Household goods from the USA — how customs duty/VAT relief works
"Household goods" (mienie przesiedleńcze) are personal-use belongings you bring when moving your residence from outside the EU (e.g. the USA) to Europe. When conditions are met, these can qualify for relief from customs duty and VAT.
The rules are precise and customs requires the right paperwork — so we guide each client through the whole thing, from the inventory list to clearance.
Who can use the relief
The relief is for people genuinely transferring their residence to Europe after a long enough stay outside the EU. What counts is a real move of your centre of life, not just sending a box — so it's worth discussing your situation early to prepare the right documents.
What household goods covers
The relief covers personal-use items owned and used before the move: furniture, appliances, clothes, books, tools, and in certain cases a car too. The goods must be for continued personal use, not for resale.
- Furniture and home furnishings
- Household appliances and electronics
- Clothing, books, personal items
- Tools and workshop equipment
Documents and preparation
The key items are a detailed inventory of what you're moving (a list with values) and documents proving your stay abroad and the move to Europe. We help prepare the full set of documents and fill in the forms — available online too.
How the transport works
We pack and consolidate your belongings, ship them by sea in a container and clear customs in Europe. On arrival we deliver to your address. We run the whole process in Polish and English, on both sides of the Atlantic.
Planning a move to Europe?
Tell us what you want to move and from where — we'll prepare a quote and advise how to use the relief.
+1 (973) 372 1100Frequently asked questions
Can a car also come in as household goods?+
Under certain conditions, yes — a vehicle owned and used before the move can qualify. We assess each case individually, since the details and documents decide it.
What if I don't meet the relief conditions?+
Then standard clearance applies (duty and VAT). We still handle everything and you know the cost up front — no surprises at the border.
Do you help fill in the forms?+
Yes. We provide the forms online and help prepare the inventory and the other documents needed for clearance.
