kirstyp

Hello everyone,

Those of you looking to move back to the UK may or may not be aware of some changes to the customs process for importing your household goods.

As of January 1st there is a new process and the 3 month grace period to facilitate the changeover ends at the end of March.

We've put together a blog explaining what's happening and what we know about the process to help you understand what you need to do. The process is very new and we've seen bits of new information and varying experiences discussed in different places but we'll aim to keep this post as up to date as possible with the information we're receiving from HMRC.

TRANSFER OF RESIDENCE: UPDATES TO UK CUSTOMS CLEARANCE PROCESS FOR HOUSEHOLD GOODS

We're happy to try and help if you have any questions!

Grahamu

I did post a thread on the 'Moving Back to the UK' forum on some questions and confusion that I have with this new form/process. I hope these will be clarified as more information comes out.

In case anyone is interested, the following is a link to that thread: http://britishexpats.com/forum/movin...-again-895114/

RobynLS

Hi kirstyp- please can you advise:
1. What is meant by providing 2 lists? Is that x2 of the same inventory list?
2. In terms of the values that for the goods, do you think it's the second hand value or what was paid for it when it was new?

kirstyp

hi Robyn,

They don't make this easy do they

My understanding is that this is 2 copies of the list rather than 2 different lists.
In terms of the valuation HMRC haven't specifically stated this in black and white but they have given us the following guidance "The Valuation of the item, using invoices or receipts if available, or the insurance value of the item, or with agreed valuations using any of the methods laid down in Notice 252. A value must be entered, even for used or second-hand items, for customs clearance purposes."

Notice 252 explains how you should reach valuation of used goods (See section 14) which implies that for used goods the customs value can be based on the value of the goods when acquired less an amount for loss of value due to the usage.

Hope that helps?

RobynLS

Great thank-you! I have emailed them the form and supporting documents. Let's see how it goes...

cdfergus

Kirstyp:

I am having great difficulty understanding this process. I have read your blog on your website and all the threads I can find here.

We are moving in November 2017 and our boxed will include photos, cd's, clothing, kitchen utensils, a few pots and pans etc: I see nowhere to determine how, or even IF I have to value those types of things?

My 2nd question regards our cat who will be travelling with us (cargo) when we fly into London. The new regs indicate we need to have a pet passport at the time we apply for the TOR? However, we don't get that information until a week or so before leaving?

Thanks,

Chris

kirstyp

Hi Chris,
This is definitely a challenging area to get your head around and there isn’t a lot of clear guidance provided yet – I feel your pain! We as an industry through the BAR are continuously discussing ToR with HMRC to try and get better clarification for our customers so hopefully this will get better soon…

The value issue is something we’ve been told is required but I did note there is no mention on the HMRC page yet but we understand further guidance is going to be published on their website soon which you can find on the BIFA website already… HMRC issue guidance on Transfer of Residence procedures - BIFA , section C7 discusses how to reach your valuation.

Regarding your cat none of the guidance covers ‘what to do if you don’t have pet passport details yet’ so I would contact HMRC to ask them directly, or ask your pet shipping company if they have had experience of this situation yet. HMRC’s advice is that the ToR should be submitted before your shipment and your pets depart but they may give better guidelines on timescale for processing, a week or so might be enough. The customs helpline is 0300 200 3700.

Sorry I couldn’t give a black and white answer but I hope that helps a little!
Please do post on how you get on as it may help those with similar situations.

Good luck!
Kirsty

cdfergus

Thank you Kirsty, I shall keep checking their site and perhaps call as we get closer!

mstiggiewinkle

My twopenneth:

It did not ask for value on the TOR form. As i have not completed the final shipping list yet with my shipper, nor agreed on insurance, i did not include it. This may have been an error on my part.

If leaving the USA you need a specific Microchip and Rabies vaccine - no pet passport and no Rabies titer. Check with DEFRA.

kirstyp

That's interesting, would be great if you get a chance to post an update on how your application goes or if they come back to you to ask for more info?

I has also noticed they don't ask for value anywhere on the form but have expressly stated it on their guidelines to us as removal companies so assumed it will be something they will update soon... will keep an eye on that one!

mstiggiewinkle

Yes, i was told by my mover that they will inventory everything, and that i must add a value for insurance, but not to worry about that right now, just to get the TOR done and secure my moving date with the mover as its a crunch.
As i said, it being a new regulation (i wasnt aware of the changes as was not that far along in the process as i was planning to wait til end of year), maybe it slipped through the cracks? But, certsinly is not on TOR form.
Will update.

mstiggiewinkle

I just got off the phone with HMRC, approximate hold time 10 mins.
They confirmed receipt of docs.

I had them go over my support docs (as i understood the TOR had changed recently) and was told they had everything they needed. (I.e. No goods value listed at this point).
That it was a 10 day to 2 week process going forward.

The super nice lady also asked about my cat, and whether she was travelling with me at this point. I replied that i would be returning to collect her later. Her response was "thats fine, you can use the same TOR number at that point" which is why my mover was adamant that i list her.

I hope this is helpful for people. I feel somewhat relieved each step of the way!