Moving from the US to the United Kingdom: customs, papers and what you can't pack

Bringing your things in duty-free

Transfer of Residence relief: you lived outside the UK for at least 12 months in a row, the UK becomes your normal home, and you've owned each thing for at least 6 months. Apply to HMRC on form ToR1 before you ship — the reference number goes to your mover. Things must arrive within 12 months of moving, in one shipment or several. Don't sell, lend or give them away for 12 months.

The papers customs wants

• Form ToR1, approved before shipping
• Passport photo page
• Proof of your UK address, dated within 3 months
• Proof of your address abroad, dated within 6 months
• An inventory by type with rough quantities — values and brands aren't needed
• A signed letter of authority if your mover applies for you

Inspection and clearance

Your mover declares the shipment using your ToR reference. Without it you can be billed duty and admin charges.

Don't pack these

• Alcohol and tobacco — duty is charged, the relief doesn't cover them
• Meat and dairy from most countries outside the EU
• Self-defense sprays and offensive weapons
• Firearms without a UK license
• Protected species (CITES) without a permit
• Cash of £10,000 or more must be declared

Bringing a car

Covered by the same relief. You also file a NOVA (Notification of Vehicle Arrival).

Bringing a dog or cat

A 15-digit ISO microchip, then a rabies shot, then wait 21 days. No rabies blood test from the US. A UK pet health certificate, endorsed by USDA ($101) within 10 days of arrival.

Dogs: tapeworm treatment (praziquantel) by a vet 1 to 5 days before arrival.

Pets must fly on approved routes, usually in the hold as cargo — Heathrow requires manifest cargo. No quarantine if the papers are right; up to 4 months at your cost if they aren't.

Banned: Pit Bull Terrier, Japanese Tosa, Dogo Argentino, Fila Brasileiro and XL Bully, unless exempted.

Duty and tax on everything else

VAT is 20%. Customs duty depends on the item — look it up in the UK Trade Tariff.

Carried in your luggage: £390 of goods free. Go a pound over and duty and VAT are charged on the whole amount.