Personal Effects & Household Goods
Household belongings shipped to a UK address. Partners who handle personal-effects clearance every week, not as a side line.
Personal Effects & Household Goods overview
Personal effects clearance covers household goods, furniture, clothing, and personal items shipped internationally to a UK address. This is distinct from commercial imports and from Transfer of Residence relief. The rules and documentation are different from commercial freight.
We route to partners who specialise in personal-effects volumes and know what HMRC accepts on first read. Many brokers handle this only occasionally, which causes delays and queries. Specialism matters.
The detail
- HMRC system
- CDS
- Common origins
- UAE, India, Pakistan, USA, Australia, New Zealand
- Required docs
- Inventory list, passport copy, proof of UK address, transport documents
- Duty position
- Variable, advised by partner based on inventory and use
- If you are moving residence
- See Transfer of Residence (TOR) Relief for a duty-free path
What the matched partner does
Your matched partner files the customs entry against your inventory, advises on any items that may attract duty, and arranges release. They handle communication with the carrier and notify you on release.
Common questions
Is this the same as Transfer of Residence?
No. TOR relief is a specific HMRC scheme that exempts duty and VAT for people moving normal residence to the UK. If you qualify, the TOR path is better. Personal effects without TOR may attract duty.
What counts as personal effects?
Goods you have owned and used. Anything new, in commercial quantities, or for resale is not personal effects and is treated as commercial freight.
How long does clearance take?
Usually 2 to 4 business days once documents are complete. Partner will give a timeline based on the origin and carrier.
Ready to begin a personal effects enquiry?
Pick the path that fits your shipment. The enquiry pre-fills with the right questions for your import type, so we can match you to the partner who handles it routinely.
Goods for resale or business use. HMRC entry, tariff classification, import VAT.
Begin enquiry →02 / PersonalHousehold belongings shipped to a UK address. TOR relief assessed before partner match.
Begin enquiry →03 / VehicleCars and motorcycles. NOVA filed inside the HMRC 14-day window.
Begin enquiry →Not sure which path fits? Email support@portixglobal.com and we will help you classify before the partner match. No payment ever held by Portix.