1. Moving to Australia
2. Moving to New Zealand
3. Moving to United States
4. Moving to United Kingdom
5. Moving to Singapore
6. Moving to Saudi Arabia
7. Moving to Sri Lanka
8. Moving to Japan
9. Moving to China
10. Moving to Indonesia
11. Moving to South Africa
12. Moving to France
13. Moving to Germany
14. Moving to Thailand
15. Moving to India
16. Moving to Canada
17. Moving to Hongkong
18. Moving to Malaysia

Moving To Australia

• All shippers are required to have a visa to gain entry and to import household goods shipments
• A customs form B534 Unaccompanied Effects Form is required for all shipments to be imported.
• The B534 must be the original as completed by the client. Customs will not accept faxed or photocopied forms. Customs will also ask for a photocopy of each page of the client?s passport
  An Authority to Act form must be completed by the client to authorize clearance on their behalf

• Shipments of household goods and personal effects are allowed duty free entry, provided that they have been owned and used by the shipper for at least twelve (12) months prior to importation. Goods may be cleared before the client arrives in the country provided that all of the necessary, correctly completed documents are in order
• As of July 1, 2002, the Australian Customs Service (ACS) began implementing a new cargo reporting and clearance system. This system now requires forwarders and importers to electronically report all incoming cargo to the ACS at least 24 hours prior to the Vessel or aircraft arrival at an Australian port. This cargo report must contain the name and residential address of the owner/receiver of the cargo. It is acceptable for this address to be shown as a hotel, serviced apartment or the contact address of a friend, relative or place of employment. It is not acceptable to send no address or notations such as TBA, will advise, etc.
• No shipment will be dispatched from port of departure to an Australian port of entry until an address as such is advised to Allied International

• Foodstuff
  • Fresh fruits and vegetables (do not use fruit boxes to pack items, they are prohibited)
  • All meat and dairy products
• Most animals including wildlife and endangered species, animal products (such as ivory, skins, feathers, bones, shells and the like or products made rom these items) or animal equipment and biological specimens
• If above items in shipment, shipment will be seized by Customs for identification
• Medications and narcotic drugs (letter from doctor must state that medication is required for Customer's treatment, and it has been supplied on prescription)
• Firearms are subject to severe restrictions
• All firearms will be held by Customs upon arrival and held in "Queens Bond" pending approval by the Police Department for a "Shooters License"
• Radio transmitters, citizen band radios, cordless telephones (must be approved by the Department of Transport and Communication)
• If above items in shipment, shipment will be seized by Customs for safety checking
• Importation of any prohibited item without the necessary Australian Import Permit, may result in $50,000 to $100,000 fines and a jail term of 5-10 years Motor vehicles
• The owner or spouse must produce the documents listed below and complete a B357 Form (Statement for Vehicle Imported by a Passenger)
• Documents Required:
• Bill of Sale
• Certificate of Steam Cleaning
• Current Passport (previous passport required together with current, if current passport has been issued after purchase of vehicle)
• Import Permit (will not be granted to Customers who are on a temporary visa)
• Original Purchase and Registration Papers (showing purchase price and purchase date)
• Receipts for any modifications to the vehicle which would add value to the purchase price
• Insurance Policy
• Drivers License
• Service records and log books
• Car Condition Report
• Authorization from Federal Office of Road Safety

Moving To New Zealand

• Passport (original)
• Residence Visa
• Proof of Residence
• Inventory, stating contents of cartons in detail (all items marked "PBO" - packed by owner and "misc." - miscellaneous are subject to inspection)
• Customs Declaration (customer must be in country to complete prior to shipment arrival)
• Proof of Employment
• Proof of transfer of funds to New Zealand

• Used household goods (including furniture and electrical appliances) and personal effects are duty-free provided:
  • The customer intends to be a permanent resident
  • The customer has lived outside New Zealand for 21 months and has owned and used the goods prior to departure to New Zealand
• Goods are for their own personal use
• If shipments are forwarded to New Zealand prior to customer's arrival, Customs will require a SIGHT ENTRY. Customs will inspect the shipment and require a Customs duty deposit on the insured value, until customer can provide proof of entry to New Zealand, at which time the deposit will be refunded.
• Importation of household goods from deceased estates will be accepted free of duty provided a copy of the Death Certificate and Will are provided
• Fumigation of shipment may be required
• Charges for this service will be for the Customer's account
• Shipments may require inspection by Quarantine however, this requirement is only made known during the clearance procedure
• Charges for this service will be for the Customer’s account

