If you have plans to relocate to the UK and bring your belongings, this guide can help. We outline all the things you need to know when moving your belongings to the UK, including customs and taxes.

When moving to the UK, the most important thing to remember is that planning is essential—most especially if you plan to move your personal belongings during your move. You need to find out all the important information about relocating to the UK, preferably through a reputable immigration consultancy in Dubai.Moving Belongings to the UK

Moving belongings is a logistics nightmare, especially if you are moving to another country. Remember every country’s rules and regulations differ when it comes to importation.

In the UK, the general guidelines are you an import household goods duty- and tax-free, provided that:

  • You are a resident of a non-EU country for at least a year and have ownership of the household goods for six or more months.
  • The goods were not received under a duty/tax-free scheme.
  • You have no intent to sell, lend, or dispose of these goods in the UK in the next 12 months.
  • You are moving your permanent home to the EU.

By definition, household goods include:

  • Furniture
  • Clothing
  • Household appliances
  • Personal effects

Tobacco products and alcohol need to be declared to customs on arrival. If you are setting up a second home in the UK, you need to pay VAT.

UK Custom Regulations

  • If you are relocating from an EU Country: you do not usually pay tax or customs duty on goods.
  • If you are relocating from a non-EU country: you may be able to claim relief on tax and duty, but there are certain conditions. If you are planning on relocating permanently, you will be required to fill in form ToR01 when your items arrive in the UK. If you are just moving temporarily, you will have to fill form C88. Your shipping company will be the one to ask you to fill up these forms when applicable.

UK Prohibited and Restricted Items

The UK prohibits the entry and import of the following items. Some or most of the listed items below, when found under the possession of, can lead to deportation, or filing of criminal charges. And you can ask any UK immigration consultants in Dubai and they will advise you with the same thing. The list of prohibited and restricted items in the UK are:

  • Illegal drugs;
  • Weapons for the purpose to inflict mental or physical injury;
  • Self-defense sprays;
  • Endangered plants and animals;
  • Rough diamonds;
  • Pornographic materials or any materials that are of indecent and obscene nature;
  • Meat and dairy products from most non-EU countries.

**If you need to bring firearms, explosives, and ammunition into the UK, apply for a special license.

Migrate to the UK with the Help of a UK visa consultant in Dubai to lessen your headaches.

Since the UK will be having new policies after the implementation of Brexit, it can get confusing to stay updated. Alpha Migration and our team of UK immigration consultants in Dubai curate after daily study and analysis of happenings in the UK and their legal processes, and we make sure each update is offered to you as we plan your legal process. You are free to communicate with us, send in queries, and requests as we discuss how we can serve you better. Book a free consultation today.