As of 2013, Germany was home to over 107,755 Americans and that number does not appear to be slowing down. In fact, each year thousands of people move from the United States to find a new home in the European Union. Often times Americans who move overseas do not plan to become permeant emigrants but rather to be expatriates for a limited amount of time.
No matter if you plan on staying for just a few years or the rest of your life, shipping your household goods internationally can be a challenge.
In fact, many countries including Germany have strict laws and regulations when it comes to importing household goods and personal effects into the country. For example, when shipping your household goods into Germany you need a list of required documents including,
- Copy of passport
- Copy of visa
- Bill of lading (BL) / air waybill (AWB)
- Packing list in German or English
- Customs declaration / signed letter by owner of the goods
- Customs registration form 0350
- Letter of employment
And that is just to name a few. There is also a list of rules and regulations which can affect the shipment and arrival of your household goods.
- Effective processing of the Customs declaration can only commence once the goods are in the European Union and have been presented at the Customs office.
- Products imported into the European Customs Union are subject to duties only when and where the product first enters the European Union (e.g., Germany).
- The Customs declaration should be provided by the local agent in Germany.
- A letter signed by the owner of the goods certifying that the following taxable high-value goods have not been included in the shipment:
- Firearms
- Alcohol
- Tobacco
- Cigarettes
- Tea
- Coffee
- Customs registration form 0350 stating goods will not be sold for 12 months.
- Letter of employment must state the term of employment will be for a minimum of 12 months and that the owner of the goods lived abroad for at least 12 months (will be issued by forwarding agent in Germany)
If you have never moved internationally before you may not be aware of these rules and regulations. That is where we can help. We have been in the freight forwarding and international household shipping business for over 20 years. We understand the specific laws for importing goods into each country and will make sure your freight shipment is under proper compliance to ensure a safe and timely arrival.
Moving anywhere is a challenge, even a short move across town can be a major hassle. But an international move presents many more challenges than your average relocation. There are a million questions and concerns that could possibly be running through your head but how your household goods will get to your home shouldn’t be one of them. Let Logiworld take the stress out of your hands and handle your international move from start to finish ensuring all your belongings arrive in your new home in Germany ready for you to start your next adventure!