Customs & Shipping Guide
Plan Your Shipment with Confidence
Shipping overseas doesn’t have to be complex. With proper preparation, it’s straightforward. Whether you’re sending a barrel to the Caribbean, relocating to Ghana, or handling commercial imports and exports, our team provides clear guidance every step of the way.
This guide explains what to expect for different destinations, how to prepare paperwork, and the best packing methods to avoid delays.
Before You Ship: Essential Checklist
Always Required:
Complete detailed packing list with item descriptions and values
Valid ID (passport or driving license)
Check destination restrictions for prohibited items
Arrange appropriate insurance for valuable shipments
Confirm recipient details and local contact information
Contact TranspakShip for destination-specific advice and current rates
Understanding Customs Duties
Personal Household Items
Good news for household movers: Used personal belongings are often duty-free, especially for returning residents or family shipments. Each destination has different requirements.
Get expert guidance: Our trained staff can advise on your specific situation. We also recommend contacting your destination country’s embassy for the most current information.
New Goods & Commercial Items
Electronics and commercial items typically incur approximately 45% duty, calculated on the CIF value (Cost, Insurance, and Freight). Rates vary by destination.
Important: Some destinations like Ghana require customs clearance through licensed brokers. Duty rates vary significantly by country and item type — always check with TranspakShip for current, destination-specific information.
Essential Paperwork
Always Required
- Detailed packing list with item values
- Receipts and proof of purchase when available
- Valid photo ID
- Proof of address
Tip: Use online marketplaces (eBay, Facebook Marketplace) for pricing guides when original receipts aren’t available.
Often Required
- Invoices for new or high-value items
- Insurance documentation (recommended for shipments over £1,000)
Commercial Shipments
- HS codes for classification
- Bill of lading
- EORI number (for UK/EU destinations)
- Import licenses (destination-dependent)
Special Requirements
- U.S. Territories: Form 3299 required
- French Territories: Documents must be in French
Customer Information Sheet
Click here to download the Customer Information sheet
Move Protect Overseas Valuation Form
Click here to download the Move Protect Overseas Valuation form
Shipper’s Own Containers (20ft & 40ft)
We Can Supply & Rent Containers
We can supply and rent 20ft and 40ft shipping containers for your international shipment.
Whether you're moving household goods, vehicles, or commercial cargo, we can arrange delivery of the container to your property, allow time for loading, then collect and ship it to your destination.
This gives you a secure, dedicated container without the need to purchase one.
If you’re unsure which size you need, our team will advise based on your shipment volume.
Shipping Your Own Container
You may also ship your own purchased container, provided it meets international safety requirements.
Your container must have a valid CSC Plate.
A CSC (Container Safety Convention) plate is a mandatory metal plate confirming the container meets global transport safety standards. It includes key information such as maximum weight, stacking load limits, manufacture date, and approval details.
Without a valid, in-date CSC plate, a container cannot be shipped internationally. Containers must also undergo periodic safety inspections to keep certification valid.
If you're unsure whether your container complies, we’re happy to check this before shipment.
Smart Packing & Presentation
Packaging Essentials
- Use strong, weatherproof materials
- Stack pallets neatly with no overhangs
- Seal barrels securely with flat lids
- Paint address details directly on containers (paper labels often don’t survive transit)
Documentation Tips
- Include photos of high-value items for insurance
- Keep digital copies of all paperwork
- Package documents in waterproof sleevess
Avoiding Costs & Delays
Be Strategic
- Provide honest, accurate item descriptions and values
- Avoid restricted goods entirely
- Consolidate multiple small shipments when possible
- Plan around peak seasons and holiday
- Consider our consolidation services for cost savings
Timeline Planning: Allow extra time during peak periods (December-January, summer months) when customs processing may be slower.
Protection in Transit
Why Cover Matters
Protection against theft, damage, or total loss during transit.
Recommendation: Strongly advised for shipments valued over £500.
Marine Protect Cover Options
We offer comprehensive marine protect coverage for international shipments. Contact us for detailed terms and conditions tailored to your specific needs and destination.
Sea Freight Special Note: Understand ‘General Average’ — if a ship faces emergency situations, all cargo owners may share salvage costs. Proper marine protect covers this risk.
Get in touch:
Call +44 (0)1623 441445 or email help@transpakship.com for detailed insurance terms and pricing.
