Personal Effects Customs Clearance Bulgaria
Holiday baggage and other time sensitive packages should not be sent on this route.
Send My Bag are unable to assist with final clearance from customs and the consignee will need to complete this in person with customs in Sofia, via their own broker, or by applying for an EORI code from their shipping country prior to the shipment's arrival in Bulgaria which can then be submitted to our courier partner.
Shipments of personal effects also require a copy of the owner’s passport and a copy of their flight ticket to be uploaded to their Send My Bag account to demonstrate to customs authorities that they have travelled, or will be travelling to Bulgaria from the country they are shipping from.
The owner of the goods must be named as the receiver of the shipment and all documentation must be in the receiver's name.
All shipments on this route may be eligible for duty and taxes which must be paid directly by the consignee and are not covered by Send My Bag.
On this route you are required to visit the destination country’s official customs website and make yourself aware of any requirements, processes or fees, which may be due based on your personal circumstances and what you are shipping.
Upon arrival in the destination you agree to comply with any customs processes, provide the customs authority with any information they request and to discuss the clearance of the shipment directly with the customs authority or our delivery partner in the destination.
General Personal Effects Customs Information
Personal effects are typically defined as used items which have been in the sender's possession for 6 months or more. If your shipment is checked by customs and is found to contain brand new or commercial items, you shipment may not be assessed as personal effects. Keep this in mind if you are sending Christmas gifts or other new items. Please check with customs so you are aware of potential customs duties, follow any advice given and attach all necessary documentation.
In order to demonstrate that your shipment consists of personal effects, you will be required to complete a brief non-generic packing list online, entries to be made in the format: "5 x Cotton Dresses, 2 x Jeans, 3 x Pair of Gloves", and so on, rather than as "10 x Used Clothing".
As customs processes and allowances vary by country, we advise all customers take 5 minutes to check how their personal circumstances and what they are sending will be assessed under the prevailing customs regulations of the destination.
More information is available on our customs information page.
Customs Clearance Time
When a bag is stopped by customs for any reason (missing documentation, impromptu inspection, prohibited contents, commercial contents or further information required) Send My Bag records how long customs hold it for. Our historical statistics for this route indicate that if the customs authority stops your bag they will on average take 5 working days to process it and release it back to us for delivery.
Personal Effects Customs Clearance Bulgaria
Holiday baggage and other time sensitive packages should not be sent on this route.
Send My Bag are unable to assist with final clearance from customs and the consignee will need to complete this in person with customs in Sofia, via their own broker, or by applying for an EORI code from their shipping country prior to the shipment's arrival in Bulgaria which can then be submitted to our courier partner.
Shipments of personal effects also require a copy of the owner’s passport and a copy of their flight ticket to be uploaded to their Send My Bag account to demonstrate to customs authorities that they have travelled, or will be travelling to Bulgaria from the country they are shipping from.
The owner of the goods must be named as the receiver of the shipment and all documentation must be in the receiver's name.
All shipments on this route may be eligible for duty and taxes which must be paid directly by the consignee and are not covered by Send My Bag.
On this route you are required to visit the destination country’s official customs website and make yourself aware of any requirements, processes or fees, which may be due based on your personal circumstances and what you are shipping.
Upon arrival in the destination you agree to comply with any customs processes, provide the customs authority with any information they request and to discuss the clearance of the shipment directly with the customs authority or our delivery partner in the destination.
General Personal Effects Customs Information
Personal effects are typically defined as used items which have been in the sender's possession for 6 months or more. If your shipment is checked by customs and is found to contain brand new or commercial items, you shipment may not be assessed as personal effects. Keep this in mind if you are sending Christmas gifts or other new items. Please check with customs so you are aware of potential customs duties, follow any advice given and attach all necessary documentation.
In order to demonstrate that your shipment consists of personal effects, you will be required to complete a brief non-generic packing list online, entries to be made in the format: "5 x Cotton Dresses, 2 x Jeans, 3 x Pair of Gloves", and so on, rather than as "10 x Used Clothing".
As customs processes and allowances vary by country, we advise all customers take 5 minutes to check how their personal circumstances and what they are sending will be assessed under the prevailing customs regulations of the destination.
More information is available on our customs information page.
Customs Clearance Time
When a bag is stopped by customs for any reason (missing documentation, impromptu inspection, prohibited contents, commercial contents or further information required) Send My Bag records how long customs hold it for. Our historical statistics for this route indicate that if the customs authority stops your bag they will on average take 5 working days to process it and release it back to us for delivery.
