You are able to ship most, if not all of your household goods and personal effects to the UK as long as they aren’t prohibited or restricted. You should take note however that certain aspects may be subject to the need for documentation. Below are examples of some of the household goods and personal effects that you may wish to ship to the UK.

Motor Vehicles:

Most private motor vehicles are able to be imported free of duty for a period of less than six months. For periods in excess of six months, importation is free as long as:

• The owner is moving home to the U.K. and has lived for more than twelve months outside the E.C.
• The vehicle has been possessed and used in their normal home outside the E.C. for at least six months before it is shipped and documentary evidence of this must be produced to Customs.
• The vehicle was not obtained under a duty/tax-free scheme (except for Diplomats and members of some government organisations).
• The owner must keep the vehicle for their own personal use and not sell, lend, hire out or otherwise dispose of the vehicle in the U.K. within twelve months of the importation unless authority is obtained from Customs.

It should also be noted that a separate customs form is required for the importation of motor vehicles, if you would like more information about this separate customs form then contact Overs International today and we will help you with it.

Inherited Goods

Any inherited goods that you wish to ship to the UK may be done duty free as long as the inheritor is a resident of the UK and the goods were not used by the deceased for trade or business purposes. It is also important that you submit the necessary documents to Customs and Excise well in advance of the arrival of the shipment and goods should not be dispatched to the UK until Customs and Excise have given permission for duty free entry. You should ask for the information prior to dispatching the shipment and the appropriate forms will be sent to you.

Antiques

If you have items which are over 100 years old and you can produce evidence of the date they were manufactured they are not liable for duty. It is important that you declare the age and value of the goods in advance of importation in order to satisfy Customs and Excise. Evidence from the supplier is usually sufficient. If this is not available, evidence from a recognised antique authority in the form of a Certificate of Antiquity should be supplied.