What Items Your International Moving Company Won’t Move
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What Your International Movers Won’t Move When you are planning to move internationally, it’s important to understand what your international moving company will not move because there may be items that you’ll have to leave behind. When you have to move everything out of your home, there are some things that movers just won’t take. Know in advance about these restrictions for a smoother and less stressful moving process.
Why Moving Companies Won’t Move Certain Items?
Moving companies don’t let you move some things mostly for safety, liability, and practical reasons. Flammable liquids, aerosols, scuba tanks, and some chemicals are all dangerous materials that can cause fires or explosions while being moved. They are all illegal to move.
They also won’t take things that go bad quickly, like frozen foods and many live plants. These things can go bad, which will bring in pests and hurt the rest of your shipment. Movers don’t want to move things that could get them in trouble, in addition to safety. Companies often refuse to take unloaded guns or high-value items to avoid possible loss or injury, even though this is not always illegal.
Also, items that are sentimental or irreplaceable should be taken with you. Movers usually refuse to be held liable for valuable jewelry, important papers, family heirlooms or photo albums. Always check with your specific mover for their non-allowable list and prepare in advance to ensure your most valuable belongings are kept out of harm’s way.
Check Duty Before Finding Out What Your International Moving Company Won’t Move
Duty is the amount of money you pay on items coming from other countries, similar to tax–except duty is collected on imported items. Most items have specific duty rates that you’ll have to pay, so it’s important to remember that any duties will have to be paid in addition to your regular charges for your international move. More often than not, your moving company’s overseas counterpart will be able to settle any charges for you. Just be sure to obtain a receipt for any payments made.
Restricted and Prohibited Items
Restricted and prohibited items may sound alike, but they are just a little bit different. Forbidden items can never be carried, while restricted items (of which you have some restriction) can. They may require special permits and documentation to enter the new country.
Prohibited items
It’s always better to be safe than sorry when it comes to anything. Making yourself familiar with these commonly prohibited items will save you time when it comes to moving.
Firearms
For obvious security reasons, firearms and explosives are not allowed across international borders. However, some countries do allow certain types of firearms into their countries– but you must follow correct customs procedures.
Alcohol
Depending on your country of destination, alcohol is either restricted or entirely prohibited. Certain countries may allow a limited amount of alcohol to be shipped with your household goods, which is subject to import duties and taxes. Therefore, it is best to consult our moving team prior to packing.
Narcotics
Just don’t do it. Narcotics are illegal and shouldn’t be included along with your items when moving.
Food or Food like Items
Fruits, vegetables, any food that comes from an animal, canned goods, oils, spices, baking powders, and more are all included.
Flammable and Combustible Materials
There are many things that can be included, such as rubbing alcohol, cooking oil, paint, gasoline, nail polish, wood stains, adhesives, thinners and removers, some batteries, matches, gas tanks, detergents, and more.
Lithium Batteries
They’re in products such as e-bikes, electric vehicles, e-scooters and more. These are not allowed unless authorized or already agreed upon. An elaborate article about shipping lithium batteries internationally can be found here: Shipping lithium batteries in a safe way – All regulations, safety requirements & papers.
Agricultural Products
Including houseplants and seeds – agricultural products and seeds aren’t allowed to be carried in civilian shipments. Many regular household plants can’t be taken overseas either. Exceptions can sometimes be made, but you’ll need to provide explanations.
Pornographic Materials and Magazines
Many international countries don’t allow pornographic materials to be brought into their country.
Toxic Substances
Household chemicals may be moved domestically when you move, but leave them in your home country if you plan on moving internationally. Toxic chemicals will need to be left at home, also.
Pressure Spray Cans
Pressurized, the cans can explode in transit if subjected to temperature extremes. Not only will this ruin your shipment, it could be dangerous, depending on what’s in the pressurized can.
Money
While it isn’t prohibited to bring notes and currency from your home country with you, you may need to file paperwork if you’re transporting more than a certain amount. For example, if you’re taking or bringing more than $10,000 in the United States, you’ll need to file a 4790 form with US Customs.
Pirated/Counterfeit Materials
Customs will check for copies of pirated materials like books, movies, music, and any other media. Pirated material is commonly smuggled and then sold for very low prices.
Perishable Items
Perishable items are a definite no-go for international movers. Because of the long transit times involved in an international move, any perishable items you pack are likely to spoil and rot. This can damage the other items in your shipment and cause a serious biohazard. Perishable items include things like frozen foods, refrigerated items, and any produce.
Personal Documents and Valuables
Not only prohibited, but please avoid packing valuable items like the following with your household goods: personal documents, jewelry, cash and others of high value. These are what you should bring along with you as you swim the World. This includes items like:
- Family photo albums and heirlooms
- Passports, visas, and birth certificates
- Medical records and prescriptions
- Financial records and bank statements
- Laptop computers and external hard drives
Each Country’s Customs Regulations will Differ
For more information on what is and is not allowed through customs, do a search for the country you plan on moving to and find their government’s website, their customs website, or even their consul’s website. These websites will likely have all the information you’ll need to know about what is or is not allowed into the country. They should also have information about any documentation you may need for any other restricted items you may be considering bringing with you during your overseas move.
FAQ’s
Definition of “prohibited” and “restricted items.”
No such list however exists for ban items —they are completely disabled (drugs, etc). Some items that are restricted can be brought into the country with a special permit or documentation (like firearms, pets).
Are there any limitations on my medications being mailed? What do I need to do?
Maintain prescription medications in their original containers with you. Do not include them in your shipment. Check your destination’s laws, as some medications may be controlled or illegal in the region and it would help to bring a note from a doctor or prescription.
Why won’t moving companies ship my plants?
To keep pests and diseases that could ruin the host country’s agriculture or environment from getting in, houseplants and seeds are often not allowed.
Can I pack restricted items in a box and not tell the movers?
No. This is a serious breach of your moving contract and is dangerous. If discovered, your entire shipment could be refused or held. You are also liable for any damages or legal penalties resulting from undeclared hazardous materials.
What do I do about things the movers won’t take?
For toxic materials, please consult with the waste management regarding how to dispose of them correctly. For perishables, eat or donate them before the move. Plan to handle the transportation of restricted valuables, vital documents or medication yourself.