Customs clearance for international moves

For international moves to so-called third countries (non-EU countries), customs clearance is one of the biggest challenges. Due to different agreements and standardized procedures, reporting requirements and export regulations that change from state to state, even the correct preparation of a freight or packing list for an international move can be a challenge. At KRUMPF, we take over 100% of these sometimes highly complex administrative tasks of customs clearance for our customers during an international move. We also take care of the resulting additional transport and storage requirements, such as the interim storage of the removal goods until the actual start of transport.

Questions that arise before moving to another EU country

• What am I allowed to export from my current residence and import at my new residence?
• What are the maximum quantities or numbers of items that may be exported and imported?
• Do I have to pay duty or tax on items?
• How do I declare my goods correctly?

Forwarding with customs clearance in different scenarios

There are EU-wide regulations for customs clearance at the EU’s external border. In addition to European standards, the regulations and requirements of the country of destination must also be observed. Depending on the country of destination and status, customs duties must be paid, permits obtained or prohibitions observed when importing certain goods. Here, for removals – i.e. the transport of goods that are not intended for trade and are not sold on a larger scale in the country of destination – once again different regulations apply than for trade goods.

However, any export restrictions or prohibitions due to sanctions still apply, even though in the vast majority of cases this should not be an issue when moving. Apart from these general conditions, the EU has additionally concluded special agreements with some third countries. This standardizes and thus simplifies the export and import of goods, such as in Switzerland, which is located in the middle of the EU but is not itself part of the confederation. The same applies to Turkey or the United Kingdom, which ceased to be part of the European Union in 2020.

Customs clearance within the EU

Within the EU there are no customs formalities due to the common internal market and the free movement of people. This makes an international move within the EU much easier than moving to a third country.

Customs clearance for transit through a customs zone

Even for shipments within the EU, customs formalities may have to be completed for transit through a non-EU customs zone. The most common case here is the transport of goods from the EU through Switzerland and back into the EU. However, the same applies to international removals to third countries if the transported goods pass through different customs territories.

Forwarding with customs clearance: Who is responsible for customs clearance?

The exporting company or the exporting private person is always responsible for customs clearance. However, the transporting forwarders have the obligation to verify the correctness of the exporter’s data, otherwise they are liable to prosecution in case of false declarations or other violations of applicable customs regulations. However, private individuals and companies can hand over the handling of customs clearance to a so-called customs agent, a specialist who is familiar with customs rules and regulations on import and transit. As a customer for an international move, we are at your side with advice and assistance – and take care of the preparation of the packing list and all other necessary tasks for customs clearance.

What is a bonded warehouse?

Transport KRUMPF GmbH operates a bonded warehouse approved by the customs authorities as well as a private bonded warehouse.

Under the customs warehousing procedure, goods from third countries (non-Union goods) in import or transit traffic may be stored under customs supervision in premises approved for this purpose by the customs authority

Private customs warehouses are used for storage of goods by the licensee, e.g. a forwarder can transfer goods of other owners into a bonded warehouse authorized for him.

Detention camp: The bonded warehouse can also be used for storage of temporarily stored goods for up to 90 days. A transfer to the customs warehousing procedure does not take place.