• New items
• Alcoholic beverages and tobacco products. If as part of normal household contents or part of a collector's cellar will normally be imported on a duty and tax free basis, providing client is first time immigrant or a returning New Zealand resident after 21 months overseas.
• Radio transmitting equipment may not comply with New Zealand radio frequency service
• Firearms and ammunition strictly controlled and a Police Permit is required

Moving to United States

• Passport (copy) showing personal data and photo page
• Visa (copy)
• Customs Form 3299 "Declaration for Free Entry of Unaccompanied Articles"
• Supplement Declaration for Unaccompanied Personal and Household Effects
• Power of Attorney Form authorizing Destination Agent to act on Customer's behalf in liaisons with U.S. Customs

• Shipment must clear at first port of arrival unless arrangements have been made to move shipment in-bound to a port of entry
• Used household goods and personal effects can be imported duty-free:
  • If items purchased abroad are not for resale or for use by another person, and have been in owner's possession for at least one year
  • Professional equipment which was owned and used abroad is also generally duty-free

• New items (less than one year old), inheritance items, and gifts are dutiable
• Sales receipts may be required on new items
• Medicine
• must have either a prescription or written statement from doctor stating that the medicine is required for physical well-being
• ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES
• Strongly recommend not shipping with household goods
• FEDERAL, STATE and LOCAL REGULATIONS, DUTIES and TAXES apply
• Certain ports are "Dry Ports" and alcohol cannot be imported at that location; alcohol is not permitted in those states
• Customer must provide name, quantity, size of bottle, alcohol content , value per bottle, and date purchased

Moving to United Kingdom

• The C3 customs form is required to clear each shipment through customs. Customs is very strict about this form, and will only accept original forms with original ink signatures, i.e.; fax copies are not accepted.
• Customs Form (Import Declaration), two fully completed originals need to be provided to Customs
• C-3 (Household goods and personal effects for primary residence)
• C-33 (Household goods and personal effects for secondary residence)
• C426 (for diplomatic entry)
• C104A/C104F/C384 (Motor Vehicles)
• C-5 (Pets)
• Valid Passport
• Visa may be required
• Work Permit
• Detailed Inventory in English, two copies, valued, dated and signed by Customer
• Keys for any locked items

• Goods must arrive within twelve months after Customer or up to six months before customers arrival
• Customer entering from outside the EC must have lived at least twelve months abroad and cannot sell, lend or hire out or otherwise dispose of the items in the United Kingdom within twelve months of importation, unless Customer obtains Customs authority first
• Customers living in another EC country used household goods
• Household goods and personal effects can be duty and tax free if:
  • Customer either owns a secondary home in the United Kingdom or is renting one for at least twelve months

Moving to Singapore

• Passport (original or copy with photograph)
• Residence Visa
• Residence Permit
• Copy of letter applying for Residence Permit/Employment Pass
• Copy of acknowledgment card from Immigration
• Proof of Employment (letter from Customer's employer to Director of Customs and Excise, stating employee's designation and anticipated stay in Singapore)
• Inventory (two legible copies) detailing contents of cartons
• Customs Declaration signed by customer, stating goods have been owned and used by customer for at least six months

• Household goods and personal effects must arrive within six months of Customer
• All shipments 100% inspected, each carton opened
• Only one AIR and one SURFACE shipment allowed

• Video tapes, laser discs, cassettes and films are highly discouraged, and if imported are subject to censorship (Screening charges are for the Customer's account)
• Provide a list of the name of the video films
• Videos that are exempt from censorship are children's cartoon videos in their original packaging and personal recordings of family events.
• Certain types of stuffed birds, animals and agricultural products require an import license
• Antiques are duty-free, but require a detailed inventory and a certificate of antiquity (age)
• Prescription drugs (valid prescription must be provided)

• Narcotics, non-branded drugs and psychotropic substances
• Guns (including toy guns), weapons, ammunition and firecrackers - violation punishable

