Palmer Moving

International Moving – Restricted Items

International Moving - Restricted Items

Duty is the amount of money you pay on items coming from another country. It is similar to a tax, except that duty is collected only on imported goods.

Dutiable describes items on which duty may have to be paid. Most items have specific duty rates, which are determined by a number of factors, including where you got the item, where it was made and what it is made of.

In most countries, your household goods and personal effects can be entered duty-free. (Note: Some items may be subject to particular provisions.) It’s important to remember that any duties or taxes levied against your shipment are in addition to our charges.

In most cases, you can settle your customs charges with your overseas representative. However, there are times when you’ll be required to deal directly with the customs office. If that’s the case, be sure to obtain an official receipt and keep it, as some duties are refundable when you leave the country.

There are often strict restrictions on what you can and cannot take across the host country’s borders. Guns, alcohol, controlled substances and even certain types of literature are strictly prohibited in certain nations. Your Palmer Moving and Storage relocation coordinator can discuss this with you well in advance of your move.

In addition, some of your appliances and other electrical items may not work in your new home or may need special adapters. Ask your Palmer Moving and Storage relocation coordinator which types of electrical devices typically can’t be used outside of your country. You can get useful information on dual voltage travel appliances, foreign electricity converters and adaptors and other travel necessities here.

It’s always better to be safe than sorry…

Customs requirements vary greatly from one country to another, and a simple oversight could result in delays, fines or even seizure of your entire shipment by foreign customs authorities.

We’ll do our best to keep you informed of all the changes in customs requirements, but there are some basic elements for you to keep in mind.

To be safe, don’t take any of the following, and if you have any doubts, just leave it behind, or talk to your Palmer Moving and Storage International relocation representative.

  • ​Firearms
  • ​Alcohol
  • ​Narcotics
  • ​Agricultural products, including houseplants and seeds
  • ​Pornographic materials and magazines
  • ​Politically sensitive materials
  • ​Open bottles containing liquids
  • ​Flammable cleaning solutions
  • ​Toxic liquid substances
  • ​Pressure spray cans