A maximum of 1 lithium battery is permitted per shipment (excludes to / from Australia) when it is contained within a working personal electronic device such as a mobile phone. Review our battery policy.
- Aerosols or any other pressurised containers;
- Liquids, Pastes and Gels of any type (including nail varnish and perfume);
- Toner Cartridges;
- Loose Batteries & Power Banks;
- No more than ONE device containing a lithium battery in line with our battery policy OR when shipping to / from Australia or China, NO device containing any kind of battery;
- Tracking devices such as AirTags;
- Animals and Animal products;
- Firearms and firearm parts, ammunition, weapons (including imitations of same);
- Explosives, incendiary materials and devices including but not limited to fireworks, matches, flares, solid fuels;
- Flowers and plant products;
- Human remains or ashes;
- Medical samples;
- Items that require a temperature controlled environment;
- Pornography;
- Prescription drugs and pharmaceutical products;
- Tobacco and vaping products regardless of nicotine content;
- Religious Artefacts
- Foodstuffs, perishable, animal origin and controlled food articles and beverages including, but not limited to: Fruit & vegetables, dairy products (including dried products containing dairy such as milk chocolate and protein powder), meat, fish, nuts, seeds, wine, beer, spirits and champagne; or
- Packages that are wet, leaking or emit an odour of any kind;
- Valuables and high value items including but not limited to antiques, paintings, jewellery, precious stones and electrical equipment (low value electrical equipment is permitted but sent at the owner's risk);
- Cash or other forms of tradeable currency;
- Credit cards;
- Passports or other confidential personal documentation;
- Irreplaceable items;
- Other Dangerous / hazardous goods;
- Counterfeit goods;
- Items from sanctioned countries;
- Other illegal or restricted goods.
More information is available under section 11 of our terms of service.
Additional prohibited items for Bulgaria
- Nokia products unless imported by Nokia company or approved dealer;
- Non-prescription drugs and pharmaceutical products;
- Single use plastics including cutlery, plates, straws, cotton bud sticks, and food containers and cups made of polystyrene.
Items excluded from cover
The following items will be accepted but are sent at your risk and are not included under complimentary cover:
- Electrical Items, including but not limited to; Tablets, Mobile Phones, Computers, Hi-Fis, TVs.
- Glass & Porcelain.
- Any other non standard excess baggage items.
If you choose to send any of the above please ensure you package the item appropriately, for example a TV inside a suitcase is not appropriate.
A maximum of 1 lithium battery is permitted per shipment (excludes to / from Australia) when it is contained within a working personal electronic device such as a mobile phone. Review our battery policy.
- Aerosols or any other pressurised containers;
- Liquids, Pastes and Gels of any type (including nail varnish and perfume);
- Toner Cartridges;
- Loose Batteries & Power Banks;
- No more than ONE device containing a lithium battery in line with our battery policy OR when shipping to / from Australia or China, NO device containing any kind of battery;
- Tracking devices such as AirTags;
- Animals and Animal products;
- Firearms and firearm parts, ammunition, weapons (including imitations of same);
- Explosives, incendiary materials and devices including but not limited to fireworks, matches, flares, solid fuels;
- Flowers and plant products;
- Human remains or ashes;
- Medical samples;
- Items that require a temperature controlled environment;
- Pornography;
- Prescription drugs and pharmaceutical products;
- Tobacco and vaping products regardless of nicotine content;
- Religious Artefacts
- Foodstuffs, perishable, animal origin and controlled food articles and beverages including, but not limited to: Fruit & vegetables, dairy products (including dried products containing dairy such as milk chocolate and protein powder), meat, fish, nuts, seeds, wine, beer, spirits and champagne; or
- Packages that are wet, leaking or emit an odour of any kind;
- Valuables and high value items including but not limited to antiques, paintings, jewellery, precious stones and electrical equipment (low value electrical equipment is permitted but sent at the owner's risk);
- Cash or other forms of tradeable currency;
- Credit cards;
- Passports or other confidential personal documentation;
- Irreplaceable items;
- Other Dangerous / hazardous goods;
- Counterfeit goods;
- Items from sanctioned countries;
- Other illegal or restricted goods.
More information is available under section 11 of our terms of service.
Additional prohibited items for Bulgaria
- Nokia products unless imported by Nokia company or approved dealer;
- Non-prescription drugs and pharmaceutical products;
- Single use plastics including cutlery, plates, straws, cotton bud sticks, and food containers and cups made of polystyrene.