Moving to Saudi Arabia

• ALL DOCUMENTS MUST show customer's name EXACTLY as it appears on passport. DO NOT use initials or abbreviations for companies (Saudi Government will not accept these invalidating documents)
• Passport (copy) with entry visa
• Residence Permit and Work Permit
• Proof of Employment legalized by Saudi Chamber of Commerce or a Saudi Government Agency
• Certificate of Health, stating customer does not have AIDS
• Inventory, original with description of contents of cartons (PBO - "packed by owner", CU - "contents unknown" and MISC. - "miscellaneous", not acceptable) and purchase receipts for major household good items
• Certificate of Origin (for new items), itemized, with price for each article. (Inventory and Certificate of Origin MUST be legalized by the Saudi Embassy or Consulate and translated into Arabic)
• Original valued inventory for Customs purposes
• Keys for any locked items for customs inspection
• Certificate of Insurance, if applicable
• SASO Certificate of Conformity for all electrical items imported into the country
• Letter of Undertaking authorizing destination agent to perform Customs clearance
• Documents for surface shipments must be received at destination a minimum of seven days prior to arrival of vessel

• All shipments are inspected and subject to duty, including used household goods and personal effects
• Shipments are valued locally and rates vary depending on the item
• Containers and trailers must have a comprehensive packing list of all contents (in a water-proof envelope) taped to the rear door. (List should show customer's full name and address.) Failure to comply will result in heavy fines.
• All goods imported into the country must show the country of origin; i.e. "made in USA", "made in Japan", etc.
• This mark must tally with the legalized documents presented to Customs for clearance of the goods

Moving to Sri Lanka

• Passport
• Residence Visa/Blue Card
• Unaccompanied baggage declaration must be made at airport

• Sri Lanka Nationals & Expatriates may import household goods and personal effects duty-free provided they have been outside the country for a year or more
• Some Customs exemption granted with Residence Visa
• Shipments must arrive within three months of Customer
• Refundable Customs deposit payable on all shipments

• All items in commercial quantity
• Alcohol and tobacco products
• All currency, gold, silver, jewelry, etc.

• Dangerous drugs
• Gold and gems
• Sri Lanka currency over Rs. 1,000/Indian and Pakistan currencies
• MOTOR VEHICLES
• Automobiles and motorcycles over three years old are prohibited
• Only right-hand drive autos are permitted
• Import License must be obtained prior to arrival

Moving to Japan

• Passport for every member of the family (clear copy of all the pages which have Japanese entry stamps) and copy of page with photograph
• Residence and Working Visa (valid for over one year)
• Original and two copies Declaration for Unaccompanied Baggage stating number of pieces in each shipment (Form C 5360-2 for non-Japanese and Form 5360 for Japanese).
• Forms are obtained on the airplane travelling to Japan or at the Airport in Japan upon arrival.
• Two originals required
• Can be used to declare any other shipments arriving within six months.
• If this form is not presented at time of arrival, Customer must prepare a "Letter of Apology" to Customs office which will delay clearance and Customer may have to pay import duty
• Inventory (detailed in English or Japanese)
• PBO - "packed by owner" and miscellaneous are NOT ACCEPTABLE!
• Air shipments require a detailed list with carton numbers and items in each carton, along with the total number of pieces
• Keys to locked trunks/suitcases
• Delivery address and telephone number CUSTOMS REGULATIONS
• Used household goods and personal effects are duty-free provided the goods have been in owner's possession and utilization for at least one full year
• Shipment must arrive within six months of Customer

• Alcohol, tobacco, rice and video cassettes
• Items must be stowed for easy access in the container
• Large quantities require separate clearance as a commercial shipment
• Must be clearly noted on inventory (including the weight of the rice)
• Detailed list of video cassette tapes
• New items (less than a year old), especially furniture
• It is recommended that new items be re-packed
• Invoices required

• Three (3) bottles (around 760cc) alcoholic beverages
• 400 pieces of cigarettes per adult

CHINA

• China officially announced emergency quarantine regulations effective January 1, 2000. China will be requiring USDA certification of heat treatment for all conifer (i.e. pine, spruce, hemlock or fir) solid wood packing material (SWPM) OR exporter certification that none of the packing material in the shipment is conifer wood. The regulations apply to both air and sea shipments. SWPM includes but is not limited to, dunnage, crating, pallets, packing blocks, drums, cases, spools and skids.
• Improperly certified shipments are subject to one of three actions:
  • The shipment can be returned to origin.
  • The shipment can be separated from the packing material, at the importer's expense. The packing material would be destroyed.
  • If the shipment cannot be separated from the packing material and is not returned to origin, then both the shipment and packing material would be destroyed.

