Do I need customs paperwork to move from the UK to Germany?

Yes. Since 1 January 2021, goods leaving Great Britain for Germany need export formalities in the UK and import formalities in Germany, even for personal belongings.

Does German customs need proof of my new address?

Customs generally needs evidence that your normal residence is moving to Germany. Registration at your new address and your UK residence history are commonly used. Zoll publishes the current requirements.

Can Dimond Movers transport the goods as well?

Not through this enquiry. This service covers customs documentation only. If you also need a move, use our separate international removals enquiry.

Is this legal advice?

No. This page is general guidance. Requirements are set by HMRC and German Customs (Zoll) and can change.

UK to Germany Customs Clearance

Customs services only — transport and removals are not included.

In short: Customs clearance between the UK and Germany means making a UK export declaration when goods leave Great Britain and an import declaration to German Customs (Zoll) when they arrive, or claiming relief where personal belongings qualify.

Germany is an EU member state, so goods arriving from Great Britain are imports into the EU customs territory. They are declared to German Customs (Zoll) under the Union Customs Code, and EU VAT and duty rules apply unless a relief is granted.

Dimond Movers helps private individuals and small businesses prepare the customs information for UK–Germany movements. We explain the paperwork and get it ready; the decisions are made by HMRC and German Customs (Zoll). Goods coming from Germany to the UK follow our UK import and ToR1 guides.

How a UK to Germany customs move usually works

Agree who is the exporter and who is the importer, and whether EORI numbers are needed on each side.
Prepare the UK export declaration so the goods have an export MRN and proof that they left Great Britain.
Provide entry safety and security data before the goods reach the EU border.
Move the goods under transit if they are cleared inland rather than at the border.
Submit the import declaration, or the relief claim for personal belongings, to German Customs (Zoll), and keep copies of everything.

German points to know

German Customs refers to household goods on a change of residence as removal goods (Umzugsgut); the relief is claimed at the customs office responsible for your new address or at the border office.
Proof of registration at your new German address (Anmeldung) is commonly used as evidence that you have moved your normal residence.
Germany is also a common transit country for goods heading further east, so transit documents may need to be closed at a different office.

Moving your home: personal belongings

EU law allows personal property to be imported free of duty and VAT when a person moves their normal residence into the EU. Generally you must have lived outside the EU for at least 12 consecutive months, have owned and used the goods for at least six months, and import them within the time limits set by the rules. The goods must not be sold or lent for a period after arrival.

Germany applies these rules through its own procedures and forms, so the exact documents can vary. New items, goods for sale and certain vehicles, alcohol and tobacco are treated differently.

Business and commercial goods

Goods sold to a customer in Germany, samples, stock and equipment are commercial goods. They need commodity codes, a commercial invoice and origin evidence if claiming zero tariff under the UK–EU Trade and Cooperation Agreement. Personal relief cannot be used for them.

Documents usually needed

Passport or identity document
Itemised, dated and signed inventory (with a translation where requested)
Proof of your new residence in Germany
Proof of your previous residence in the UK, such as tenancy, utility or employment records
UK export declaration reference (MRN) and transport details
For commercial goods: commercial invoice, packing list, commodity codes and EORI numbers

Common mistakes to avoid

Treating a move from the UK as a move within the EU — it is not, since Brexit.
Mixing new or business goods into a personal belongings claim.
Sending goods before the residence documents are in place.
Forgetting that a transit movement must be closed at the destination office.

Timing

Clearance times are decided by HMRC and German Customs (Zoll) and depend on the goods, the documents and any checks. We do not promise clearance or delivery times.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need customs paperwork to move from the UK to Germany?: Yes. Since 1 January 2021, goods leaving Great Britain for Germany need export formalities in the UK and import formalities in Germany, even for personal belongings.
Does German customs need proof of my new address?: Customs generally needs evidence that your normal residence is moving to Germany. Registration at your new address and your UK residence history are commonly used. Zoll publishes the current requirements.
Can Dimond Movers transport the goods as well?: Not through this enquiry. This service covers customs documentation only. If you also need a move, use our separate international removals enquiry.
Is this legal advice?: No. This page is general guidance. Requirements are set by HMRC and German Customs (Zoll) and can change.

Official sources

Requirements are set by HMRC and EU customs authorities and can change. This page is general guidance, not legal advice. Last reviewed: 15 October 2026.