How to Prepare a List of Belongings for an International Move

An accurate list of belongings is one of the basic documents for clearing relocation goods. According to podatki.gov.pl (in Polish) an inventory of the goods, showing quantity and value, is required in 2 copies. Here is how to prepare it.

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Step 1: take an inventory

Go through everything you intend to bring and note for each item:

• type of item (furniture, electronics, clothing, etc.),
• make and model (for appliances and equipment),
• condition (new, used, antique).

Step 2: describe each item

For each entry give:

• the name of the item,
• quantity (number of units),
• value (approximate market value) - the inventory must show quantity and value,
• dimensions and weight where relevant (for example furniture) - useful to the carrier and when assessing the consignment.

Step 3: describe the packaging

Note the type of packaging (box, bubble wrap, crate) and special protection for fragile items. This makes it easier to compare the list with the actual load if the goods are examined.

Step 4: add notes

Mark valuable items (artwork, antiques), dangerous items (flammable materials, chemicals) and items needing special transport conditions. List vehicles separately with the details from the registration certificate - a passenger car has its own rules, including on excise duty (a car as relocation goods).

Step 5: prepare the document

Draw up the list as a clear table or document and prepare it in two copies; an electronic copy is also useful. Attach it to the customs declaration together with the documents proving your residence outside the EU and in Poland (which documents to attach).

What can be listed, and what is excluded from the relief?

The duty relief covers personal property of people transferring their residence from a third country to the EU. It does not cover alcoholic products, tobacco and tobacco products, commercial means of transport or articles used for a trade or profession other than portable instruments and apparatus (Article 6 of Regulation 1186/2009, EUR-Lex). The items must have been yours and used by you at your previous residence for at least 6 months (Article 4), and you must have lived outside the EU continuously for at least 12 months (Article 5). You bring the goods within 12 months of establishing your residence in Poland, also in several lots (Article 7), and for 12 months after release for free circulation you may not sell, rent or lend them without informing the customs authority (Article 8). Duty relief does not automatically mean exemption from VAT and excise duty - those are separate matters (relocation goods from the UK to Poland: complete guide).

Questions about the list or the clearance? Contact us and we will review your documents before the declaration. The cost of our services is explained in how much UK customs clearance costs.

Check out the next stages of clearance

• What documents to include with a relocation-goods clearance
• Step-by-step plan for moving from the UK to Poland
• Conditions for duty and VAT relief on relocation goods
• What to do if you're also bringing a car

Frequently asked questions