• Visa/Work Visa
• Foreign Expert Certificate
• Identity Card
• Residence Card/Permit
• Original Passport and Authorization Letter
• Residency Registration (to obtain Green Card)
• Application for Customs Sealed Letter (three copies)
• Letter of Employment Certification (preferably in Chinese) from employer's registered China Office, or Chinese host organization, certifying that Customer will be either personnel of Foreign Resident Office, or Foreign Expert
• Detailed inventory in English (describing general carton contents - PBO "packed by owner" and "misc." not acceptable)
• Arrival Customs Declaration (to be completed by Customer on arrival at port of entry)
• Application for import of personal effects (Import Permit)
• List of goods and quantity to be imported must be in Chinese
• Certificate of Origin may be required
• Customs Permit (must be approved prior to arrival of goods)
• Customs Permit and inventory must MATCH EXACTLY!!

Moving to Indonesia

• Original passport for customer and spouse valid for a minimum of twelve months
• Original Work Permit for customer
• Original Residence Permit (KITAS Card) for customer and spouse -- both MUST BE validated for a full twelve month period
• Customs Application
• Bank Guarantee
• Letter of Authorization to Destination Agent
• Certain vaccinations may be required
• Inventory (original and one copy - not valued)
• For Expatriates:
• Original passport
• Residence permit (KITAS Card) valid for 12 months (also for spouse)
• Work Permit valid for 12 months
• Marital Status Statement (divorced/single only)
• Single status customer is not normally entitled to a duty-free shipment and may petition to obtain approval from the Embassy or Consulate
• For Returning Indonesian Citizens:
• Original Passport
• Inventory (original, valued and legalized by Embassy/Consulate)
• Application letter and Import Permit from the Department of Trade
• Original Statement from Indonesian Embassy/Consulate that customer has been living abroad, stating date of arrival, date of intended return to Indonesia and customer's intent to ship personal effects
• Letter of Assignment and Reassignment by customer's employer or sponsoring company
• School certificate or diploma for students
• License from Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affair (applied by embassy)
• Diplomatic card (for vehicle)

• Shipments 100% inspected
• A returning Indonesian citizen must have lived abroad for a minimum of three years and must have been in possession and use of the items for at least two years with continued use of the items while in Indonesia to be allowed duty-free entry
• For expatriates, household goods must have been in customer's possession and use for at least one full year, and be for the Customer's continued private use in Indonesia (not for resale)
• Only one air and one sea shipment of household goods allowed duty-free
• Shipments must arrive within three months of date of issuance of KITAS Card

Moving to South Africa

• Original Passport or certified copy of every page (except for Capetown South Africa)
• Residence Visa
• Residence Permit
• Work Permit (temporary Work Permit for temporary residents)
• Customs Forms D.A.304 and P1.160 (in triplicate) must be presented to the Department of Customs
• Settler's Declaration Forms (in triplicate) to be completed upon arrival
• Letter from employer verifying that customer is moving to South Africa on contract
• Detailed Inventory, in English ("PBO" - packed by owner and "misc." - miscellaneous not acceptable)
• Keys for any locked items
• Weights and measures must be same on all shipping documents
• All necessary documents must be in Destination Agent's possession at least 7 days before arrival of the vessel
• Consultation with Destination Agent is recommended before above documents are completed

• 100% inspection by Customs for all personal effects
• Temporary residents will be allowed to import used household goods and personal effects duty-free if they are in possession of a valid temporary Work Permit and goods have been in their possession for at least one year prior to import and work permit is valid for more than 6 months.
• Returning residents must have been out of South Africa for a continuous period of at least six months to qualify for duty-free import and work permit is valid for more than six months
• Duty-free importation of household goods and personal effects for foreign diplomats allowed upon receiving detailed inventory and a diplomatic clearance certificate completed and signed by Embassy/Consulate in South Africa and countersigned by the Department of Foreign Affairs
• "Ad Valorem" wharfage, terminal, examination fee, etc. are payable by owner on all shipments at destination and are additional to door-to-door charges

