Customs Information

Iceland - All

DOCUMENTS REQUIRED Iceland

  • 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)

CUSTOMS REGULATIONS

  • CUSTOMER MUST BE PRESENT AT CUSTOMS CLEARANCE
  • Used household goods may be imported duty free if owned for longer than 12 months abroad, the shipper is moving their principal residence to Iceland, and items arrive within 6 months from the shipper’s arrival date.
  • The shipment must be imported within 12 months of the date of a transfer of residence.
  • If a second shipment is anticipated, it must be stated at the time of the first importation.
  • A delivery address must be known at the time of Customs clearance.

MOTOR VEHICLES

  • Owners of the goods entering Iceland intending to live in the country for a year or less for employment, study, or travel may import a vehicle registered abroad without paying duty or import charges, provided that the following conditions are met:
    • The owner of the goods is or has been domiciled abroad.
    • The vehicle is intended for personal use of the owner of the goods and his family members and others traveling with him and are domiciled abroad.
    • The vehicle is imported or purchased new and unregistered within 1 month from the arrival of the owner of the goods to the country for a temporary stay.
    • The vehicle will not be used for any kind of transportation of people or goods in return for payment.
    • The vehicle is exported when the owner of the goods leaves the country within 12 months from his arrival here.
  • Customs may request the letter of employment or other documentation proving that the owner of the goods is intending to stay is Iceland temporarily.
  • Vehicles other than automobiles may also be imported such as motorcycles, caravans, campers, and trailers.
  • If the owner of the goods takes up permanent residence or residence longer than a period of 12 months, the conditions for temporary duty-free import no longer apply; the owner of the goods may be required to pay duties or taxes or the vehicle be exported out of the country.

Documents required:

  • Copy of Passport
  • Original certificate of title showing customer's name and vehicle serial number
  • Original registration card of origin country
  • Original Purchase Invoice / Bill of Sale
  • Insurance certificate
  • Inventory
  • Letter of Employment

PETS

  • All pets are subject to examination upon arrival and a quarantine period of 4 weeks.
  • The importation of dogs and cats is prohibited unless a special Import Permit is obtained by the Ministry of Agriculture, which is valid for 1 year.
  • Pets must be microchipped with a 15-digit ISO pet microchip and vaccinated at least 30 days but not more than 12 months prior to entry.
  • The Veterinary Health Certificate must be issued within 10 days of travel.
  • Dogs are required to be tested for tapeworm within 10 days of arrival.
  • Some breeds of dogs are prohibited from import; contact the destination agent for specific information.
  • There are certain exemptions regarding vaccination requirements for cats and dogs; contact the destination agent for specific information.

Documents Required:

  • Vaccination record
  • Veterinary health certificate
  • Pet passport

DUTIABLE/RESTRICTED 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