The first thing to remember is that if you’re resident in the country and simply want to import one or more items you brought outside, those items will be treated as a commercial import and usually liable to Import Duty & TAX.

The second thing is that the information below applies only if you’re moving house from somewhere outside

There’s no such thing as a duty-free allowance when you’re moving the contents of your home by non-accompanied Freight. A duty-free allowance is only applicable when you personally hand carry goods through customs control, like when you come back from holiday or business trip and walk through border control.

Customs do offer Import Tax relief on some goods Imported when transferring residence

The paperwork you’ll need

The paperwork you’ll need

Before your personal effects arrive in the country, you’ll need to have prepared the documentation, so we suggest making contact with us before you are making arrangements to send your goods, we can then help you to get all the documents ready for when your cargo arrives.

Give us a call or send us an email, we will be pleased to assist you.

We have further information & advice papers available to assist you with the application, if you would like further assistance do make contact with us.

Wines and spirits

Tobacco products (cigarettes, cigars, tobacco and so on)

Anything on the prohibited or restricted goods list (see below).

Items that are less than 6 months old and anything you are importing for commercial, rather than domestic purposes will attract both Import Duty and Tax. Plus of course some items might attract Excise Duty or other types of Import levy.

Prohibited Goods

Are those banned completely. They include unlicensed drugs, offensive weapons, indecent and obscene material featuring children, pornographic material, counterfeit and pirated goods, meat, milk and other animal products.

Restricted goods

Can be imported only if you have authority to do so. They include all items that need an import licence, such as firearms, explosives and ammunition, endangered species, certain live animals and plants and their produce, and radio transmitters.

If you have any restricted items or items you are not sure about you must seek further advice before packing them. Otherwise ‘If in Doubt leave it out!’ Don’t have it packed in your consignment, it will only cause problems for you! Any item prohibited or restricted needs to be declared as part of your declaration.

Of course some items maybe allowed as part of a personal allowance but ONLY if you were to hand carry and declare through Border control upon your arrival through an Airport or Port.

We can then help you and have your cargo delivered. There are many things to consider before you can book delivery. What the access is like to your house or self-store/garage? Can you unload the cargo, can you carry it, is it very big, how far will you have to carry it? Do you need to have assistance to unload it? We can discuss these points with you and if required point you in the right direction or maybe even offer a solution and arrange additional services through our partners.