• Perfume and tobacco products
• New items, including new furniture, are subject to duties and taxes
• Alcohol is dutiable and taxable
• Import Permit and special Removal Certificate required
• Must be easily accessible in container
• A list of the quantity and value must be provided

Moving to France

• Passport
• Original Visa, Residence and Work Permit (requirement may vary according to nationality)
• Certificate of Change of Residence obtained from the French Consulate with Customer's signature indicating dates of stay abroad
• Attestation de non-cession (signed original stating Customer has lived abroad for at least one year, has owned all items for more than six months, and that goods will not be sold for twelve months)
• Proof of residence in France (Certificate of Residence, lease contract or utility bills)
• Letter of professional transfer from employer indicating date of employment abroad
• Valued inventory in French (valued in French Francs) dated and signed by Customer -- three copies
• Inventory must indicate contents of each carton
• List all electrical items separately (purchase invoices required) must show brand name and serial number
• Delivery address in France with access, floor, entry code if any

• Used household goods duty-free if owned abroad for six months, if the owner is moving his principal residence to France, and the items arrive within one year from the arrival date reflected on the Change of Residence
• Regulations are different if the Customer is establishing a secondary residence
• If SECOND shipment anticipated, it must be stated at the time of the first importation
• Inheritance:
• Declaration from notary with inventory of goods, date of death, relationship & French Resident
• The goods must be shipped within one year from date of death

• Tobacco products are allowed, but subject to duty or tax
• New items (less than six months old) are subject to tax if arriving from EEC countries or tax and duties if coming from other countries and must be documented with sales invoices
• Works of Art, oil paintings, sculptures, antiques, etc. should have Certificate of Authenticity

Moving to Germany

• Copy of Passport (the page showing photo) and copy of Visa and/or Work Permit (for foreign citizens only)
• Inventory (original) in German or English, valued, dated and signed by the Customer
• Signed declaration, stating the imported goods are the owners personal effects
• Signed declaration, stating the imported goods are not subject to any customs restrictions (e.g. drugs, weapons, etc.)
• Statement of Transfer from employer (in German if possible) should state the shipper was an employee for the company abroad, how long he/she has lived in this certain country, and will remain an employee of the company in Germany
• Foreign citizens must obtain a Work Permit (Arberterlaubnis) issued by the local employment office
• Residence Visa (not needed for German nationals) or Residence Permit (granted only after a Work Permit has been issued)
• Certificate of registration with the German police ("Polizeiliche Anmeldung")
• Customer's declaration that no taxable high value goods (such as alcohol, tobacco, coffee, tea, guns, etc.) are in shipment. Such goods must be listed separately and will be taxed.
• Certificate of Registration (Anmeldebestaetigung) from the local registration office (Einwohnermeldeamt)
• German nationals need a declaration from German Embassy or Consulate confirming their length of stay abroad and exact destination address in Germany. Without this document, shipment will not clear Customs.
• German Customs Form 0350 (Zollantrag) in triplicate, stating goods will not be sold for one year
• Health Certificate may be required
• Copy of Insurance Certificate
• Customs clearance Power of Attorney Form authorizing Destination Agent to act on behalf of the customer in liaison with Customs
• Foreign diplomats need a Certificate from the Embassy or Consulate
• Power of Attorney

• CUSTOMER MUST BE PRESENT FOR CUSTOMS CLEARANCE (IF ALL DOCUMENTS ARE NOT IN ORDER)
• Used household goods are duty-free if Customer has resided at least one year abroad, if the goods were owned by Customer over six months and will not be sold for a minimum of one year
• Goods should be imported within one year of Customer taking up residence; if not, reasons needed for delay - maximum limit three years
• Inheritance Items
• Death Certificate
• "Erbschein" or an official document which certifies the customer has inherited the items from the deceased and states the relation ship between them
• Wedding Trousseaux
• Marriage Certificate
• If household goods are imported before the marriage, proof must be furnished the marriage will take place within two months