Importing to the UK
Personal Belongings & Household Goods
- Returning UK residents: Most personal belongings enter duty-free under Transfer of Residence (ToR) relief
- Visitors/new residents: Different rules apply — we’ll guide you through requirements
- Documentation needed: Detailed inventory, proof of residence history, customs declarations
Commercial Imports
- Full customs brokerage services
- EORI number assistance and registration support
- Duty and VAT calculations with advance estimates
- Compliance support for specific product categories
UK Customs Advantages
- Experienced UK customs agents handling clearance
- Bonded warehouse facilities for temporary storage
- Door-to-door delivery once customs formalities complete
- Real-time tracking and status updates
Popular UK Import Routes: Caribbean to UK, Ghana to UK, EU to UK (post-Brexit procedures), worldwide commercial shipments.
Regional Shipping Requirements
Caribbean Islands
Independent Islands (Jamaica, Trinidad, Barbados):
- Customs form C-108
- Valid ID and detailed packing list
- Straightforward clearance process
Mainland Destinations (Guyana, Belize):
- More comprehensive paperwork required
- May need import licenses for certain goods
- Allow extra processing time
British Overseas Territories:
- Import declaration form C-15
- Proof of ownership for valuable items
- British customs procedures apply
French Territories (Martinique, Guadeloupe):
- All documents must be in French
- VAT and duties may apply to personal items
- EU customs regulations
Dutch Territories (Curaçao, Sint Maarten, Aruba):
- Invoices required for most shipments
- Rules vary between islands
- Check specific requirements with TranspakShip
U.S. Territories (Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands):
- Standard U.S. Customs & Border Protection rules
- Form 3299 mandatory
- Same restrictions as mainland U.S.
Ghana (West Africa)
Port Information: Tema Port, Accra (main entry point)
Transit Time: 20–30 days from UK
Key Requirement: Licensed customs broker mandatory for clearance
Duty Information:
- Used household goods often duty-exempt (especially for returning residents)
- New or commercial goods typically 10–25% duty
- Accurate, detailed paperwork essential
Essential Documents:
Comprehensive packing list, purchase invoices, valid ID, proof of Ghana connection (if claiming exemptions)
Official Customs Resources
Always confirm current regulations with the relevant authority before shipping.
Caribbean & Atlantic Islands
Independent Nations:
Antigua and Barbuda: customs.gov.ag
Bahamas: bahamascustoms.gov.bs
Barbados: barbadoscustoms.gov.bb
Belize: customs.gov.bz
Cuba: aduana.gob.cu
Dominica: dominica.gov.dm/services/customs
Dominican Republic: aduanas.gob.do
Grenada: gov.gd/customs
Guyana: gra.gov.gy/department/customs-and-trade-administration
Haiti: agh.gouv.ht
Jamaica: jacustoms.gov.jm
Saint Kitts and Nevis: skncustoms.com
Saint Lucia: customs.gov.lc
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines: customs.gov.vc
Suriname: douane.sr
Trinidad and Tobago: customs.gov.tt
British Overseas Territories:
Anguilla: customs.gov.ai
Bermuda: gov.bm/department/customs
British Virgin Islands: customs.gov.vg
Cayman Islands: cbc.gov.ky
Montserrat: gov.ms/customs-excise
Turks and Caicos Islands: gov.tc/customs
Dutch Territories:
Aruba: douane.aw
Bonaire: belastingdienst-cn.nl/onderwerpen/english/customs
Curaçao: douane.cw
Saba: belastingdienst-cn.nl/onderwerpen/english/customs
Sint Eustatius: belastingdienst-cn.nl/onderwerpen/english/customs
Sint Maarten: sintmaartengov.org/government/VSA/Inspections/labour/pages/customs.aspx
French Territories:
Guadeloupe: douane.gouv.fr
Martinique: douane.gouv.fr
Saint Barthélemy: douane.gouv.fr
Saint Martin: douane.gouv.fr
U.S. Territories:
Puerto Rico: cbp.gov
United States Virgin Islands: cbp.gov
West Africa
Ghana Ports & Harbours Authority: ghanaports.gov.gh
Ghana Revenue Authority – Customs: gra.gov.gh/customs
Can’t find your destination? Contact TranspakShip and we’ll direct you to the right authority.
Disclaimer: This guide provides general information only. Regulations change frequently — always confirm current requirements with TranspakShip and relevant customs authorities before shipping. TranspakShip cannot be held responsible for regulation changes. It is the client’s responsibility to verify current requirements with relevant authorities prior to shipping.