Subsequent to the implementation of BNO Visa, several Hong Kong residents have embarked on preparing for a new life in Britain. Before setting out, remember to apply for the ToR (Transfer of Residence)! In your first year of immigration, you can enjoy a tax-exemption for your belongings which you have used for at least 6 months. FreightAmigo can provide more details about the tariffs and restricted items, allowing you to save money!

What is ToR?

ToR is a declaration document submitted to British Customs, which can be said to be a mandatory document for immigrants to move their house. Prior to the application for ToR, you need to fill in your personal information, Hong Kong and UK residence addresses, list and quantity of items. In the first year of immigration, you can ship personal items which has been used for more than half a year duty-free. The application procedures can be completed on the HMRC website.

After your ToR application has been approved, you will receive an email confirmation and a unique reference number (URN). This number usually consists of 7 digits, and the last two digits represent the year of application. For example, < 12345-21 > represents the application in 2021. If the goods listed in the goods list will be sent through air freight or sea freight, you only need to apply for ToR once and use the same URN to process customs clearance. If you intend to ship other items that are not on the list within 12 months after your arrival, you need to reapply for ToR.

Some sample questions for online application: 

You must choose “yes” for the above questions; otherwise, your application result would be affected. 

After your ToR has been approved, you will receive an email confirmation and a unique reference number (URN). This number usually consists of 7 digits, and the last two digits represent the year of application. For example, < 12345-21 > represents the application in 2021. If the goods listed in the goods list will be sent through air freight or sea freight, you only need to apply for ToR once and use the same URN to process customs clearance. If you intend to ship other items that are not on the list within 12 months after your arrival, you need to reapply for ToR. 

Suggested sequence of overseas house moving

When is the most appropriate time to apply for the ToR? At which stage should I apply for ToR when I move overseas? Before departure, after sailing, or after arriving in Britain? If URN cannot be provided, customs may charge tax when goods are cleared, as well as additional warehouse fees as a result of the delay in customs clearance. As the approval time may take up to 6 weeks, to be safe, please refer to the following order: 

1. Inquire quotation and collect packaging materials
2. Pack and prepare the goods list and apply for tor
3. Contact the overseas house moving company to collect the packed articles and cartons, and provide documents (packing list, visa copy of passport, URN)

Must-read items for relocation to Britain! List of prohibited items

The UK lists the following items as prohibited items:

• Regulated drugs and drugs
• Offensive weapons (such as spring knives, firearms), self-defense sprays (such as pepper spray and tear gas), ammunition and explosives
• Indecent and obscene articles
• Radio transmitters not permitted for use in the UK
• Any poultry meat and milk, and its finished products
• Plants, plant products (such as vegetables, fruits, potatoes), seeds
• Endangered animals and plants
• Raw drill without processing
• Pirated goods

In order to avoid the whole batch of goods being comprehensively inspected or even detained, please avoid shipping the above goods to the United Kingdom. The latest information is available on the websites of HMRC and British customs.

It is not easy to deal with the complicated regulations regarding prohibited items or tariff arrangements. Do not want to spend time dealing with these issues but still want to send your beloved goods to your new house safely? You had better have the full support of logistics experts! Visit FreightAmigo’s Relocation Freight Quotation Page, and you can get rid of all of these at your fingertips.