Personal Effects Customs Clearance UK
All shipments must enter the UK within 12 months of the consignee's arrival in the UK to be eligible for clearance as used personal effects.
Temporary Imports and Returning UK Residents
Shipments of used personal effects that are being returned to the UK after being outside of the UK for less than 12 months such as for a holiday, and shipments for non-UK residents that will only be in the UK for less than 12 months for reasons other than study before being exported again, are normally eligible for duty and tax free entry with only a short statement being provided to confirm the reason for import. This statement can be completed online via your Send My Bag account once an order has been placed. Duty relief is at the discretion of customs and further information may be requested by them to confirm the reason for import if unclear.
Shipments for returning UK residents are only eligible for duty free clearance if the goods are declared as of UK origin i.e. are returning goods. If the contents are declared as mixed origin i.e UK and foreign items, duties and taxes will be levied on the entire shipment and not just the items of foreign origin.
Relocating to the UK and Permanent Imports
If the shipment is entering the UK permanently for reasons other than study, or is being imported by a returning UK resident who has been outside the UK for 12 months or more, you will need to apply for a “Transfer of Residence Relief” (ToR) code from UK customs (HMRC) using form ToR01, in order to obtain duty relief at the time of the shipment’s entry.
If you are completing the ToR01 form, we recommend that you click preview and save as a pdf, and the form can then be emailed along with the requested accompanying documents (once the form is completed online the HMRC website will advise what accompanying documents are required for your particular circumstances) to nch.tor@hmrc.gsi.gov.uk rather than being sent by post.
If the consignee is already in possession of a ToR code, this can be supplied to Send My Bag via your account once an order is placed.
If at the time of collection, no ToR code has been supplied, duties, taxes and any additional courier fees will be applied and need to be paid by the recipient. The charges will be billed by our courier partner either prior to delivery, or at the time of delivery of the shipment, depending on the total value of the charge. A claim for rebate of any duty and taxes paid can then be submitted to HMRC by completing a C285 form on their website. Due to the details required on the C285 form, you will need to contact Send My Bag to supply you with the information and documents required before this can be completed. If the application is successful, any duty or taxes paid will be refunded by HMRC excluding the £11-12 admin fee for collection of taxes and any multiline charges applied by the courier. Multiline charges are typically applied by the courier when more than five different types of items (commodities) are listed on the packing list e.g. clothes would be considered one type of commodity, but clothes and books would count as two types of commodity. Once five commodities are exceeded on the packing list, multiline fees are charged at a rate of £4.50 per additional commodity.
Shipping to the UK for Studies
If the consignee is travelling to the UK for study, they will be required to provide a copy of their enrolment or placement letter from their College or University, clearly showing the start and end dates of the course, the course name and the address of the University or College in order to be eligible for duty and tax free entry. Offer letters and letters from UCAS/CAS are not accepted by HMRC for duty free clearance.
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
Most shipments on this route will not be stopped by customs, however, 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 1 working day to process it and release it back to us for delivery.
Shipping Gifts to the UK
The United Kingdom allows gifts to enter the country duty free provided they valued at £39 or less (per person). Gifts valued between £39 - £135 will have VAT at 20% applied and anything declared above £135 will have VAT and a minimum 2.5% duty applied.
To meet the gift criteria, they must be for an ‘occasion’ such as Birthday, Anniversary or Christmas. They must be sent between 2 individuals i.e not shipped from or to a business address and the items marked as gifts must be for personal use only.
Where multiple gifts are being sent in the same consignment for multiple people, each item must be individually wrapped and marked for the different intended recipients. On the packing list, each item listed will need to have a name next to the description of each gift as to clearly mark for customs who the intended recipient is.
Personal Effects Customs Clearance UK
All shipments must enter the UK within 12 months of the consignee's arrival in the UK to be eligible for clearance as used personal effects.
