Anyone who travels abroad knows that going through ‘customs’ is just one of the many rules and regulations you have to adhere to. Duties or taxes might also be added onto exported products once they’ve been checked over by a custom’s officer.

When moving your entire belongings to another country, clearing customs can be a lengthy process. Knowing what you can, and can’t transport, into a particular country is something that the experts know very well. A trusted removals company such as PSS International Removals make transportation as pain-free as possible.

Initially, when considering your move it is worth doing some research into the country you are moving to, working out what you can take (or may have to leave behind).

In Australia, for example, there are restrictions on plants, meat and furs as well as tight controls on substances such as painkillers and even cosmetics. A full list of custom requirements can be found here: http://www.customs.gov.au/

New Zealand also offers a similar website where you’ll find a summary of the documentation you need to transport your goods. A handy guide can also be found here. You’ll be surprised to see that novelty erasers can be banned in New Zealand!

Canada also has tight custom rules around the importation of certain products into the country. Children’s play pens, baby car seats and hockey helmets and face protectors are restricted in their importation into Canada, so it’s worth checking out the regulatory requirements before you attempt to move them to your new home. It may be necessary to buy them once you arrive.

When moving to America there are a number of foods and raw meats that cannot be bought into the country, along with wine and spirit limitations. Take a look at the list here.

The good news is that if you employ a reliable international removals company such as PSS they will be able to advise you every step of the way and make sure important documentation such as an inventory of your belongings, essential for clearing customs, is all there. The length of time it takes your belongings to be released from customs will depend on which country you have arrived in and what you have. PSS International Removals will be able to advise on the estimated timings.

For a full list of countries and custom requirements, see here.

If you are considering a move abroad PSS International removals can help. We are a family run company and our desire is to ensure your family receives a friendly, professional and stress free overseas move. We have specialised in international removals for over 34 years, so whether you are planning on sending a full or part household removal, excess baggage or a vehicle we recognise the importance of ensuring our customers receive the same level of care and attention that we would expect ourselves.