UK Personal Goods Import Requirements without ToR

Planning to transport personal goods to the UK without a Transfer of Residence (ToR)? No need to worry! VanOne can manage the entire process for you, from customs clearance to transportation. We can pick up your goods from almost any address in the EU, Switzerland, and Norway, and deliver them to almost any address in the United Kingdom, ensuring a smooth and convenient experience for you.

It does not really matter if you are importing personal effects that you have owned for a long time or goods for your business. Without the ToR from HMRC, UK customs can only treat your goods as commodities (as it was a commercial import).

For example, if you bring an album of family photographs to the UK without transferring your permanent residence to the UK, the HMRC will charge import VAT on the value of the paper on which the photographs are printed.

One of the advantages of moving your personal goods to the UK with our ToR is the flexibility it offers in interpreting the resale value of your goods. You can list your goods in the VanOne Insurance Form (PDF example), declare the value of your goods, and we will use this as your customs declaration, putting you in control of the process.

The total cost of bringing your personal effects to the UK without transferring your domicile will consist of the cost of VanOne service (transportation and the service of customs clearance) and the cost of import tax, mainly 20% of the UK VAT charged on the resale value of your goods and the fraction of the cost of transportation that brought the goods to the UK border.

Import Requirements: No ToRes, the key documentary prerequisites for importing personal goods to the UK without claiming Transfer of Residence (ToR) relief include the following:

A Valid Passport Copy is a fundamental requirement for importing personal goods to the UK.
Proof of Residence in the UK, such as a recent council tax bill (specifically mentioning 2025/2026) or recent utility bills, is a crucial document that establishes your residency.
Proof of address in the EU, such as a rental agreement, utility bills, tax bills, or bank statements, is also crucial.
A Completed Inventory List is in VanOne Insurance Form (Excel template also editable in Google Docs) format.
- If the value of the goods is above £585, an itemised inventory list with details of each item is required.
- If the total value is less than £585, a general inventory list with the estimated value of the boxes’ contents is acceptable.
Signed Direct Authorisation for customs agents in the UK is a key step in the import process.

It’s important to understand that if you do not qualify for ToR relief, you must settle any tax or duty you owe before you can collect your belongings. These charges may include Customs Duty (rates depend on the goods and their origin) and VAT at the standard rate on the total value of goods plus shipping, insurance, and any duty owed. Being financially prepared and informed about these potential charges is crucial for a smooth import process, and we are here to guide you through this process.