• New items (less than six months old) invoice required
• Alcohol
• Inventory must detail exact number and size of bottles, exact alcoholic strength in percent, and value of each bottle.
• Tobacco, tea, coffee, toilet waters, perfumes, etc.
• Foodstuffs in large quantities (do not recommend shipping with household goods)
• Electronic items such as computers, videos, stereos, etc. (must show serial number and have purchase invoice)
• Duplicate appliances or electrical equipment may be assessed high duties
• Large amounts of handicrafts

• Guns require a Certificate of Registration, valid passport of owner, proof of ownership, and a gun license for importation
• Duty-free if firearm has been owned for at least six months prior to importing
• Must apply for a German Ownership Permit
• List as last items on inventory, indicate model, caliber and serial number
• Radioactive material

• Admitted duty-free if Customer has lived abroad for over one year, has owned and used the auto for a minimum of six months, if brought in for personal use with household goods and will not be sold for one year
• Cars must be inspected before licensing, comply with German technical and environmental regulations and require modifications Documents Required for vehicles:
  • Proof of ownership
  • Car documents
  • German driver's license
  • Owner's passport
  • Owner's police registration in Germany (polizieliche Anmeldebestatigung)
  • Insurance record from country of origin
  • Third-party liability insurance that begins with Customs clearance
  • Declaration of Customer that no high value goods are in car
  • Origin Registration and copy of title
  • Commercial invoice, if new vehicle
  It is highly recommended that the Customer informs the Destination Agent of all auto details prior to importing.

Moving to Thailand

• Passport (original)
• Non-immigrant visa or resident visa valid for one year
• Work Permit (original) or copy of B.O.I. Letter (to Customs) valid for one year
• It is recommended that the customer coordinate arrival of the shipment with the issuing of the Work Permit to facilitate duty-free entry.
• Inventory (two copies, legible and in English) showing the following details:
• Manner of packing (carton, wrapped, crated, etc.)
• For all electrical appliances, the brand name, model and serial number
• For TVs, the diameter of the picture tube and whether color or black and white
• Copy of insurance policy (if applicable)
• Shipper's contact address and phone number

• All shipments subject to inspection
• Anyone with a full year Work Permit (or one year Visa) and returning Thai residents who have lived more than one year abroad (to frequent traveling back and forth can cause problems with customer) will be considered for duty-free exemption.
• Customer allowed duty-free import of one air and one sea shipment from country of last residence
• Shipment must not arrive before the customer
• Goods must arrive no later than six months after the date on the Work Permit
• Goods must originate from the same country as the customer

• New items (over six months old) require invoices
• Alcoholic beverages
• Tobacco products
• Works of art and antiquities
• Especially HIGH DUTIES apply to stereo and video equipment, all appliances, luxury items, carpets, foodstuff, and office equipment
• Only one of each type of electrical appliance is allowed, duplicate appliances will be charged full duties.
• Computers, fax machines and phones can cause problems, may not be considered as household/personal effects, but rather as dutiable office equipment.

• Narcotics and drugs
• Medical equipment
• Gold and silver
• Plants (Health Certificate required)
• Several plant and fruits are prohibited (inquire before importing)
• Firearms, weapons, ammunition and dangerous objects

Moving to India

• Passport for all family members
• Visa (to reside in India for at least one year)
• Inventory, valued in English (indicating date purchased) and itemized (brand, model and serial number of all major appliances must be noted and in English)
• Indian Customs Declaration Form (to be signed in presence of Customs Officer)
• Diplomatic shipments require Duty Exemption Certificates from the government of India
• Insurance policy

• CUSTOMER MUST BE PRESENT IN INDIA AT THE TIME OF CUSTOMS CLEARANCE IN ORDER TO SIGN A DECLARATION OF CONTENTS
• Used household goods and personal effects are duty-free for foreign nationals and Indians transferring residence to India provided:
• The goods have been owned and used for a minimum of one year prior to importation
• Indian Citizens have resided outside the country for two years and intend on staying in India for a year
• Foreign nationals produce a visa valid for one year
• All shipments 100% inspected
• Sea shipments must be shipped within 30 days of customers arrival and air shipment within 15 days of shippers arrival.

