Moving abroad is a major undertaking. In addition to packing, transportation, storage, and scheduling, there is one issue that many people don’t consider until it’s too late: customs. Anyone shipping their household goods abroad or moving back to Germany from a non-EU country must comply with certain customs formalities.
Thorough preparation and complete documentation are especially crucial for international moves, container shipments, or relocations to countries such as Switzerland, the United States, Canada, Australia, or the United Kingdom. Missing documents, inaccurate packing lists, or incorrectly declared items can lead to delays, additional costs, or follow-up inquiries.
In this article, you’ll learn what to keep in mind regarding customs when moving internationally, which documents are important, and how Intermove can help you with the planning.
Moving within the EU is usually relatively straightforward. However, as soon as a third country—that is, a country outside the European Union—is involved, your household goods become subject to customs regulations. This applies both to moving from Germany to a non-EU country and to moving from a third country to Germany.
Customs isn’t just about potential fees. Above all, it must be clear what items are being transported, whether they belong to your private household, and whether certain restrictions apply. The German customs administration refers to personal belongings imported into Germany as part of a change of residence as “household goods.” These may include, among other things, household goods, private vehicles, household supplies, as well as pets and riding animals.
The better the paperwork is prepared, the easier it is to handle the international move.
Household goods generally refer to items that are part of your personal household and are being transported in connection with your move. These include, for example:
Not everything can automatically be treated as personal effects. Alcohol, tobacco products, items used for commercial purposes, or certain goods subject to import restrictions may be excluded or require special documentation. Customs expressly notes that, for example, alcoholic beverages, tobacco and tobacco products, as well as items used for commercial purposes, are not considered personal effects.
That is why it is important to clarify before shipping which items can be shipped without any issues and which items are subject to special rules.
The required documents depend on the destination country, the mode of transport, and the volume of household goods. Nevertheless, there are certain documents that are particularly frequently required for international moves.
Typical documents include:
The inventory list is particularly important. It shows what is being transported and helps both customs officials and the moving company with their planning. Customs officials note that different documents may be required depending on the procedure, for example, to verify value, origin, or possible restrictions.
A good inventory list is more than just a formality. It ensures transparency and helps you better manage the entire move. Especially when moving abroad using a shipping container, it’s important to clearly document which items are inside the container.
A good inventory list should:
Vague descriptions such as “various items” or “household goods” are often insufficient. It is better to use clear categories such as living room furniture, clothing, kitchenware, books, or appliances. For fragile or high-value items, a more detailed description may be helpful.
At Intermove, we're here to help you organize your documents effectively and keep everything in order.
Many problems arise not because someone intends to do something wrong, but because information is missing or provided too late. This can quickly lead to delays, especially when moving internationally.
Common mistakes include:
Anyone moving to Germany from a non-EU country should also check whether they meet the requirements for an exemption from import duties. One of the requirements is that their habitual residence be transferred to the customs territory of the Union. In addition, their habitual residence must generally have been outside the customs territory of the Union for at least twelve months prior to the move.
Not every destination country treats household goods the same way. That is why customs clearance should always be considered on a case-by-case basis. Moving to Switzerland involves different requirements than moving to the United States, Canada, Australia, or the United Kingdom.
Some of the most frequently asked questions include, for example:
In some countries, specific issues also come into play, such as wooden packaging, vehicles, plants, food, medication, works of art, or pets. In such cases in particular, it is advisable to seek professional assistance to ensure that the move is not delayed by missing or unclear information.
For international moves over long distances, goods are often transported by container. The household goods are packed, loaded, and secured. The container is then taken to a port—such as Bremerhaven, Hamburg, or Rotterdam—and shipped from there.
Important to note: The transport process does not end once the container is loaded. Goods being exported to a non-EU country must undergo customs clearance. German customs authorities point out that goods must be cleared through customs when exported to a non-EU country. While no customs duties are generally levied in Germany on goods being exported, duties may apply in the destination country.
That is why documents, packing lists, shipping information, and destination country requirements must all align. An experienced moving partner can help coordinate each step of the process.
Intermove supports international moves not only with transportation, but throughout the entire process. This includes consultation, packing, inventory, container loading, storage, and coordination with international partners.
Our support includes, among other things:
When it comes to customs, customers benefit from our experience. We know what information is needed in advance, what to look for on packing lists, and which details are particularly important for certain destination countries.
We also take special items such as art, pianos, motorcycles, high-end furniture, and delicate electronics into account on a case-by-case basis. With the right packaging, custom transport solutions, and clear documentation, we ensure that your belongings are professionally prepared for the move.
Customs formalities may seem complicated at first glance. However, with proper preparation, complete documentation, and an experienced moving partner, they can be easily managed.
It is important to clarify this early on:
An international move is more than just getting from point A to point B. It’s about security, planning, and trust. Intermove helps you professionally prepare for your move abroad and ensures that customs clearance goes as smoothly as possible.
If you're planning an international move, talk to us. We'll provide personalized advice and walk you through the steps that are important for your destination country.
Global Move Management
Parsdorfer Weg 10
85551 Munich / Kirchheim
Germany