Customs Clearance

International household removals can involve customs formalities, particularly when moving between the UK and the European Union, or to and from European countries outside the EU.

Our experienced team can provide guidance on the customs documentation required for your move and work with customs agents and authorities where necessary to help your belongings travel correctly across international borders.

We regularly manage customs procedures for UK–EU household removals, as well as moves involving countries such as Switzerland, Norway and Andorra, where different import and export requirements apply.

Typical Customs Documentation

Generally, when moving from the UK to Europe or further afield, you should expect to provide documents such as:

• Copy of your passport
• Evidence of UK residence for the previous 12 months
• Evidence that you are leaving or closing down your UK residence
• A detailed packing or inventory list
• Proof of residence or intended residence at your destination
• The relevant customs or household goods import forms for the destination country

These are general requirements and some countries require additional documents or have their own specific customs procedures. We will advise you of the requirements applicable to your destination.

Moving to the UK – Transfer of Residence (ToR)

If you are moving your normal residence to the UK, we recommend applying to HMRC for Transfer of Residence (ToR) relief as early as possible. Approval can take a couple of weeks, and having this in place before your belongings arrive can help avoid delays.

Once you have received your ToR approval from HMRC, provide us with the approval details and, where the conditions for relief are met, we can arrange for your household belongings to be imported into the UK using your ToR relief without the normal import VAT and customs duty being charged.