Transportation of personal belongings abroad: what documents are required
Moving to another country and transportation of personal belongings across the border is a topic that not only does not lose its relevance, but is constantly becoming more and more popular. Solving this problem requires close attention to the preparation and execution of the necessary documents. Do not underestimate the importance of this stage of transportation of personal belongings, otherwise you may encounter delays and serious problems at customs.
Basic documents for transportation of personal belongings abroad
To legally and freely transport personal belongings from Ukraine abroad, it is necessary to prepare and provide at its crossing a package of certain documents. If we are talking, for example, about one of the EU countries or Israel, this list will include:
- A passport – a document that certifies the identity of the citizen and allows you to identify him.
- A document that confirms the right to move. This can be a residence permit, a work contract, a rental agreement, the right of ownership of housing.
- Customs declaration for the export of property.
- A detailed list of things in Ukrainian and the language of the country where it is planned to enter.
In cases when moving things to a country with which Ukraine has a visa regime, and the move is not for a long period of time, the citizen will also need to present a visa. In some cases, additional documents for personal belongings may be required, such as receipts or invoices that confirm the value of valuable items, such as electronics or jewelry. Also, if you decide to transport your personal belongings by car, you will need to provide documents for the vehicle used to transport your belongings. To simplify the procedure and the collection of documents will help to apply to specialized firms engaged in transportation and helping to issue a permit for transportation.
Specific documents for different countries
Transportation of personal belongings to different countries has its own specifics and may require different documents. It is worth considering that these powers have nuances of customs rules, with which it is necessary to familiarize yourself with how to transport things abroad to a certain region. For example, when importing personal belongings into the EU, there may be limits on the amount and value of goods that can be imported without paying duties.
You may also be required to provide documentation for the transportation of personal effects to prove that specific items are indeed personal property. These may be receipts or declarations. In addition, it is worth bearing in mind that the items may be checked at the border, including for compliance with the list and documents provided. In order to transport personal property, for example, to the USA or Canada, it will be necessary to prepare:
- a proforma invoice – a list of things with the estimated value and weight with a translation into English, which should preserve all transferred elements and be the same for both language versions;
- packing list;
- air cargo declaration (for air shipments);
- a power of attorney for a representative with U.S. Customs;
- Bill of Lading (for shipments by sea).
As for the customs clearance of personal belongings when moving, for example, to Canada, it is important to know that it is possible to import duty-free clothes, furniture, books, jewelry, but only those that are in the possession of the owner for at least one year. It is also prohibited to import duty free things that are intended to be used for commercial purposes in the future.
How TVL can help you prepare documents for transportation
If you do not know how to start the process of moving your possessions abroad and what documents are needed for transportation of household goods, the right choice is to seek help from professionals. TVL team is ready to provide its potential clients with all necessary consultations on preparation and execution of all required documents.
In addition, qualified specialists will help the client to choose the best method of transportation, type of transport, will provide comprehensive support in its organization. The company has extensive experience in the movement of goods across the border of Ukraine, including – in the registration of transportation of household goods. Also the company’s specialists will be able to give the client valuable advice and recommendations that will help him to choose a really reliable and responsible transportation company.
Tips for preparing and checking documents before shipment
Once you have received appropriate advice and have understood what documents are required for the transportation of personal belongings to a particular country, collected them and packed all the transported property, it is important to check the correctness of the documents, correctness of data entry and compliance of the information indicated in them with the actual situation of things. It is also important to make sure that they have all the required signatures and stamps, there are no mistakes and blank boxes.
All available documents should be copied and 2 sets of identical documents should be available. At customs, as a rule, it is required to provide the originals, which are better to keep with you, and copies can be provided to the carrier, if the transportation is made by a specialized company under the contract for transportation of personal belongings. It is also worth considering that when transporting especially valuable items, for example, antiques, you will need a document that confirms the right of ownership to it, as well as the conclusion of state expertise – a certificate for the right to export (temporary export) of cultural property, issued by the Ministry of Culture of Ukraine.