Items excluded from cover
The following items will be accepted but are sent at your risk and are not included under complimentary cover:
- Electrical Items, including but not limited to; Tablets, Mobile Phones, Computers, Hi-Fis, TVs.
- Glass & Porcelain.
- Any other non standard excess baggage items.
If you choose to send any of the above please ensure you package the item appropriately, for example a TV inside a suitcase is not appropriate.
On EU standard services (not express) and all UK and US domestic services you may send:
- Shower gel.
- Toothpaste.
- Other non flammable and non alcohol based liquids, pastes & gels for use on holiday.
Nail varnish, perfume and aerosols are not permitted. If these items are included in your luggage it may be returned to you.
Whilst non alcohol based liquids are permitted, damage caused by leakage is not covered by complimentary cover and therefore only small amounts should be sent. If an x-ray shows liquids of any type security may stop your bag for inspection.
A maximum of 1 lithium battery is permitted per shipment (excludes to / from Australia) when it is contained within a working personal electronic device such as a mobile phone. Review our battery policy. The following items are prohibited at all times:
- Aerosols or any other pressurised containers;
- Alcohol based or Flammable Liquids, Pastes and Gels of any type including, but not limited to, nail varnish and perfume;
- Toner Cartridges;
- Loose Batteries & Power Banks;
- No more than ONE device containing a lithium battery in line with our battery policy OR when shipping to / from Australia or China, NO device containing any kind of battery;
- Tracking devices such as AirTags;
- Animals and Animal products;
- Firearms and firearm parts, ammunition, weapons (including imitations of same);
- Explosives, incendiary materials and devices including but not limited to fireworks, matches, flares, solid fuels;
- Flowers and plant products;
- Human remains or ashes;
- Medical samples;
- Items that require a temperature controlled environment;
- Pornography;
- Prescription drugs and pharmaceutical products;
- Tobacco and vaping products regardless of nicotine content;
- Religious Artefacts
- Foodstuffs, perishable, animal origin and controlled food articles and beverages including, but not limited to: Fruit & vegetables, dairy products (including dried products containing dairy such as milk chocolate and protein powder), meat, fish, nuts, seeds, wine, beer, spirits and champagne; or
- Packages that are wet, leaking or emit an odour of any kind;
- Valuables and high value items including but not limited to antiques, paintings, jewellery, precious stones and electrical equipment (low value electrical equipment is permitted but sent at the owner's risk);
- Cash or other forms of tradeable currency;
- Credit cards;
- Passports or other confidential personal documentation;
- Irreplaceable items;
- Other Dangerous / hazardous goods;
- Counterfeit goods;
- Items from sanctioned countries;
- Other illegal or restricted goods.
More information is available under section 11 of our terms of service.
Additional prohibited items for Bulgaria
- Nokia products unless imported by Nokia company or approved dealer;
- Non-prescription drugs and pharmaceutical products;
- Single use plastics including cutlery, plates, straws, cotton bud sticks, and food containers and cups made of polystyrene.
Items Excluded From Cover
The following items will be accepted but are sent at your risk and are not included under complimentary cover:
- Electrical Items, including but not limited to; Tablets, Mobile Phones, Computers, Hi-Fis, TVs.
- Glass & Porcelain.
- Any other non standard excess baggage items.
If you choose to send any of the above please ensure you package the item appropriately, for example a TV inside a suitcase is not appropriate.
On EU standard services (not express) and all UK and US domestic services you may send:
- Shower gel.
- Toothpaste.
- Other non flammable and non alcohol based liquids, pastes & gels for use on holiday.
Nail varnish, perfume and aerosols are not permitted. If these items are included in your luggage it may be returned to you.
Whilst non alcohol based liquids are permitted, damage caused by leakage is not covered by complimentary cover and therefore only small amounts should be sent. If an x-ray shows liquids of any type security may stop your bag for inspection.