• Large quantities of cosmetics, toiletries, food, etc.
• Tobacco and alcohol products (alcoholic products attract duties over 200%)
• Electronic equipment and appliances (only one of each is allowed)
• New items and consumables
• Professional equipment may be imported duty-free with evidence/certificates proving qualifications of profession to Customs
• Manufacturers cartons should not be used for shipping; it is recommended that goods be re-packed and tags and brochures (for new items) not be put in the cartons
• Gold or silver in any form other than ornaments

• Weapons, firearms and ammunition (unless licensed in advance)
• Walkie-talkies
• Pornographic material
• Narcotics

• ALL VEHICLES including boats are subject to DUTY and very high taxes
• Prior to Customs clearance, foreign nationals are required to furnish a bank bond for import trade authorities, stating not to sell the car for a specified period
• Indians can sell the car immediately upon Customs clearance
• Indians can import brand new cars up to 1600cc
• Cars exceeding 1600cc must have been registered in the importers name abroad for at least one year
  Documents required:
  • Owner's passport indicating two years residence abroad (original)
  • Manufacturer's invoice (original)
  • Customs Clearing Permit/Import License
  • Insurance Policy
  • Auto Registration Certificate
  • Keys
  • List of extras and purchase date
  Duty and Tax Rate %
  • All used Household Goods (more than 1 year old) are duty-free
  • All new articles, whether furniture, crockery, etc., are charged a duty of at least 50%.
  • The following items are dutiable at 25% (new or used)
    • TV -Air Conditioner
    • VCR -Refrigerator
    • Washing Machine -Deep Freezer
    • LPG cooking Range -Microwave Oven
    • Dishwasher -Video Camera
    • Music System -Word Processor
    • Personal Computer -FAX Machine
    If the total value of the above items exceeds RS 150,000,(approximately $4250) or items that exceed the one-piece limit will attract a dut ofapproximately 62%.

Moving to Canada

• Passport
• Visa (if applicable)
• Work Permit (if applicable)
• Inventory (in English or French) giving a detailed list of appliances and electronics with make, model, serial number, etc.
• Customs Manifest (Form A8A)
• Previous airport or United States/Canada Border Declaration
• Importers Declaration for Customs
• Immigration papers for immigrants
• Landed Immigrant Application (if applicable)
• Letter of Undertaking (not always necessary)
• Returning Canadians will also need to provide the following documents:
• Proof of Residency outside of Canada
• Monthly statements, letter from employer, rent receipts, Income Tax, etc.

• Used household goods and personal effects may be duty-free if Customer was a resident of Canada returning after an absence of at least oneyear or was a former resident who has been a resident of another country for at least one year.
• All shipments are subject to inspection
• If Customer has been residing outside Canada for at least a year, but less than five years, household goods and personal effects must have beenin Customer's ownership, possession and use for at least six months (Bill of Sale and Registration documents required to prove age)
• Items must not be sold or lent within one year of importation
• Air shipments must be cleared within 48 hours to avoid storage charges

• Importation of alcohol requires a detailed list (giving type, size, and quantity) and an Import Permit
• Provincial and federal duties and taxes will be assessed
• DO NOT ship wine between October 1 and March 31 to avoid possibility of freezing
• Tobacco products
• Foodstuffs in reasonable quantities are permitted
• Meat
• Authorization must be granted before import
• Pornographic materials
• Commercial quantities of anything pay duties
• New items (Customer must supply Bill of Sale for any new item which may be questioned by the Customs office)
• Radio equipment (CB's and walkie-talkies)
• Office equipment (even if used)
• Handguns require a permit (but are very seldom granted)
• Pistols, revolvers or fully automatic firearms are not permitted for sporting purposes and require a Police Permit
• Hunting rifles or shotguns for sporting purposes (that are not adapted) are not restricted
• No restrictions apply on air pistols or air rifles provided the muzzle velocity does not exceed 500 feet per second
• Any one item valued at $10,000 or over is dutiable

• Weapons (except as stated above), explosives, fireworks and all ammunition
• Narcotic drugs
• Animal products on the endangered species list
• Plants, sand and other related matter require a Phytosanitary Certificate and Import Permit issued in advance by the Department of Agriculture
• Some fruits and vegetables are prohibited

• Canadian Motor Vehicle Safety and Emission control regulations apply
• Vehicles over 15 years old are subject to different regulations and costly modifications may be required
• Vehicle must bear the "Statement of Compliance" label affixed by the manufacturer
• Vehicle may be subject to local taxes but are duty-free
• Form K-22, immediate registration and licensing is required for exemption from duties
  Documents required:
  • Registration
  • Proof of ownership

Moving to Hongkong

• Photocopy of Customer's Passport picture page
• Authorization Letter from Customer for Destination Agent to handle Customs clearance (provided by Destination Agent.)

