CUSTOMS REGULATIONS
Returning citizens may import household goods and personal effects duty free into the United Kingdom subject to the following requirements:
- Goods must be owned and used by the customer for at least 6 months prior to shipment.
- Customer must be moving their primary residence to the United Kingdom.
- Customer must have had their primary residence outside the United Kingdom for at least 12 months prior to importing household goods and personal effects
- Effective January 1, 2021 only certain ports in the UK will allow CITES goods to be imported. Port of Grangemouth in Scotland is one that will no longer allow CITES goods for clearance so another routing will need to be found, for household goods the most common item that falls into this category are pianos with ivory keys. Please see the below link for full details and reach out to your UK partner for any specific questions or concerns. Click HERE for more information.
- Moves from the EU are subject to the same import rules as from any other country.
DOCUMENTS REQUIRED
The following documents are required to import household goods and personal effects into the United Kingdom:
In order for an individual to qualify to import their used personal belongings free from duty and tax, an online application under Transfer of Residence (ToR) relief needs to be made by the importer (which we recommend is done at least 10 days prior to shipping) using the TOR01 application form at the link below:
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/application-for-transfer-of-residence-tor-relief-tor01
- Supplementary items that may be required to accompany the ToR01 Application to HM Customs:
- UK - Jersey Import Declaration Form if the shipment is moving to the Channel Islands
- Note: URN code is only valid for 12 months from shipper arrival into the UK. If the shipper does not arrive into the UK within one year of the URN provided, they still need to contact customs to confirm they can use the previously provided URN for import of their household goods past the 12 month mark.
MOTOR VEHICLES
Foreign and Returning citizens may import a motor vehicle into the United Kingdom duty free provided that the vehicle or boat has been owned and used overseas for a minimum of 6-months prior to import. Vehicle must also comply with United Kingdom compliance of vehicles (see www.dft.gov.uk). Customers are required to complete and provide the following documents:
- ToR Application – use the same link as above
- Original purchase invoice
- Proof of ownership for vehicles – registration documents older than 6 months
- Insurance certificate
- Maintenance invoices
For more information on documentation, click HERE.
If owner is re-importing a motor vehicle previously registered the UK then Customs Form C179B is required.
PETS
Import of pets into the United Kingdom is strictly governed and subject to quarantine regulations. Pet Passports are accepted if the pet is being imported from participating countries.
DUTIABLE AND RESTRICTED ITEMS
The following items included in a household goods shipment are restricted and subject to duties and taxes:
- Alcohol
- Tobacco
- Cereal, rice products, flour and nuts
PROHIBITED ITEMS
The following items are strictly prohibited from import to the United Kingdom and should not be included in the shipment:
- Controlled drugs
- Firearms
- Indecent or obscene books, magazines, videos, DVD's, etc.
- Horror comics
- Flick knives, butterfly knives, martial arts weapons
- Counterfeit currency
- Radio transmitters including cordless telephones not approved in UK
- Meat, poultry and other animal products
- Plants and plant produce including trees, shrubs, vegetables, fruit, bulbs and seeds
- Animals whether alive or dead (e.g. stuffed animals )
- Parts and articles derived from protected species, including ivory, fur-skins, reptile leather and goods made from