A maximum of 1 lithium battery is permitted per shipment (excludes to / from Australia) when it is contained within a working personal electronic device such as a mobile phone. Review our battery policy. The following items are prohibited at all times:
- Aerosols or any other pressurised containers;
- Alcohol based or Flammable Liquids, Pastes and Gels of any type including, but not limited to, nail varnish and perfume;
- Toner Cartridges;
- Loose Batteries & Power Banks;
- No more than ONE device containing a lithium battery in line with our battery policy OR when shipping to / from Australia or China, NO device containing any kind of battery;
- Tracking devices such as AirTags;
- Animals and Animal products;
- Firearms and firearm parts, ammunition, weapons (including imitations of same);
- Explosives, incendiary materials and devices including but not limited to fireworks, matches, flares, solid fuels;
- Flowers and plant products;
- Human remains or ashes;
- Medical samples;
- Items that require a temperature controlled environment;
- Pornography;
- Prescription drugs and pharmaceutical products;
- Tobacco and vaping products regardless of nicotine content;
- Religious Artefacts
- Foodstuffs, perishable, animal origin and controlled food articles and beverages including, but not limited to: Fruit & vegetables, dairy products (including dried products containing dairy such as milk chocolate and protein powder), meat, fish, nuts, seeds, wine, beer, spirits and champagne; or
- Packages that are wet, leaking or emit an odour of any kind;
- Valuables and high value items including but not limited to antiques, paintings, jewellery, precious stones and electrical equipment (low value electrical equipment is permitted but sent at the owner's risk);
- Cash or other forms of tradeable currency;
- Credit cards;
- Passports or other confidential personal documentation;
- Irreplaceable items;
- Other Dangerous / hazardous goods;
- Counterfeit goods;
- Items from sanctioned countries;
- Other illegal or restricted goods.
More information is available under section 11 of our terms of service.
Additional prohibited items for Bulgaria
- Nokia products unless imported by Nokia company or approved dealer;
- Non-prescription drugs and pharmaceutical products;
- Single use plastics including cutlery, plates, straws, cotton bud sticks, and food containers and cups made of polystyrene.
Items Excluded From Cover
The following items will be accepted but are sent at your risk and are not included under complimentary cover:
- Electrical Items, including but not limited to; Tablets, Mobile Phones, Computers, Hi-Fis, TVs.
- Glass & Porcelain.
- Any other non standard excess baggage items.
If you choose to send any of the above please ensure you package the item appropriately, for example a TV inside a suitcase is not appropriate.
Why Ship to Bulgaria?
Bulgaria is an exciting and fun-filled holiday destination, whether for a quick city break to the stunning capital of Sofia to study the country’s ancient past, or to spend a few weeks exploring the striking countryside and to enjoy winter sports. But with so much to see and do in such a spectacular country, you might end up having more luggage than you expected, especially if you end up doing plenty of shopping and heading home with lots of souvenirs.
Maybe you are taking a winter holiday and bringing a few extras such as skis and ski boots, or perhaps you are going on a business trip with a suitcase filled with suits, or maybe you’re relocating to Bulgaria. Whatever the purpose of your trip, we can pick up your bags from your doorstep and deliver them to wherever you need them in Bulgaria.
If you are a student studying for your degree in Bulgaria, or perhaps spending a third year abroad there, Send My Bag can send all the possessions you will need for your stay in Bulgaria. By shipping your things rather than bringing them on the plane yourself, you can have many more of your things with you and can avoid the risk of excess baggage fees.
Send Luggage to Bulgaria
No matter if you are going on holiday to Bulgaria or if you are moving to Bulgaria for an extended period of time, you can save yourself a lot of stress by sending your luggage and boxes with Send My Bag. This means you can enjoy your own journey to Bulgaria knowing that your luggage is being taken care of. You can bring all the possessions you need to make you feel at home in Bulgaria, while avoiding the stress of dragging heavy bags behind you through airports and onto public transport. To learn more about sending luggage to Bulgaria, visit our ‘How it works’ page, or our ‘FAQs’.
Removals to Bulgaria
If you are moving house to Bulgaria you will have to think about international removals to Bulgaria in order to move all of your possessions too. Make sure you choose a reputable removal company and that you package up all your items carefully so that they arrive intact. Use suitable packaging for your items and tape everything up well.
Student Shipping to Bulgaria
Bulgaria’s top universities include Sofia University, New Bulgarian University, and Technical University, Sofia. If you are taking your full degree course in Bulgaria, or if you are conducting research there, you will have lots of things that you will want to bring with you, like course textbooks and many other everyday items, like fiction books, clothes and DVDs. Send My Bag can ship all of these items to Bulgaria for you, making your move an easy one. Discover more about student shipping on our student page and find out how to receive your student discount.
Sending a Parcel to Bulgaria
It’s no problem at all to send a parcel to Bulgaria with Send My Bag. Sending a parcel is a great idea if you left some items at home when you moved to Bulgaria. You can ask a friend or family member to put the items you have forgotten in a box and send them on to you. People can also use the service to send you gifts or care packages. When sending a parcel to Bulgaria make sure you select a sturdy box and seal it up well so nothing gets damaged in transit. Read more about sending a parcel and find out what you can send with Send My Bag and how to package your items.
