Importing Personal Effects - UK Customs Regulations
Used household and personal effects are allowed into the UK free of duty and Value Added Tax (VAT) providing they have been in the owners possession and used abroad for at least 6 months. In addition, the effects must be for the sole use of the owner in the UK and must be retained by the owner for at least 12 months after importation. When moving from outside the EU, the owner must not have lived within the EU in the previous 12 months.
• The Shipment must arrive within 6 months before or within 12 months after the owners arrival into the UK
• All items and items less than 6 months old (including gifts) containing wine, spirits, tobacco and perfumes are subject to duty and VAT. There is NO duty free entitlement on unaccompanied effects.
If possible keep copies of receipts/invoices for any new/dutiable items as these may be required by Customs & Excise. Please do not pack these in the shipment.
In order to process personal effects through UK Customs we require a properly completed Customs form C3 (available for download here). The following is a guide to completing the form;
How to complete your C3 Customs Form
• Please do not rush through the form as incorrectly completed C3 forms can delay clearance and delivery of your effects and may incur additional charges
• Please complete and sign each form
• Each form must be an original as Customs will not accept photocopies or facsimiles
• Should you have more than one shipment (i.e. sea and airfreight) you must complete a C3 for each shipment
Page One
• Please just complete the Personal Details section
• The Request to Clear will be completed by GSG Cargo
Page Two
After referring to the detailed instructions given, please answer these questions carefully. It is vital that you follow the instructions. If you are directed to proceed from one response to another (thereby passing over certain interviewing questions) then do so. Otherwise Customs may reject the form and a new C3 will need to be completed.
• Please note: Once you have completed Section One you do not have to complete Section Two or vice versa
Please read the questions and explanations carefully. Section One is for people intending to stay in the UK for less than 6 months or moving to the UK to study.
Page Three
• If your answer to any question on Page 3 is none you must write “NONE” clearly in each space provided. The use of “N/A”, “NIL” or drawing a line etc.. will result in Customs rejecting the form.
• All alcohol, tobacco, perfume and aftershave is dutiable if included in your shipment. These items must be declared on your C3. Failure to provide detailed information on these items increases the chances of inspection by Customs & Excise.
Page Four
• New items and items less than 6 months old (including gifts) must be declared on this page. In most cases duties and taxes will then be assessed on any such items.
• If you do not have any items under six months old you must write “NONE”
• Please sign and date the form and list your home address. If you do not yet have a permanent residence please list your hotel / temporary accommodation address or work address
• Please attach a comprehensive packing list to your Customs form.
Download your Customs Form C3 here
Released: 07 January 2008
