Customs clearance for your international move
Gosselin handles all customs formalities correctly in advance
We guide you through the complexity
Relocating internationally may involve navigating a maze of customs regulations, which vary significantly from one country to another. For example, Australia requires strict quarantine checks on household items, the UK has detailed import guidelines and tax implications, while Switzerland enforces unique documentation and inspection procedures. These country-specific rules can be challenging and sometimes unpredictable.
With Gosselin as your international moving partner, you don’t have to face customs challenges alone. Our team guides you step-by-step through all the requirements, ensuring you are fully prepared and supported for a smooth move, no matter your destination.
What is customs clearance?
Shipping household goods internationally
Whenever household goods move from one country to another, customs authorities require documentation explaining what is being exported and imported. This process is called customs clearance and regulates:
- What you are allowed to ship
- Which documents are required
- Whether duties or taxes apply
- Whether customs may inspect your shipment
Import procedures
Import procedures are an important part of the process. They ensure shipments comply with destination regulations and helps protect security by preventing restricted or harmful goods from entering the country. This is where taxes, inspections or additional checks can occur. Getting the paperwork right before arrival is essential. That is where we come in.
Country-specific regulations
Although the paperwork can seem complex, customs authorities simply regulate what enters a country, not to complicate your move. Almost every country has its own unique customs regulations, which means requirements and procedures can vary significantly depending on your destination. If you are moving within the European Union, you do not need to declare personal household goods. Exceptions still apply for alcohol, tobacco, vehicles, and pets.With the right preparation, the process runs smoothly, and we guide you through every step.
Check the country-specific guides
If you want more detailed, country-specific information, you can check the FIDI Global Alliance Customs Guides, which we rely on for the most up-to-date regulations.
What Gosselin does for you
Our role is to make sure you are correctly informed and properly prepared.
We will:
- Explain what you can and cannot ship. You may want to check our page about forbidden goods in advance.
- Provide a clear overview of required documents
- Prepare the necessary paperwork on our side
- Inform you in advance if you need to obtain specific documents yourself
- Coordinate with trusted local customs brokers who liaise directly with customs authorities
You will always know what is expected from you and what we are handling for you.
What you may still need to do
Depending on the destination country, some formalities must legally be completed by you. For example:
- Requesting official documents
- Obtaining a municipal stamp
- Being present if customs requires identification
If this applies to your move, we will inform you early and guide you step by step so there are no last-minute surprises
A smoother move starts with the right guidance
International moving will always involve formalities. It does not have to feel overwhelming.
With Gosselin, you benefit from:
- Clear, country specific advice
- Up-to-date customs information
- Reliable local partners
- Transparent communication
We take care of the complexity so you can focus on your new beginning.
Questions about customs clearance
What you need to know before you move
In most cases it will. All personal belongings and household goods shipped across borders must go through customs in both the origin and destination countries. Our team will guide you through the required documentation and procedures to ensure a smooth process.
We refer you the Fidi Global Alliance Customs Guides which are up-to-date. You can also consult the Forbidden Goods page on our website about household goods that cannot be shipped internationally.
Customs decisions are made solely by customs authorities and are outside of Gosselin’s control. Our responsibility is to prepare your file thoroughly and guide you honestly so you know what to expect. Even with perfectly prepared documents, customs authorities may decide to inspect your shipment which can lead to inspection fees being charged and, in some cases, import duties or taxes may still apply, even on personal belongings.
Let's get moving
Every country has different requirements. Let us make sure you are fully prepared. Start your international move by filling out the contact form below.
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