Customs Regulations of different countries can vary. That is why we stay up-to-date on all the regulations.
While Globalink will keep you abreast of all the changes in Customs requirements, there are some basic elements for you to keep in mind. A simple oversight could result in delays, fines or even seizure of your entire shipment by foreign customs authorities.
To be safe, don’t take any of the following (and if you have any doubts, just ask us about it):
- Firearms, other weapons, ammunition
- Alcohol (including wine)
- Agricultural products, including house plants & seeds
- Pornographic materials and magazines
- Politically sensitive materials
- New items
- Food items
- Jewelry, precious stones, other high value items, sets & collections
- Medicine (including regular house medical kit, should be taken as accompaniedv baggage)
- Toxic / Radioactive materials
- Antiques without export permissions
- Rare animals & birds species, skins, horns
- Stuffed animals & birds
- Books published earlier than 1961
- Plants
- Soil
- Any equipment containing Freon
- Medical appliances: All massagers, thermometers, inhalers, pulsimeters etc.
Also, please note that in many countries* electronic items require electronic permission, and the procedure for obtaining permissions may cause a delay in the relocation process. Therefore we recommend they be taken as hand luggage.
Below you can find the list of major items requiring electronic permission:
- Computer
- Computer parts (including keyboard, mouse, memory card, etc.)
- Printer
- Copy/Xerox machine
- Scanner
- VHS-player, Video-recorder
- DVD-player
- Home theatre/cinema
- Stereo-system
- Tape recorder
- Juke-box
- CD-player, MP3 player, iPod, etc.
- Microphone
- Telephone
- Alarm system
- Amplifier
- Radio transmitter, Hi-Fi devices
- Navigators
- Camera, flash gun, lens
- Video-recorder
- Telescope and other astronomic equipment
- Laser equipment (i.e. laser pointer)
- IPOD, IPAD
- Hard disk
- Wi-Fi router
- Mobile phone
- Modem
- Headphones
- Other wireless or Bluetooth equipment
Note* – this information should be checked before packing with your relocation coordinator. Carpets, paintings, musical instruments, art objects, antique items, large souvenirs & other artifacts might require export permission.
In most countries, your used household goods and personal effects can enter duty-free, although some items may be subject to certain provisions. In most cases, you can settle the customs charges through our overseas representative. However, if you deal directly with the Customs Office, ensure that you obtain an official receipt and keep it safe, as some duties are refundable when you leave the country.
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