What Items Your International Moving Company Won’t Move
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When planning an international move, it’s important to know what your international moving company won’t move, as you may not be able to bring everything with you. Even as you are packing up your entire household in preparation for relocation, certain items cannot be transported by movers. Make sure you are aware ahead of time of these restrictions for an easier and less stressful moving experience.
Why Moving Companies Won’t Move Certain Items?
Moving companies restrict certain items primarily for safety, liability, and practical reasons. Hazardous materials like flammable liquids, aerosols, scuba tanks, and certain chemicals pose a significant fire or explosion risk during transit and are universally prohibited.
Perishable goods, including frozen foods and many live plants, are also refused. These items can spoil, attracting pests and causing damage to the rest of your shipment. Beyond safety, movers avoid items that present a liability. While not always illegal, companies often refuse unloaded firearms or high-value possessions to prevent potential loss or injury.
Furthermore, you should personally transport irreplaceable or sentimental items. Movers typically won’t accept responsibility for valuable jewelry, important documents, family heirlooms, or photo albums. Always consult your specific mover for their list of non-allowable and plan accordingly to keep your most precious belongings safe.
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 items and prohibited items might sound the same, but there is a slight difference. Prohibited items cannot be taken with you at all, while restricted items can be moved with proper qualifications. They may need special permits and documentation to be allowed into 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
Including but not limited to: Produce, fruits, any food derived from an animal, canned goods, oils, spices, baking powders, and more.
Flammable and Combustible Materials
Including but not limited to: Rubbing Alcohol, cooking oil, paint, gasoline, nail polish, wood stains, adhesives, thinners and removers, certain batteries, matches, gas tanks, detergents, and more.
Lithium Batteries
Found in items such as e-bikes, electric vehicles, e-scooters, and other products. These are prohibited unless otherwise approved or agreed in advance. For detailed regulations, safety requirements, and documentation related to shipping lithium batteries internationally, refer to our guide on shipping lithium batteries safely.
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
Because these cans are pressurized, they can burst during shipment if temperatures fluctuate too much. This will not only damage your shipment but it can be hazardous depending on what is inside 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
While not necessarily prohibited, international movers strongly advise against packing important personal documents, jewelry, cash, and other high-value items with your household goods shipment. These items should be carried with you during your travel. 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
What is the difference between a “prohibited” and a “restricted” item?
Prohibited items are completely banned (e.g., narcotics). Restricted items are allowed only with special permits or documentation (e.g., firearms, pets).
Are my medications restricted for shipping? What do I need to do?
Keep medications in their original bottles and carry them with you. Never pack them in your shipment. Research your destination’s laws, as some medications may be controlled or illegal there, and carry a doctor’s note or prescription.
Why won’t movers transport my houseplants?
Houseplants and seeds are often prohibited to prevent the introduction of foreign pests and diseases that could harm the agriculture and ecosystem of the destination country.
Can I pack these 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 should I do with items the movers won’t take?
For hazardous materials, contact your local waste management for proper disposal guides. For perishables, consume or donate them before moving. Plan to transport restricted valuables, important documents, and medications yourself.