Ways of Shipping to Bulgaria
If you are going on a ski holiday in Bulgaria or if you are moving to Bulgaria to live or to study, you should research the many options available for shipping to Bulgaria. Some options will be more appropriate for you than others. You can choose between several different options for international shipping to Bulgaria.
Send Golf Clubs to Bulgaria
Bulgaria‘s top-rated courses include Thracian Cliffs, BlackSeaRama and Lighthouse. You can have a few rounds of golf on these courses without having to rent golf clubs. Instead you can use your own beloved golf clubs, by shipping them to Bulgaria with Send My Bag. This means you don’t have to wait around at bag drop or luggage carousels, or have to drag large golf bags behind you. Plus, you can avoid oversized baggage fees from your airline. See more information on how to send golf clubs with Send My Bag, including how to best package your golf clubs.
About Bulgaria
Officially known as the Republic of Bulgaria, the country is located in south east Europe, bordering Romania, Greece, Turkey, Serbia and Macedonia, with the Black Sea on its eastern coast. The official language spoken in the country is Bulgarian, which uses the Cyrillic alphabet, and the currency is the Bulgarian Lev. The climate in Bulgaria is typical for central Europe, with hot summers and cold winters.
Bulgaria is very diverse in terms of landscape and culture. It has mountainous regions, various urban centres, and the Black Sea coast. The capital city of Bulgaria is Sofia, situated at the foot of Mount Vitosha. Sofia’s history stretches back to antiquity. It has a turbulent past, having been ruled by the Thracians, Romans, Byzantines, Ottoman Turks and Russians. The churches and museums in the city are particularly popular with tourists, as are the sprawling shopping streets and malls. For the more active or thrill-seeking visitor, Bulgaria offers great ski resorts and excellent hiking and cycling. Summer also sees many tourists heading to the coastal cities of Varna and Burgas to soak up the sun by the crystal blue sea. These areas are renowned as being some of the most affordable yet beautiful seaside getaways in Europe.
Please explore this page further to find out about Send My Bag’s shipping service to Bulgaria.
Send your Bike to Bulgaria
There is a lot of untouched natural beauty in Bulgaria for you to explore by bike. You can send your bicycle with Send My Bag, rather than checking it into the hold of your plane and having to pay outsized baggage fees. You can even do a tour of Bulgaria by bike by sending your bike to your first hotel and having it picked up at your final hotel. Your bike needs to be taken apart and safely packaged up before being sent to Bulgaria. Check out our information on bike shipping to learn more.
Send Skis to Bulgaria
Perhaps one of the less popular regions for ski holidays, Bulgaria has plenty to offer skiers, often at very affordable prices. Some of the best Bulgarian ski resorts include Bansko, Borovets and Pamporovo. Don’t worry about having to rent unfamiliar skis when you are there. Instead, you can send your own skis to Bulgaria with Send My Bag. This is much easier than checking your skis into your airplane’s hold. You can send your skis ahead to Bulgaria and have them waiting for you on arrival. Find out more about sending skis with Send My Bag and read about how to package your skis safely.
Air Freight to Bulgaria
If you need to send big items, such as a nest of tables or ottoman, to Bulgaria you could try air freight. Transit time is usually one to two days, so it’s a quick service. It can be quite pricey, though, with costs increasing as your shipment size increases. You will probably also have to hire a customs agent to sort customs clearance for you. Another cost to think about is getting your items to and from the airport, which means the price of using air freight could quickly mount up. If you send internationally by air freight to Bulgaria your items will likely arrive at Sofia, Plovdiv or Varna Airports.
Sea Freight and Container Shipping to Bulgaria
Sea freight or container shipping is another option for shipping large bulky items, like a snooker table or a bed. Sea freight shipping to Bulgaria can take a number of weeks, so it’s a good option if you don’t need to take receipt of your items immediately. This option can be cheaper than air freight, but you will still need to pay for the services of a customs agent and will need to sort out how to get your items to and from the ports. This means the cost could be more than expected. When using container shipping to Bulgaria, your items will most likely arrive by ship at the Port of Varna or the Port of Burgas.
Shipping Goods to Bulgaria
You must research current customs rules when shipping goods to Bulgaria. You should know about any duty that you need to pay and what items are permitted to be shipped to Bulgaria, which items are restricted, and which are entirely prohibited.