Returning nationals or foreigners are not allowed to import a vehicle, however, those with diplomatic status are allowed to import one vehicle only. Pets valued over $5,000 must have authorization from the Secretary of Commerce in Mexico.

Most items are duty-tax-free. If one is importing household goods less than 6 months old, a letter to the Mexican customs authority must be provided specifying the goods, along with applicable receipts/ invoices. These items must also be sent separately from the other household goods and corresponding duty and tax will apply per item.

There are also several limitations on the number of specific new goods you can bring in. Fruits, vegetables, and plants are prohibited from importation. You are allowed to bring as many as two cats or dogs into Mexico. If you have more than that, you’ll need to obtain permission from the Mexican Consulate.

You will also need a vaccination and health certificate for each pet (obtained through a veterinarian) as well as authorization from the Secretary of Commerce and Industrial Promotion. In addition to your personal items, you can bring with you up to $500 worth of goods duty-free. After that, you’ll pay a 16% flat tax. If your goods exceed $1000 in value (after the first $500) you are required to retain the services of a Customs Broker.

A letter of guarantee from the transferee’s employer must also accompany the shipment; should all items not be re-exported at the conclusion of the work contract, the employer will be required to pay tax and duties on household goods that were initially imported free of tax/ duty. For import into Mexico, all inventory lists must be notarized and stamped by the Mexican Consulate at the origin. Returning Mexican nationals and FM-2 visa holders must have proof of residing outside of Mexico for a period of 2 years to be exempt from paying tax/ duty.

These were the main customs regulations when moving to a different country. We’ve tried to give you the main requirements plus specific details for some of the most popular destinations for relocating. Now we can only wish you a happy moving and good luck. If you found this article useful, you can also share it on your social network profiles so that it can help others as well.

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