Whether you are moving to the United Kingdom or planning to send things there, international shipping is a process you will have to become familiar with. Unlike domestic postage, shipping internationally requires you to strictly adhere to customs rules and regulations depending on which country you intend to ship to. If you fail to follow them, you may have to pay penalties and face legal repercussions regardless of the reason. This is why it is essential that before you ship items to the UK, you need to be aware of the requirements and follow them correctly. To ensure that you will not have a tedious and daunting shipping experience, we will examine a few of the most critical requirements in this blog.

Transfer of residence

If you plan to move as a resident or as a student to the UK and want to ship your belongings, you must fill out the transfer of residence form, also known as ToR. It is a relief provided by the government that allows you to transport your belongings—including pets and vehicles—without incurring import duties and charges.

ToR is only meant to be used by those who wish to make the UK their principal home. Furthermore, the process must be completed by you and not the shipping company before the cargo enters the country. You will also be required to secure a unique reference number obtained by completing the TOR1 form, which must be mentioned on your shipping documentation. Failure to do this will cost you a VAT of 20% and other import and administration charges, which will be added to your shipment.

Shipping prohibited goods

When you are shipping goods to the United Kingdom—for personal or commercial reasons—you need to ensure that they are not prohibited in the country. If you send illegal items, authorities will seize them, and you may face legal ramifications. Depending on the prohibited item shipped, there may even be a chance of imprisonment or an entry ban. It is also essential that the goods you ship, even if allowed by UK authorities, are approved by the UAE. If they are prohibited, then your shipment may be seized even before it departs.

Some of the items that are prohibited in the UK are as follows:

• Rough diamonds

• Offensive weapons

• Animals; birds, fish, regardless of whether they are dead or alive

• Explosives, firearms, radio transmitters, and ammunition

• Unlicensed drugs

• Pornographic materials

• Counterfeit and pirated goods

• All food items, including pet food

Submit necessary paperwork

Similar to how it is with other countries, the shipping process to the UK involves numerous forms and documents that must be submitted. And before you send any goods, you must ensure that you have all the necessary paperwork completed and that they are accurately filled. If there is any discrepancy, you may incur penalties.

Some of the primary documents are as follows:

• Commercial invoice

• Packing list

• Certificate of origin

• Credit letter or other payment terms

• Bill of lading for ocean shipping or airway bill for air shipping

The above are just some of the documentation you need. Depending on the contents of your shipment, there may be additional paperwork to be completed. Therefore, always speak to your shipping company to find out what exactly you require.

Shipping goods to the UK is not a complicated process if you abide by the country’s rules and regulations. Our experts at Extra Space are here to help you through the process. We also have storage facilities in Dubai to securely store your shipment until it is ready to be shipped. This way, your items will stay safe and be in perfect condition until they reach your destination.