Temporary Imports and Returning UK Residents
Shipments of used personal effects that are being returned to the UK after being outside of the UK for less than 12 months such as for a holiday, and shipments for non-UK residents that will only be in the UK for less than 12 months for reasons other than study before being exported again, are normally eligible for duty and tax free entry with only a short statement being provided to confirm the reason for import. This statement can be completed online via your Send My Bag account once an order has been placed. Duty relief is at the discretion of customs and further information may be requested by them to confirm the reason for import if unclear.
Shipments for returning UK residents are only eligible for duty free clearance if the goods are declared as of UK origin i.e. are returning goods. If the contents are declared as mixed origin i.e UK and foreign items, duties and taxes will be levied on the entire shipment and not just the items of foreign origin.
Relocating to the UK and Permanent Imports
If the shipment is entering the UK permanently for reasons other than study, or is being imported by a returning UK resident who has been outside the UK for 12 months or more, you will need to apply for a “Transfer of Residence Relief” (ToR) code from UK customs (HMRC) using form ToR01, in order to obtain duty relief at the time of the shipment’s entry.
If you are completing the ToR01 form, we recommend that you click preview and save as a pdf, and the form can then be emailed along with the requested accompanying documents (once the form is completed online the HMRC website will advise what accompanying documents are required for your particular circumstances) to nch.tor@hmrc.gsi.gov.uk rather than being sent by post.
If the consignee is already in possession of a ToR code, this can be supplied to Send My Bag via your account once an order is placed.
If at the time of collection, no ToR code has been supplied, duties, taxes and any additional courier fees will be applied and need to be paid by the recipient. The charges will be billed by our courier partner either prior to delivery, or at the time of delivery of the shipment, depending on the total value of the charge. A claim for rebate of any duty and taxes paid can then be submitted to HMRC by completing a C285 form on their website. Due to the details required on the C285 form, you will need to contact Send My Bag to supply you with the information and documents required before this can be completed. If the application is successful, any duty or taxes paid will be refunded by HMRC excluding the £11-12 admin fee for collection of taxes and any multiline charges applied by the courier. Multiline charges are typically applied by the courier when more than five different types of items (commodities) are listed on the packing list e.g. clothes would be considered one type of commodity, but clothes and books would count as two types of commodity. Once five commodities are exceeded on the packing list, multiline fees are charged at a rate of £4.50 per additional commodity.
Shipping to the UK for Studies
If the consignee is travelling to the UK for study, they will be required to provide a copy of their enrolment or placement letter from their College or University, clearly showing the start and end dates of the course, the course name and the address of the University or College in order to be eligible for duty and tax free entry. Offer letters and letters from UCAS/CAS are not accepted by HMRC for duty free clearance.
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
Most shipments on this route will not be stopped by customs, however, 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 1 working day to process it and release it back to us for delivery.
Shipping Gifts to the UK
The United Kingdom allows gifts to enter the country duty free provided they valued at £39 or less (per person). Gifts valued between £39 - £135 will have VAT at 20% applied and anything declared above £135 will have VAT and a minimum 2.5% duty applied.
To meet the gift criteria, they must be for an ‘occasion’ such as Birthday, Anniversary or Christmas. They must be sent between 2 individuals i.e not shipped from or to a business address and the items marked as gifts must be for personal use only.
Where multiple gifts are being sent in the same consignment for multiple people, each item must be individually wrapped and marked for the different intended recipients. On the packing list, each item listed will need to have a name next to the description of each gift as to clearly mark for customs who the intended recipient is.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
UK Highlands & Islands
Please note the Channel Islands are not within the UK Highlands and Islands region, Jersey and Guernsey are listed separately in our country lists.
Not all postcodes within the Highlands & Islands have a daily service which may lead to a variation in the estimated transit times quoted at the time of booking. In some cases collections may need to take place on a date other than that selected when booking.
On the Isles of Scilly, it is not always possible to collect and you may instead be given a designated drop off point.
For more general information on shipping to the UK as a whole please review our UK Mainland information.