Used Household Goods and Personal Effects

Documents Required                                         

• Legible copy of passport
• Detailed inventory in English, dated, and signed by the owner of the goods
• Transfer of Residence (ToR)
• Copy of bill of lading (BL) / air waybill (AWB)
• C426 with a cover letter from the respective embassy (diplomat)

Specific Information

• As of 1/1/17, owners of the goods must go online to apply for a Transfer of Residence (ToR).
  • Approval will allow the owner of the goods to import their personal & household effects goods into the UK with relief from import duties and charges.
  • The application must be made before packing shipment.
  • Once approval is obtained, the owner of the goods will be given a Unique Reference Number (URN) which will need to be passed onto UK Customs in place of the previous customs form C3.
  • The C3 form will become obsolete on 3/31/2017 and will not be acceptable for Customs clearance after this date.
  • The link to the ToR application can be found at the end of this document in ‘Consignment Instructions.’
  • Contact destination agent for further questions.
• Documents must be received by the agent prior to the arrival of the shipment.
• The agent may charge fees for incomplete or delayed receipt of documentation.
• Inherited goods require C1421 form, copy of death certificate, and copy of the living will
• You must submit the ToR application within 12 months of the date of entry into the UK.
• You can bring personal belongings or private vehicles free of duty and tax as long as you:
  • are moving your normal place of residence to the UK only
  • have had your normal place of residence outside the EU for a continuous period of at least 12 months
  • have possessed and used the belongings for at least 6 months outside the EU before they’re imported

Motor Vehicles

Documents Required

• ToR1 Application
• Original bill of lading/air waybill
• Declaration form C384 (if less than 6 months old)
• Copy of registration documents proving ownership
• Insurance policy documentation (copies from the country of origin proving used)
• Utility bills/bank statements that prove the place of residence was outside the European Union and exceeded 12 months

Specific Information

• Duty-free entry is permitted if the vehicle has been possessed and used for at least 6 months outside the European Union before it is imported and will not be sold or otherwise disposed of for 12 months after the date of importation.
• Owners of the goods register their intention to import a vehicle in advance to starting the process of shipping with the DVLA.

Pets

Documents Required

• Vaccination record
• Veterinary health certificate
• Form C5
• Import license

 Specific Information

• Animals must comply with the Pets Travel Scheme (PETS)
• Pets must be licensed by the Animal Health department
• Pets are quarantined upon entry into the country
• Animals must be fitted with a microchip (Scotland)
• Dogs must receive a tapeworm treatment within 105 days of arrival (Scotland)
• Pets that do not qualify to enter Scotland / United Kingdom under the Non-Commercial Movement of Pet Animals are required to obtain an import license prior to import.
• Pets will be detained at the owner’s expense at an approved quarantine facility until compliant.
  • Call agent to verify that a facility is available in the country.
• Certain requirements must be met regarding the vaccination against rabies for specific countries.
  • Contact the destination agent for additional information.

Restricted/Dutiable Items

• Firearms, explosives, and ammunition
• Fruit, vegetable, and plant products
• Cigarettes (200), cigarillos (100), cigars (50), tobacco (250g)
• Spirits / liqueurs (more than 22% – 1 liter)
• Fortified wine or alcohol less than 22% (2 litres), still wine (4 litres), beer (16 L)
• Imitation firearms
• Offensive weapons
• Live animals
• Endangered animals or plants and products thereof (required a valid CITES permit)
• Fur skins and articles made from fur skin
• Radio transmitters
• Rough diamonds
• Animal food products

Prohibited Items

• Illicit drugs
• Knives
• Self-defence sprays
• Stun guns
• Indecent and obscene material
• Counterfeit, pirated and patent-infringing goods
• Milk products from outside the European Union (England, Scotland)

Consignment Instructions

IAM Note:  Customs regulations can change at any time with or without notice. This document is provided as a guide and for information only. While IAM has exercised reasonable care in publishing this document, IAM makes no representation, either expressed or implied, as to its accuracy or applicability.  

Recommended:  Contact the destination agent to ensure all requirements have been met prior to import, especially for differences regarding air/sea shipments.

Cultural and Other Information

CIA World Factbook Entry for United KingdomWikipedia Entry for the United Kingdom