You’ve decluttered your belongings to be packed away into moving boxes and bid farewell to those that didn’t make the cut. Then, while booking your shipment, one word starts popping up in every conversation with your moving coordinator: customs.
If it makes you nervous, you’re not alone. Customs clearance is the step in an international move that feels unpredictable. But it doesn’t have to be a mystery, and it definitely doesn’t have to be a headache.
Here’s what customs clearance involves, why shipments get held up, and the practical steps you can take to keep yours moving.
What Is Customs Clearance, Exactly?
Customs clearance is the process your shipment goes through when it crosses an international border.
Government officials review your paperwork, confirm your household goods match what you declared, and decide whether you owe any duties or taxes before they release your shipment for delivery.
Think of it as a checkpoint that every international shipment has to pass through. The difference between a fast clearance and a frustrating one usually comes down to preparation.
Who Handles Customs Clearance?
Fortunately, you don’t have to navigate this alone. At Arpin, your dedicated move coordinator works with a customs broker to handle filing, communicates with customs authorities, and manages the release of your shipment at the port of entry. Your job is to give them accurate documentation and declarations.
The Documents You’ll Need
Missing or incorrect paperwork is the number one reason shipments sit in customs longer than they should. Before your move, you and your move coordinator will collect the following documents:
- Your passport and visa or residence permit for the destination country
- A detailed inventory list of everything in your shipment
- The bill of lading or airway bill for your shipment
- A customs declaration form, completed accurately and in full
- An import permit, if your destination country requires one
Some countries ask for proof of residency, employment letters, or a copy of your visa approval. Requirements shift from country to country and even change over time, so confirm exactly what you need before the shipment departs.
If you are working with a reputable moving company, their team should guide you through this process. At Arpin, you get your own dedicated move coordinator. They are the only person you have to deal with, not a call center, who knows the ins and outs of your shipment.
Why Shipments Get Held in Customs
A shipment stuck in customs is usually the result of one of a handful of issues:
- Incomplete or inaccurate paperwork. A mismatched inventory or a missing signature can stall clearance for days.
- Undeclared or restricted items. Alcohol, certain foods, plants, medications, and some electronics are restricted in many countries. If you’re not sure whether something qualifies, ask before you pack it.
- Inconsistent valuations. If the value you declare doesn’t line up with what’s inside the shipment, questions may arise.
- Random inspection. Sometimes a shipment gets flagged for a physical check simply because of random inspections.
Now that you are aware of these triggers, you can work with your move coordinator to avoid what you can.
How Long Does Customs Clearance Take?
There’s no single answer to this question. It depends on the destination country, the completeness of your documents, and whether your shipment gets selected for inspection. A well-documented shipment can clear in a few days. One with paperwork gaps or a flagged inspection can take weeks. The single biggest factor within your control is how thorough and accurate your documentation is and what you pack.
Do You Pay Customs Duty on Household Goods?
In many cases, no. Many countries offer duty exemptions for returning residents or new immigrants moving their personal effects. Provided the goods have been owned and used for a certain period, and you meet residency requirements.
That said, exemptions aren’t automatic. You typically need to apply for them and provide supporting documents. New items, vehicles, and certain electronics don’t qualify for the same exemptions as used household goods. Ask your mover what applies to your specific destination.
Tips to Avoid Customs Delays
Start your paperwork early. Gather your inventory list, passport copies, and permits as soon as your move date is confirmed.
Be precise with your inventory. List items clearly and honestly. Vague descriptions like “miscellaneous boxes” will raise questions at customs.
Know what you can’t bring. Plants, certain foods, weapons, and some medications are common red flags. However, every country has its own list of prohibited items beyond these. Check the rules for your destination.
Label your boxes clearly. Labeling helps not only your movers, but also customs officials to understand what they are looking at if your shipment is inspected.
Let professionals pack for you. A professional packing team documents contents as they go, which creates a paper trail that matches your inventory and speeds up review.
Work with a mover who knows your destination. Customs regulations for household goods vary widely between countries like the UK, Germany, Spain, France, Japan, Singapore, and Canada. A moving company with established relationships and destination agents on the ground already knows the local requirements — and won’t be learning them for the first time on your shipment.
Can Customs Open Your Boxes?
Yes. Customs officials have the authority to inspect any shipment. A percentage of shipments get opened for physical review regardless of how well-documented they are. A shipment packed by professionals, labeled clearly, and backed by an accurate inventory moves through inspection quickly because there’s nothing for an officer to puzzle over.
What Happens After Customs Clearance?
Once your shipment clears, it’s released to your destination agent for final delivery. From here, it’s the part of the move you’ve been looking forward to: your household goods arriving at your new home.
You Don’t Have to Navigate This Alone
Customs clearance is one of the more complex parts of an international move, but it can be managed with the right partner. At Arpin International, your dedicated move coordinator guides you through every document, every requirement, and every question specific to your destination country.
Our teams work with trusted customs brokers and destination agents around the world. With ArpinTRAC real-time shipment tracking, you’ll always know exactly where your belongings stand. And with over 125 years of experience moving families and businesses across borders, we know what a smooth customs clearance entails.
Ready to move internationally with confidence? Request your free quote from Arpin today. Let our team handle the details of customs clearance while you focus on your new beginning.
