Your international move to Scotland, one of the four countries that make up the United Kingdom, will undoubtedly bring a lot of exciting change (besides kilts and bagpipes). However, the stress of an overseas relocation can be less than exciting - which is why you'll need to be properly prepared with the correct information and documentation before you begin your trek across the globe.
Read on for more information on what to expect when clearing customs in Scotland!
DOCUMENTS REQUIRED FOR ENTRY
Scotland, as part of the United Kingdom, requires that all foreign immigrants fill out and submit the proper paperwork before arriving in the country. These
important documents should be received well in advance of the arrival of your shipment to avoid any additional charges of demurrage.It is best to hire a customs brokering service for assistance in preparing these documents by their particular deadline.
When moving to Scotland, you will need:
- Valid passport
- Visa
- Work permit
- Detailed inventory of household goods and personal effects (in English, two copies - valued, dated and signed by the customer)
- Customs Form/Import Declaration (two originals, fully completed )
- C-3 (Household goods and personal effects for primary residence)
- C-33 (Household goods and personal effects for secondary residence)
- C426 (for diplomatic entry only)
- C104A/C104F/C384 (motor vehicles)
- C-5 (pets)
- Keys for any locked items
SHIPPING REGULATIONS
Upon moving to Scotland, you will be faced with various regulations you must abide by in order to successfully clear customs with your shipment.
Things to keep in mind:
- Your household goods and personal effects must arrive within one year (12 months) of your arrival, or up to six months prior to your arrival in Scotland
- Used household goods and personal effects including tools of trade may be imported duty free if:
- You are moving your principle home or returning to Scotland and:
- You have owned and used the items for at least six months prior to importation
- You can prove that duty and tax have been paid on them prior to arrival in the United Kingdom
- You declare them on the C-3 form
- If you are entering from outside the EC, you must have lived at least 12 months abroad prior to importation, and cannot sell, lend, hire out or otherwise dispose of the items, unless you obtain customs authority first
- You are living in another EC country and:
- You either own a secondary home in the United Kingdom or rent one for at least 12 months
- You have owned/used the items at least three months prior to importation - they must not be sold within 12 months of importation
- You must prove that duty and tax have been paid on these items prior to your arrival in Scotland
- You declare them on the C-33 form
- If you are living outside of the EC and:
- Your goods are not eligible for VAT free shipping
- You must have lived outside of the EC for at least 12 months
- You either own a secondary home or have rented one for at least two years (24 months)
- You have owned and used the items for at least six months before they are imported
- You cannot sell, lend hire out or otherwise dispose of the items in the United Kingdom within 12 months of importation, unless you obtain customs authority first
- You can prove duty and tax have been paid on them prior to arrival in Scotland
- You declare them on the C-33
- Special regulations apply to students, newlyweds, visitors, inheritances, those shortly to marry, goods originating from EC countries, personal antiques (not for resale), etc. Contact your embassy for details.
PROHIBITED ITEMS
Most countries have a list of items that are not allowed in the country whatsoever. In Scotland, you cannot import the following items under any circumstance:
- Handguns other than .22 caliber target pistols (all others are illegal in the United Kingdom)
- Ammunition, flick knives and other weapons
- Explosives and fireworks
- Drugs and narcotics
- Counterfeit currency
- Pornographic material
- Horror comics
- Meat, poultry, fish and other animal products
- Radio transmitters (CB radios, walkie-talkies, cordless phones, etc.) not approved for use in the United Kingdom
- Trees, certain plants, shrubs, seeds, bulbs, soil, potatoes and other vegetables and fruit
- Most animals and all birds dead or alive (i.e. stuffed) and certain articles derived from endangered species (i.e. turskins, ivory, reptile leather, etc.)
RESTRICTED ITEMS
When shipping your household goods and personal effects to Scotland, you should also be aware of the numerous items that are subject to duty fees, need special permission, or have limits on quantity. Please be aware that these items should not be shipped with household goods - it will result in full inspection of your entire shipment.
Some of these items include, but may not be limited to:
- Firearms (require valid certificate issued by police)
- New items, less than six months old (require invoice)
- Alcohol, tobacco and perfume products (dutiable and must be declared on the Customs Form)
- Plants (require Phytosanitary Certificate)
MOTOR VEHICLE REGULATIONS
If you're considering taking your vehicle with you to Scotland, you have to ensure you have the proper documents, and pay any duties or taxes that may be required. Importation for most private vehicles (including trailers, boats, aircrafts, etc.) is duty free, if:
- You (the owner) are moving your primary residence to the United Kingdom (if you lived outside of the EC, you must have been abroad for more than one year and your vehicle must have been owned and used abroad for at least six months)
- Your vehicle was not purchased under a duty/tax free scheme, it is for personal use and is not to be resold within one year of importation
If youplan on
shipping your vehicle, you will need:
- Declaration to HM customs, which must specify:
- Year of manufacture
- Make, model name, and serial number
- Chassis number
- Engine number
- Cubic engine capacity
- Number of cylinders
- If the vehicle is petrol or diesel
- If the vehicle is right or left hand drive
- Description of the body
- Price
- Odometer reading
- Extra or special features
- Any defects that may bring the price down
- Customs Form C104A (importing a vehicle in connection with moving your main residence to Scotland
- Customs Form C104F (importing a vehicle for a 6 to 12-month period)
- Customs Form C384 (importing a vehicle when duty is applicable)
- Community Transit Document (T2) obtained from customs office in the country of origin
- Registration papers/title
- Police Certificate or Registration
- Insurance policy
- Original purchase invoice
- Log book
PETS AND ANIMAL REGULATIONS
If you own a pet, you probably would not want to leave it behind in your overseas trek. In general, importing pets to Scotland have very strict restrictions, so be sure to have the following:
- Health certificate and proof of inoculation
- Customs Form C-5
- Import License (not granted until other requirements have been met, and quarantine in a licensed facility has been arranged)
Quarantine is required for six months when you import dogs and cats into Scotland in a government facility. Keep in mind that kennel space is limited in these quarantine facilities, and it must be booked in advance, prior to importation.
INTERNATIONAL MOVES
International moves can be exhausting physically, mentally and financially. The most important part of your move will be finding a trustworthy international moving service or freight forwarders that have proper licensure and insurance, so you can relocate stress-free.
Need help finding international moving companies in your area for your move to Scotland? You can get started here at Movers.com by submitting our free quote form, which will connect you with up to seven qualified movers in your area.
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