Household goods for relocation from the UK – what you need to know when planning your return to Poland

More and more Poles are deciding to return to the country after several years of working and living in the United Kingdom. Moving back comes with many challenges, and one of them is transporting your household goods – that is, your personal belongings. Changing customs regulations and formal requirements can cause stress and uncertainty.

At PKS International CARGO S.A., we fully understand these challenges and offer comprehensive support for customs clearance of household goods. In this article, we explain the most important information to help you safely and legally transport your belongings from the UK to Poland.

What are household goods for relocation?

Household goods for relocation (also called personal effects) are all items intended for personal use and for running a household. These include:
– Furniture, household appliances, clothing
– electronics, bicycles, motorcycles, cars
– caravans, boats, and even airplanes
– pets and riding animals
– tools and portable professional equipment (but not equipment used for business purposes)

Who and when can benefit from customs exemption?

Exemption from customs duties, excise, and VAT applies to individuals who:
1. Have lived in the UK for at least 12 consecutive months,
2. Have used the household goods for at least 6 months before the move,
3. Are relocating their place of residence permanently to Poland,
4. Are transporting the goods for personal use and not for commercial purposes.

What documents are required for customs clearance?

To use the exemptions, you need to present, among others:
-> Documents confirming at least 12 months of residence in the UK (rental agreements, employment contracts, utility bills, payslips, P60 tax statements),
-> Documents confirming the end of stay (termination of contract, P45, deregistration),
-> Documents confirming the use of household goods for at least 6 months (e.g., invoices, vehicle registration certificates),
-> Proof of relocation of your center of life to Poland (residency registration, employment contract, business registration).

Cars as household goods – what to pay attention to

A personal car transported under the household goods procedure is exempt from customs duties, excise, and VAT if the following conditions are met:
a) It has been used for at least 6 months before the move,
b) The relocating person lived in the UK for at least 12 months,
c) The car will not be sold or transferred to another person for 12 months after import to Poland,
d) You hold a V5C registration document in your name and valid vehicle insurance.

How is customs clearance of household goods from the UK carried out?

Since January 1, 2021, the UK is considered a third country in relation to the EU. Customs clearance of household goods requires a declaration in the electronic system (NCTS2) and proper documentation.

By cooperating with PKS International CARGO S.A., you can rely on:
– Preparation and completion of all required documents,
– Handling of the T1 transit procedure,
– Professional advice and support at every stage of transport,
– Assistance with clearance of cars and other vehicles.

Household goods – what else is worth knowing?

• You can bring household goods in batches, within 12 months from the date your residence in Poland is established.
  If the goods arrive before your actual return to Poland, they should be stored in a customs warehouse and formalities completed upon arrival.
  Documents in English are best described by hand in Polish to facilitate customs clearance.

Trust the experts when relocating from the UK to Poland

Transporting household goods is a process that requires precise knowledge of customs regulations and careful preparation of documents. At PKS International CARGO S.A., we have been supporting people returning to Poland for years, helping them complete formalities quickly, efficiently, and without unnecessary stress.

Do not risk delays or problems at the border – trust the specialists who know every step of customs clearance. Contact us today and plan your relocation with us!