Moving To The United Kingdom –
What You Need To Know

Important Information To Consider When Moving To The United Kingdom (Including Northern Ireland)

Used household and personal effects can be imported into the UK duty and tax-free so long as the importer;

1. is moving their normal home to the UK
2. has had their normal home outside the UK for a continuous period of at least 12 months
3. has possessed and used the items for at least six months outside the UK before they are imported
4. did not get them under a duty/tax-free scheme
5. declares them correctly to UK Customs
6. will retain them for their own personal use
7. will not sell, lend, hire out or otherwise dispose of them in the UK or anywhere else in the EU within 12 months of importation

The shipment can arrive no more than six months before the date on the importer’s letter of approval from HM Customs with their unique reference number.

This shipment can arrive no more than 12 months after the date on the importer’s letter of approval from HM Customs with their unique reference number. The importer can apply for an extension of this in extenuating circumstances.

To apply for Duty-Free importation of your goods, you will need to go online to apply for a Transfer of Residence (TOR). An approval will allow you to import your personal & household effects goods into the UK with relief from import duties and charges.

The application needs to be made before you ship the goods and ideally before the packing and uplift date.

Once you apply online and approval is granted, you will be given a Unique Declaration Number (URN) which will need to be passed on to us. Please visit the below link and complete the application form:

You will be asked to include:

• A copy of your passport, including your visa if necessary
• A copy of your packing inventory or list of items you are bringing with you　(our inventory can be used for this purpose as your intended list of items you wish to import)
• The passport code or number of any animals you are bringing with you.
• Documents that show the address in Australia you are moving from, such as a utility bill.
• Documents that show you’re going to live in the UK (examples below). If you do not have a UK address you will need to upload a statement from the person you will be living with and scanned proof of their residence:
  • a)　employment contract
    
  • b)　employer’s statement
    
  • c)　work permit
    
  • d)　tenancy or purchase agreement for the home, you plan to live in

Details of the Unique Declaration Number will be outlined in the approval email you receive back from HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC). It is most important you apply at the earliest possible opportunity and forward us details of the UDN as soon as you receive it and it is most important this information is with our UK associates well prior to the arrival date of your consignment into port to avoid possible wharf and bond storage charges.

Some of the requested information on the online form may be uncertain to you, for instance if you do not have an address in the UK yet you may need to nominate your planned first night place of stay on your arrival in the UK.

The list of goods intended to be shipped will need to forwarded with the application, if we have not already uplifted your goods and provided you with our packing inventory, you should prepare your own list perhaps using our survey inventory listing as a guide.

If you have not received a response from HMRC within 20 working days of submitting your application, we strongly recommend that you follow them up with an email and/or phone call. HMRC’s response may be filtered by your email provider so please also check your junk mail.