For an international move, depending on the destination, you will need various customs forms for household goods. Within Europe, an inventory list and proof of primary residence are often sufficient, but for destinations outside the EU, more extensive documents are required.

Which basic forms do you always need to complete at customs?

For every international move, you need at minimum an inventory list and a copy of your passport. The inventory list is a detailed list of all the items you are taking with you. The inventory list is typically prepared by the moving company. In addition to the inventory list, a valuation is often required.

You usually obtain your customs declaration through the customs authority of your destination country or through a certified moving company. This form contains personal details, your new address, the reason for moving, and a summary of your belongings. Always keep copies of all completed forms for your own records.

What is the difference between customs forms within and outside Europe?

Within the EU, customs requirements are considerably simpler than for destinations outside Europe. For EU moves, customs formalities are not required, though customs may carry out random checks. In that case, a simple inventory list and proof that you are actually relocating is often sufficient. Outside the EU, more extensive procedures and additional documents are required.

For moves to and from countries such as Switzerland and Norway, more extensive customs documentation for household goods is required. This includes official customs declarations, sometimes translated documents, and stricter valuations.

What additional documents do you need for valuable items?

For valuable items such as jewellery, art, antiques, or expensive electronics, you will need additional documentation. This includes proof of purchase, appraisal reports, or certificates of authenticity. Without these documents, customs may question the value or impose additional duties.

Jewellery and precious metals often require an official appraisal by a certified jeweller. For artworks and antiques, a certificate of authenticity or an appraisal report from a recognised expert is required. Expensive electronics should be documented with proof of purchase and warranty certificates.

Take photographs of all valuable items and keep them together with the documentation. Some countries have specific threshold amounts above which additional documents are mandatory. Check in advance with the customs authority of your destination country regarding any special procedures for valuable possessions.

Where can you get professional help with your customs declaration?

Professional help with customs declarations is available through certified international moving companies that employ their own customs declarants. They are familiar with all procedures and ensure correct documentation. This prevents delays and additional costs caused by errors in your declaration.

Certified moving companies like us have years of experience with customs procedures and maintain direct contacts with customs authorities. Our own customs declarants review all forms in advance and guide you through the entire process. This gives you the assurance that everything proceeds according to the rules.

Professional support is especially valuable for complex moves to destinations outside Europe. We handle moves within Europe and worldwide moves with full customs support. Our relocation services also include assistance with importing a car with all required customs formalities.

With more than 100 years of experience and our own customs declarants, we ensure your move goes smoothly. Our expertise prevents stress and ensures efficient customs handling, so you can focus on settling into your new environment.

Veelgestelde vragen

Hoe lang van tevoren moet ik beginnen met het voorbereiden van mijn douaneformulieren?

Begin minimaal 4-6 weken voor je verhuisdatum met het verzamelen en invullen van douaneformulieren. Voor complexe verhuizingen buiten Europa kan dit zelfs 8-10 weken duren. Vroeg beginnen voorkomt stress en geeft je tijd om eventueel ontbrekende documenten aan te vragen.

Wat gebeurt er als ik een fout maak in mijn douane-inventarislijst?

Kleine fouten kunnen meestal ter plekke worden gecorrigeerd, maar grote discrepanties leiden tot vertragingen en mogelijk extra kosten. De douane kan je zending vasthouden voor nader onderzoek wat extra kosten met zich meebrengt. Daarom is het belangrijk om je lijst zorgvuldig te controleren en realistische waarden te hanteren.

Moet ik belasting betalen over mijn verhuisgoederen bij een internationale verhuizing?

Binnen de EU betaal je normaal gesproken geen invoerrechten over persoonlijke bezittingen bij een definitieve verhuizing. In de meeste gevallen is een verhuisinboedel is vrijgesteld van invoerrechten als aantoonbaar is dat alle goederen min 12 maanden in je bezit is.

Kan ik mijn douaneformulieren ook digitaal indienen?

Veel landen accepteren inmiddels digitale douaneaangiften via online portalen. Dit versnelt het proces aanzienlijk. Echter, sommige bestemmingen vereisen nog altijd papieren documenten. Check vooraf bij de douanedienst van je bestemmingsland welke opties beschikbaar zijn.

Hoe ga ik om met items die ik niet mag invoeren in mijn nieuwe land?

Controleer vooraf de invoerrestricties van je bestemmingsland via de officiële douanewebsite. Verboden items kun je verkopen, weggeven of in Nederland laten opslaan. Sommige items zoals planten of voedsel vereisen speciale certificaten. Plan dit tijdig in je verhuisvoorbereiding.

Zijn er speciale regels voor het verhuizen van huisdieren samen met mijn inboedel?

Huisdieren vallen onder aparte import- en quarantaineregels, niet onder douaneformulieren voor verhuisgoederen. Je hebt een EU-dierenpaspoort nodig binnen Europa, en uitgebreidere veterinaire certificaten voor bestemmingen buiten de EU. Plan dit separaat van je inboedelverhuizing.

What forms do you need for customs when moving abroad?