Taylors van and man basic Guide to Customs Clearance for Removals from the UK to Europe or Europe to the UK
Moving to a new country is an exciting milestone, but navigating the post-Brexit customs landscape can feel overwhelming. At Taylors Van and Man European removal services, we don’t just move your boxes, we guide you through the complex paperwork.
Whether you are relocating from the UK to the Europe or Europe to the UK, we provide expert removal services across both directions. We regularly provide removals across the UK, France, Spain, Italy, Switzerland, Germany, Belgium, the Netherlands, Luxembourg, Austria and Portugal.
When relocating your personal belongings internationally, understanding how customs duties and Value Added Tax (VAT) apply is crucial to avoiding unexpected fees and delays at the border.
The Core Rule: Transfer of Residence (ToR)
The Key Requirements for Duty & VAT Exemption when Moving Abroad:
- Length of Ownership: You must have owned and used your personal effects (furniture, clothing, vehicles, etc.) for at least 6 months prior to the move, nothing new or unused can be included. You may not sell, lend, loan or discard the items for at least 12months after your move.
- Previous Residence: You must have lived outside your destination country (e.g., in the UK if moving to the EU, or in the EU if moving to the UK) for a continuous period of at least 12 months.
- Intention: You must be establishing your main, permanent home in the destination country.
- Time Frame: Your items must follow you within 12 months of the date you moved. (We highly recommend that you do not store your items for long periods of time in the previous country, you have 12 months from the date of your move for the items to follow you, it is better to store in your new country of residence, 12 months can pass very quickly).
As well as comprehensive Customs Clearance paperwork advice Taylors van and man quotes include:
- Channel Crossings
- Fuel
- Péage
- Tolls
- CC, LEZ & ULEZ
- Insurance
- Post Brexit Customs Clearance Paperwork
- Driver / Loading / Unloading Assistance
- We are a Licenced International Operator
Critical Exception to the Exemption Rule: Holiday Homes & Second Homes
It is a common misconception that all personal removals are duty & VAT free. Unfortunately due to Brexit and the UK leaving the European Union, there is strictly NO exemption from duty and VAT if you are moving goods to a holiday home or a second home.
- Why? Customs laws state that tax exemptions only apply to a change of primary residence.
- The Value? Not easy we know but you will have to value your own items as used second-hand value, not new replacement value, what are they worth in the condition that they are in at this moment in time, a good rule of thum is to find similar items on eBay or Vinted and make comparisons to these.
- The Cost: If you are sending furniture, appliances, or personal belongings to furnish a holiday home or a secondary property in Europe or the UK, these items are treated as standard commercial imports. You will be required to pay the full destination country’s VAT rate and any applicable customs duties based on the CIF method used by the UK and all European Countries (Cost/Valuation, Insurance, and Freight).
- The Sum:
Hypothetically moving a van load from London to a Holiday Home in Abbeville France:
Total Value Items = €1000.00 (Used second hand value)
Total Duty (can be 0.% – 17% so let’s average it at 10% on €1000.00) = €100.00
Transport & Insurance costs = (£1,980.00) – €2,365.00The VAT is based on
Value + Duty + Transport which total = €3,645.00
France currently charge 20% VAT on imported items, so on €3,645.00 = €693.00So Duty €100.00 and VAT €693.00 Total to pay the French customs (Douane) on import = €793.00
- All countries in Europe work this sum in a very similar way (with their own duty and VAT percentage levels) with only one exception, Switzerland, the Swiss are now offering Duty & VAT exemptions on used personal effects moved to Holiday / Second Homes, with in the first 2 years of taking on the property, whether that be via rental or purchase.
The Sum: Hypothetically moving a van load from London to a Holiday Home in Abbeville France:
How Taylors van and man transport with ensure your smooth European removal
- Help you with your customs paperwork by providing the required documents and a comprehensive guide on how to fill them. We will review your paperwork thoroughly to ensure it meets strict border standards.
- Our drivers are well versed in handling the physical border clearance at the ports so you don’t have to worry about customs officials.
Required Customs Paperwork for Overseas Removals
Standard Paperwork for all Moves Abroad
- Detailed Inventory (Packing List): A complete, itemized list of everything being transported. This must include descriptions (Once booked in you will receive a paperwork email with a detailed guide of how to do this).
- Passport Copy: A clear copy of the photo page for the person relocating.
- Signed Customs Declarations: (POA’s) Specific forms authorizing us to clear the border on your behalf (which we provide).
Country Specific Requirements
Each Country in Europe including the UK has it’s own required paperwork. We will provide you with the forms for the country you are moving to and advice on how to fill these forms out.
Moving to the UK- Customs Clearance: Prior digital authorization through HMRC is required before transit, avoiding costly custom clearance delays.
- Eligibility Verification: Standard evidence verifying your prior long-term foreign residence and new local living arrangements must be supplied.
Moving to the EU- Local Registration: Formal relocation certificates or municipal registration documentation must be secured based on specific destination country rules.
- Status Verification: Legal authorization to reside or work in the destination territory must be verified prior to border arrival.
Moving to Switzerland- Import Declaration: Specific national clearance applications must be completed for all incoming household shipments.
- Border Compliance: Valid local housing, employment, or residency credentials must be presented at the border check.
Are you planning a European Home Move. Banned & Highly Restricted Items Warning?
Customs officials often inspect removals thoroughly at the border. Packing banned or restricted items can lead to your entire shipment being delayed, heavily fined, or confiscated. Please review these rules carefully before packing your boxes:
Strictly Prohibited (Do Not Pack)
- Meat, Milk, & Dairy Products: It is illegal to bring meat, cheese, milk, or dairy products from the UK into the EU (and vice versa) due to strict biosecurity laws.
- Fresh Fruit, Vegetables, & Plants: Most plants, seeds, flowers, and fresh produce require a costly Phytosanitary Certificate to cross the border. It is best to leave these behind.
- Dangerous Goods: Flammable liquids, gas canisters, aerosols, fireworks, and toxic substances cannot be loaded onto our vehicles.
- Alcohol & Tobacco: While technically part of your household, large collections or wine cellars often do not qualify for the tax exemption. Moving even small amounts can trigger heavy excise duties or require separate commercial declarations depending on the destination country (especially Switzerland).
- New Items: Any goods that you have owned for less than 6 months must be declared separately and will be subject to local VAT and duties. Keep your receipts handy for any recently purchased furniture or electronics.
