For most moves within the European Union, customers do not need to worry about customs paperwork.

When ARSA Transport handles your move between EU countries, we prepare the CMR transport document and the necessary transport documentation from our side.

There is no normal household-goods customs clearance when moving between EU member states.

The process changes when moving to or from Switzerland or the United Kingdom, as both are outside the EU customs union.

For these relocations, ARSA Transport helps organise the complete customs process and guides you through the documents we need from you.

Moving Within the European Union

Moving between EU countries is straightforward.

For example:

1. Germany → Netherlands
2. Germany → France
3. Germany → Spain
4. Netherlands → Germany
5. Germany → Italy
6. Germany → Denmark
7. Germany → Sweden
8. Belgium → Germany
9. Austria → Germany
10. France → Netherlands

For a normal household move between EU countries, you don't need to prepare customs documents.

ARSA Transport prepares the required CMR and transport documentation.

You provide us with your moving details and inventory, and we take care of the transportation.

It's that simple.

Moving to Switzerland

Switzerland is outside the European Union customs union, so household moves entering Switzerland require customs clearance.

Don't worry — ARSA Transport handles the customs process together with you.

Before your move, we'll explain exactly which documents we need and help make sure everything is prepared before the vehicle leaves.

What We Need From You

For a normal household relocation to Switzerland, we will usually need:

1. Copy of your passport or ID
2. Detailed inventory of your household belongings
3. Swiss address
4. Proof that you are relocating to Switzerland
5. Swiss rental agreement or property documentation
6. Employment contract where applicable
7. Residence permit or registration documentation where available
8. Completed and signed Swiss customs documentation

The principal Swiss household-effects document is:

Form 18.44 – Declaration/Application for Clearance of Household Effects

This form is used when importing household belongings as part of a transfer of residence.

Your belongings may qualify for duty-free import when the applicable Swiss conditions are met.

Swiss Form 18.44

The 18.44 form is one of the most important documents for a household relocation to Switzerland.

It provides Swiss Customs with information about:

1. The person relocating
2. Previous residence
3. New Swiss residence
4. Reason for relocation
5. Household belongings being imported
6. Any vehicles being imported
7. Other relevant relocation information

ARSA Transport will guide you through the documentation required for your move and check that we have the necessary paperwork before transportation.

You don't need to figure out the moving process alone.

Inventory for Switzerland

Swiss customs clearance requires an inventory of the belongings being imported.

This doesn't mean you need to list every fork, T-shirt or individual book.

A structured household inventory can normally group similar belongings together.

For example:

30 boxes – household belongings
10 boxes – clothing
5 boxes – books
1 sofa
1 dining table + 6 chairs
2 beds + mattresses
2 wardrobes
1 washing machine
1 television
2 bicycles

ARSA Transport can help organise the inventory into a format suitable for the moving and customs process.

Switzerland Customs Clearance

Once the documents are prepared, ARSA Transport coordinates the transportation and customs procedure.

Our team handles the moving side of the process, including:

1. CMR transport documentation
2. Moving documentation
3. Household inventory preparation
4. Customs-document coordination
5. Route planning
6. Customs-stop planning
7. Communication regarding required documents
8. Transportation through the customs process
9. Final delivery in Switzerland

Swiss Customs remains the authority responsible for approving the import and determining whether the household belongings qualify for duty-free entry.

Moving From Switzerland to the EU

ARSA Transport also handles relocations from Switzerland into EU countries.

Examples include:

1. Switzerland → Germany
2. Switzerland → Netherlands
3. Switzerland → Belgium
4. Switzerland → France
5. Switzerland → Spain
6. Switzerland → Italy

Because the belongings leave Switzerland and enter the EU customs territory, customs formalities are required.

Before collection, our team will tell you exactly which personal and relocation documents we need.

We then coordinate the necessary transport and customs documentation for the journey.

Moving to the United Kingdom

Since the United Kingdom is outside the EU customs union, household relocations from the EU to the UK require customs procedures.

ARSA Transport handles international moves to England, Scotland and Wales and helps coordinate the documentation required for your relocation.

Examples include:

1. Germany → United Kingdom
2. Netherlands → United Kingdom
3. Belgium → United Kingdom
4. France → United Kingdom
5. United Kingdom → Germany
6. United Kingdom → Netherlands

What We Need for a Move to the UK

For a household relocation to the United Kingdom, we will normally ask you for documents such as:

1. Passport or identification
2. UK delivery address
3. Household inventory
4. Proof of relocation
5. Proof of previous residence where required
6. Proof of your new UK residence where required
7. Transfer of Residence information where applicable
8. Any additional customs documentation relevant to your move

We'll tell you what is required before transportation begins.

UK Transfer of Residence – ToR

If you're moving your normal home to the United Kingdom, you may be eligible for Transfer of Residence relief, commonly known as ToR.

This can allow qualifying personal and household belongings to enter the UK without normal import duties and taxes.

The application is made through UK customs authorities and, once approved, you receive a reference that can be used for your household relocation.

ARSA Transport will tell you when a ToR reference is required for your move and which information we need from you for transportation and customs clearance.

We recommend completing the required process before your moving date whenever possible.

UK Household Inventory

A household inventory is also required for customs-related moves to the UK.

It should provide a clear overview of what ARSA Transport is transporting.

For example:

25 boxes – personal belongings
10 boxes – clothing
5 boxes – kitchenware
1 sofa
1 dining table
1 bed + mattress
1 wardrobe
1 television
1 bicycle

Our team can help structure the moving inventory before transportation.

UK Customs Process

ARSA Transport coordinates the moving and transport side of your customs relocation.

Depending on the direction and circumstances of your move, this can include:

1. CMR preparation
2. Transport documentation
3. Inventory preparation
4. Customs-document coordination
5. ToR information coordination
6. Customs clearance coordination
7. Ferry or Eurotunnel logistics
8. Route planning
9. Collection
10. International transportation
11. Final door-to-door delivery

We'll tell you beforehand which documents we need so everything can be prepared before moving day.

Moving From the UK to the EU

Moving from the United Kingdom into the European Union also requires customs procedures.

ARSA Transport can coordinate these relocations from collection in the UK through to final delivery in Europe.

Before your move, we'll request the documents required for your particular destination and circumstances.

This typically includes your identification, household inventory and evidence relating to your relocation.

Our team then prepares and coordinates the moving and transport documentation required from our side.

You Don't Need to Handle Everything Yourself

Customs can sound complicated when you're moving internationally for the first time.

That's why we keep the process simple.

Moving within the EU?

No customs documents are normally required from you.

ARSA Transport prepares the CMR and transport documentation.

Moving to or from Switzerland?

Send us the requested personal and relocation documents.

We guide you through the 18.44 documentation, inventory and customs process.

Moving to or from the UK?

Send us the requested relocation documents and, where applicable, your ToR information.

We coordinate the moving documentation and customs process for your relocation.

Our goal is to make the administrative side of your international move as straightforward as the transportation itself.

ARSA Transport Handles the Journey

From your collection address to your new home, our team coordinates the complete relocation.

Our international moving services can include:

1. Door-to-door transportation
2. CMR preparation
3. Customs coordination
4. Moving inventory preparation
5. Professional packing
6. Furniture protection
7. Loading and unloading
8. Furniture disassembly
9. Furniture assembly
10. Storage
11. Insured transportation
12. Final delivery

You focus on your relocation.

We take care of the move.

Moving to Switzerland or the UK?

Tell us where you're moving from and where you're moving to.

Our team will explain exactly what we need from you and coordinate the necessary moving and customs documentation for your relocation.

Request Your Moving Quote

Contact ARSA Transport