Moving from the UK to Germany: Customs and regulations explained in a nutshell How to get your belongings through customs stress-free and legally compliant after Brexit (including forms 0350 & 0060)
Travel safely to the United States of America. Stress-free – and CBP-compliant, of course.
Since the United Kingdom (UK) left the European Union (Brexit), the UK—i.e., England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland—has been a third country for customs purposes. Since Brexit, moving from the United Kingdom (UK) back to the EU or directly to Germany has therefore been subject to customs formalities. To ensure that your belongings pass through the border smoothly, you must declare your removal goods as relocation goods.
Duty exemption for removal goods
In order to avoid paying import duties (customs and import sales tax) on your furniture and personal belongings, certain conditions must be met:
- Main residence: You must have been resident in the United Kingdom for at least 12 months.
- Duration of ownership: You must have owned and used the items for at least 6 months.
- Time limits: As a rule, the import must take place within 12 months of your change of residence.
Requirements for customs exemption
1. Change of residence
As a natural person, you must permanently relocate your center of life to Germany.
2. 12-month import period
The relocation of your belongings must take place promptly after the change of residence.
3. Previous ownership and use (6-month rule)
The items to be moved must have been in your possession for at least 6 months prior to the move and must be intended for personal use.
4. Retention period (blocking period)
You intend to keep the items for at least 12 more months and not to lend, rent, or sell them.
5. Zeitrahmen
The goods must be imported within 12 months of your arrival.
Household goods can be imported duty-free.
Step by step: How to apply for customs exemption
Collect documents in the UK (preparation phase)
- Before the moving truck is loaded, you must prove that you have lived in the UK for at least 12 months.
- Collect: utility bills, council tax notices, employment contracts, or P60 forms.
- Important: Obtain an official confirmation of deregistration (if possible) or proof of termination of your UK residence.
Create the bilingual inventory list
-
This is the most important document for customs officials at the border.
- List each package individually (example: Item 1: 10 boxes of clothes).
- The list must be written in German and English.
- Print out three copies of the list. These will be given to the driver on moving day.
Handover on moving day
When the moving company arrives, hand over the complete set of documents to the driver. Customs will not accept copies or scans for primary clearance at the border.
Clearance at the border & registration in Germany
- At the border: The driver presents the documents at the border customs office (e.g., Calais or Coppet/Basel). The officials check the plausibility and stamp the forms.
- After arrival: Register with the residents' registration office in Germany within 14 days. You may need to submit the registration certificate to customs if it was not available on the day of the move.
Duty-free import
- Household goods: Furniture, carpets, household appliances, lamps, pictures, and decorative items.
- Textiles: Clothing, bed linen, towels, and curtains.
- Electronics: Computers, televisions, kitchen appliances, and DIY equipment.
- Vehicles: Private cars, motorcycles, bicycles, trailers, and even sports aircraft or watercraft (provided you have owned them for at least six months).
- Pets: Your personal pets and mounts (horses).
- Professional equipment: Portable instruments or devices you need to perform your trade or profession (e.g., tools, medical instruments).
Excluded from duty-free importation
- Alcohol & tobacco: These are not subject to the exemption for removal goods. Only the strict travel allowances apply (e.g., 200 cigarettes, 1 liter of spirits over 22%). Anything above this must be cleared through customs.
- Commercial vehicles: Trucks, large vans, or vehicles intended for commercial use.
- Commercial goods: Stocks of raw materials, finished goods, or machinery intended for a business or for sale.
- Weapons & ammunition: These are subject to strict licensing requirements and are not considered standard household goods.
Checklist for your move to Germany
✓ Form 0350: The official application for customs exemption (pages 1–3).
✓ Inventory list: A complete, numbered list of your belongings in German and English.
✓ Supporting documents: Copies of your passport, confirmation of deregistration/utility bill from the UK, and rental/employment contract from Germany.
✓ Residence: You must provide proof that you have lived in the UK for at least 12 months.
✓ Ownership: All items being moved must have been in your possession and used by you for at least 6 months (no new items in their original packaging!).
Documents required for moving to Germany
You will need a complete set of documents for customs clearance. Please have the following documents ready:
- Form 0350 (3 original copies)
- Power of attorney: Written authorization for DACHSER & KOLB to carry out customs formalities
- Proof of deregistration in the UK
- Proof of residence in Germany
- Registration certificate
- Employment contract
- Proof of identity (for all persons moving)
- Form 0060 (if transporting a vehicle)
Your advantages when moving to Germany with DACHSER & KOLB
Competent customs clearance
We take care of all the organization and formalities with the relevant customs authorities.
Individual advice
We take the time to listen to your wishes and requirements and draw up a detailed relocation plan.
Transparent planning
Our free viewing and moving cost calculator give you a clear overview of the costs.
Experienced specialists
From planning to execution, we rely on qualified employees who will ensure that your move is stress-free.
How DACHSER & KOLB supports you when entering the EU
DACHSER & KOLB is your reliable partner for a stress-free move to Germany/the EU. We take care of all customs clearance for you and ensure that all formalities are handled correctly. Our services include:
Provision and explanation of forms
Assistance in completing customs-specific documents.
Document check before dispatch
Checking whether passport copies, inventory lists, and forms are complete and plausible.
Risk check for “prohibited/risky goods”
Advice on which items are not allowed in the container and what alternatives are available.
Handling of special cases
Vehicle imports, pets (separate processes), high-value art, inheritances, or professional work equipment.
Advantages of early customs clearance and information
Avoiding delays:
- Early clarification of visas, status, and documents prevents downtime at the port or terminal.
- CBP conducts random checks—the better your documentation, the faster your container will be cleared.
Cost control
- Avoidance of entry fees
- No demurrage charges
Smooth operation
- Synchronized planning creates a clean end-to-end process.
- Clear inventory lists and complete forms keep queries to a minimum.
Avoiding stress
- Once the customs issue has been “ticked off,” you can focus on starting your job, finding accommodation, and settling in.
Better logistics planning
- Binding time slots for pickup, transport, and delivery to Germany are only realistic with a clear customs strategy.
- Fast border clearance
FAQ – Frequently asked questions about moving from the UK to Germany
Do I have to pay customs duty when I return from England?
No, as long as the goods are recognized as removal goods, they are exempt from customs duties and taxes. The prerequisite is that you have lived in the UK for at least 12 months and have owned the goods for at least 6 months.
What items are not permitted to be imported as relocation goods?
Alcohol, tobacco products, commercial supplies, and vehicles that were not registered to you are usually not subject to customs exemption and must be taxed separately.
How long does customs clearance take at the border?
If the documents are complete (in particular Form 0350 and the correct inventory list), clearance usually takes place quickly within a few hours directly at the border crossing or at the responsible inland customs office.
Do I need an EORI number?
You do not usually need an EORI number for a private move. The moving company will declare the goods under a special code for private individuals.
Contact us for a no-obligation consultation!
With customs clearance for your move from the United Kingdom (UK) to the EU, DACHSER & KOLB ensures that your move is efficient, safe, and stress-free. Contact us for a no-obligation consultation!
We are here for you
We couldn't answer your questions?
Then don't hesitate to contact us.
Donna Draganov
Teamlead Customer Service & Sales - ROAD