• Customer is allowed to declare one air shipment and one surface shipment imported into the People's Republic of China within six months of theshipper's approved import procedures.
• Any declaration after the two allowed are admitted full duty
• All air shipments are physically inspected
• Surface shipments are physically inspected at random

• Alcohol and tobacco products and perfume are subject to duties
• Feathers, furs, skins, tusks, ivory and certain agriculture products require Exporting Country's License, Certificate of Origin, and an Import License, and are subject to inspection by the Agriculture and Fisheries Department
• Pesticides and radioactive substances

• Narcotic drugs/medications (import permitted with copy of prescription)
• Plants, trees, vegetables (a Phytosanitary Certificate and Import License is required)
• Uncooked meat/poultry
• Pornographic or politically subversive material
• Weapons, ammunition, fireworks, explosives and clasp-knives are subject to import license and police control

• Only right-hand drive vehicles are permitted (driving is on the left)
• Certain models are not accepted (must contact Transport Department for further details)
• Very high duty and taxes
• Vehicle must be owned by customer for more than 6 months
• Documents required:
  • Bill of Sale/Original Purchase Invoice
  • Export License in origin country stating engine and chassis number
  • Registration Certificate showing the dimensions
  • Deregistration Certificate
  • Passport
  • Hong Kong Insurance Certificate
  • Driver's license
• Authorization letter for Destination Agent to handle Customs clearance
• Full Exhaust Emission Test Certificate (should be obtained prior to departure from origin)
• They must be reported to Transport Department within 14 days of arrival in Hong Kong
• Transport Department
• Licensing Division
• 3/FL., United Centre
• Application forms for the permits may be obtained from:
• The Agriculture and Fisheries Department
• 12th Floor, Canton Road Government Offices
• 393 Canton Road

Moving to Malaysia

• Passport (copy of photograph page, 1st, 2nd, and 3rd pages and stamped by immigration - date of entry)
• Work Permit
• Visa for Employment and Residence
• Customs Form No. 1 (eight copies) signed by customer
• Letter from employer in Malaysia stating reason for import, job function and approximate duration of stay
• Inventory (original or a copy ) must correspond EXACTLY to contents of shipment
• Separate list of electrical items, appliances and new items. (Not to be omitted from the inventory. Please clearly state the brand, model, country of origin, voltage and price.)
• Letter of Authorization to Destination Agent, signed by customer, to clear shipment

• All shipments subject to 100% Customs examination
• Used household goods duty-free if:
• Customer has owned goods for a minimum of three months and will not dispose of them for at least six months
• Customer is a foreigner holding a Work Permit or
• Customer is a Malaysian who has been out of the country for a continuous period over 12 months

• All electrical items require Import Permit
• All items less than six months old are taxed and dutiable (original invoices with value are required)
• Video cassettes and films
• Subject to review by the Film Censorship Board
• Additional charges are for the customer's account
• Precious metal objects
• Plants require Phytosanitary Certificate and approval from the Ministry of Agriculture
• Computers are tax free, limited to no more than three imported per family, cannot be sold within one year of import, and require an ImportLicense
• Alcohol and cigarettes are subject to high import duties

• Firearms, dangerous weapons, fireworks, explosives, ammunition and knives
• Narcotics and drugs (violators subject to Death Penalty)
• Foodstuffs
• Pornographic or politically sensitive material (in the form of books, videos, films, etc.)
• Gold bullion
• Telephone and fax equipment (permit required)
• Short wave radios
• Satellite dish
• Nothing from Israel is allowed into Malaysia
• Any literature on communism is prohibited

• Import highly discouraged
• All motor vehicles (new or used) are subject to Customs duties, are highly taxed and require an Import Permit
• The permit must be granted before the vehicle is shipped
• Motor vehicles over five years old are prohibited
• Documents required:
• Original ownership certificate
• Customs Form No. 1 (eight copies)
• Insurance Policy
• Original and copy of passport of owner
• Letter from owner stating reason to import vehicles
• Invoice, if vehicle is new