Payment for Your Shipment
Before the goods are moved to the port of exit, payment for your shipment must be received unless prior arrangements have been made. As soon as your shipment is prepared, you will be notified of the actual charges. Only a cashier's check, money order, travelers' checks or cash payment are accepted. Personal checks will not be accepted. Corporate transferees need a Purchase Order or Letter of Authorization from their company.
When moving to a new country, payments to the destination agent and customs officials are often required to be in the currency of your new country. Prior to delivery, any additional charges not included in your transportation cost, such as those for extra pickups or deliveries or storage must be paid to the destination agent.
Services and Fees
Customs services in all countries collect fees or duties on some imported and, less commonly, on exported goods. Going through customs when exiting the origin country and again when entering the destination country is common.
The U.S. Customs Service publications on international moving are available. Check the Customs Service's Internet site for online publications or call (202) 354-1000 for tape-recorded messages and to request publications or write: U.S. Customs Service, 1300 Pennsylvania Avenue, Washington D.C. 20229.
For information on dutiable items when moving to a new country from another, check in advance with customs offices for both countries. Requirements can differ between countries.
Be on hand to answer questions, to provide additional documentation if necessary and to pay any duties that are levied against your goods when your shipment goes through customs. Keep the official receipts. When you leave the country, some of these duties may be refundable.
Shipping Unique Items
When moving to a new country, answers to questions about customs on unique or unusual items you want to take along come from the consulate, embassy or customs office for your destination country. Be sure to receive a written declaration from the consulate/embassy stating the item can be allowed to enter as part of your shipment if it is at all disputed.
Customs Screens These Items
Customs offices of your origin and destination countries often screen the items listed below:
- Household Goods
Most countries permit duty-free entry of used household goods more than a year old. Few allow free entry of items that are less than a year old. Before moving to a new country, decide about buying new items to take abroad, paying duty on them might be less preferable to purchasing the items after the move if they are available at destination. Items ordered by mail while living abroad are subject to duty that you are required to pay.
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Flammables and Restricted Items
International laws prohibit the transportation of flammable items, such as matches, candles, paint, and cleaning and lighting fluids. In addition, a list of other items that are restricted, prohibited, or in need of licenses or permits can be provided by the consulate or embassy of your destination country.
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Alcohol, Tobacco, Cameras, Unexposed Film, Key Documents
When moving to a new country, carry but do not ship these goods with you: alcohol, tobacco, cameras and
unexposed film. Do not have them packed in your household goods
shipment. Many countries limit the amount of these items you can
bring. The consulate, embassy or customs office for your
destination country can tell you the quantities permitted. In
addition, safeguard the following items by carrying them: birth
and marriage certificates, divorce decrees, bank drafts, letters
of credit, tax documents and Social Security Records.
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