Author: global

When you move to another country or send personal belongings abroad, international transport comes with several legal obligations, including customs duties and taxes.
These charges can significantly impact the total cost of shipping and, if not properly considered, may lead to unpleasant surprises.

What Are Customs Duties and Taxes?

Customs duties and taxes are charges applied by a country’s customs authorities on imported goods. Their main purpose is to protect the local economy, regulate international trade, and generate revenue for the government.

VAT vs GST

Depending on the country to which you’re shipping your belongings, you may come across different tax terms — the most common being VAT (Value Added Tax) or GST (Goods and Services Tax).

VAT is the tax applied in many European countries (including Portugal) and other regions worldwide.
When importing personal goods, VAT may be applied to the total declared value of the items.

GST is the equivalent of VAT in countries like Australia, New Zealand, India, Canada, and Singapore. It is also a consumption tax, but its application can vary depending on the country.

How Are These Charges Calculated?

The calculation of customs duties and taxes is based on several factors, including:

• Declared Value of the Goods: Includes the amount stated on the commercial invoice, as well as transport and insurance costs.
• Country of Origin: Where the goods were produced can influence the applicable rates.
• Product Description and Use: Determines the correct tax classification.

Understanding customs duties and taxes is essential for a smooth experience. Make sure to provide accurate and complete documentation and be aware of the financial responsibilities involved.

Before arranging the international shipment of your personal belongings, it’s important to:

• Check the tax requirements of your destination country.
• Confirm whether VAT or GST exemptions apply.
• Gather all the necessary documentation to qualify for these exemptions.

At Global, we support you every step of the way — from documentation to customs management — so your international move goes smoothly, with no surprises.
We carefully analyse each case, assess all possible customs exemptions, and guide you through the entire process, ensuring a clear and stress-free service.

Get in touch with our team!

When moving to Portugal, one of the most important — and sometimes challenging — steps is the customs declaration for your personal belongings. This process, which involves the documentation and legalization of your items, may seem complex, but it is essential to ensure everything goes smoothly and legally, without unnecessary additional costs.

What is the Customs Declaration for Personal Belongings?

The customs declaration is the legal procedure required to regularize the belongings you intend to bring to Portugal when moving to the country. These items can include furniture, appliances, clothing, vehicles, and other personal property. When entering Portugal, personal belongings must be declared to the Tax and Customs Authority (Autoridade Tributária e Aduaneira – AT).

When is the Customs Declaration Required?

A customs declaration is mandatory whenever someone moves to Portugal and brings personal belongings, especially for citizens who:

• Are moving to Portugal permanently.
• Are bringing personal belongings from outside the European Union (EU).

What Documents Are Needed to Declare Personal Belongings?

To complete the customs declaration for your personal belongings, you will need a few essential documents, such as:

1. Passport or Citizen Card: A valid identification document.
2. Proof of Residence: Issued by the local council in Portugal, indicating your start date of residence in the country.
3. Personal Belongings Declaration (or Baggage Certificate): A detailed list of the belongings being declared, proving they have been used in your country of origin for a minimum of 6 months.
4. Proof of Residence in the Country of Origin: A declaration from the Embassy/Consulate of your country of origin, confirming that you have lived there for more than 12 consecutive months.

What Are the Possible Exemptions?

In some situations, you may be exempt from paying taxes on the importation of your personal belongings. Exemptions can be granted if:

• You have lived abroad for more than 12 months and are bringing used (not new) items to Portugal.
• The imported items are for personal use and are not intended for resale.

If you meet the exemption criteria, you can avoid paying fees such as VAT and customs duties, making your move to Portugal easier and more cost-effective.

The customs declaration for personal belongings is an essential process for anyone moving to Portugal. While the procedure may seem complex at first, it is vital to avoid issues with tax authorities and, in some cases, crucial to prevent unnecessary costs.

If you still have doubts about the documents to submit, the exemption process, or how to proceed efficiently, Global International Relocation can help! With over 16 years of experience and expertise in customs procedures, we can ensure that your move to Portugal is quick and hassle-free.

Contact us to learn more about how we can assist with importing your belongings and check if you’re eligible for VAT and customs duty exemptions. Avoid setbacks and take advantage of our support so you can start your new life in Portugal with peace of mind!

On October 1st, a strike began, resulting in the temporary closure of U.S. East Coast and Gulf Coast ports, affecting container movement, import and export processes, and significantly impacting our operations. The ongoing strike is affecting key ports along the U.S. East Coast and the Gulf of Mexico, causing significant disruptions and impacting major ports, including:

• Port of New York and New Jersey
• Port of Baltimore
• Port of Savannah
• Port of Charleston
• Port of Houston
• Port of New Orleans
• Port of Mobile
• Port of Tampa Bay

For our customers, this situation may result in delays, as cargo processing and shipping schedules are being affected. While we are committed to minimizing the effects, the strike has caused cargo backlogs at many of these crucial ports. In addition to the ports listed above, there is a possibility that the effects of the strike will extend to other ports, as the United States Maritime Alliance (USMX) represents employers at 36 ports across the U.S. and the Gulf of Mexico, further exacerbating delays and logistical challenges. Consequently, there may also be an increase in logistics costs due to extended storage times, rerouting of vessels, and longer wait times.

This is the first major port strike in the U.S. in nearly 50 years. Joe Biden has the authority to suspend the strike for 80 days to allow for new negotiations, but according to the White House, the President does not intend to take action at this time.

At Global International Relocation, “…we are closely monitoring the ongoing strike and its impact on our operations. While this situation is obviously beyond our control, please know that our team is doing everything possible to mitigate delays and ensure your goods reach their destination safely. We remain committed to providing timely updates and support throughout this period, keeping you informed every step of the way.”

We appreciate your understanding and assure you that our team is fully at your disposal. If you currently have a service with us, please contact your Move Coordinator for any questions or further assistance.

When it comes to moving internationally, especially when we want to take our belongings with us, there is some necessary and important documentation.

One of them is the Baggage Certificate. This document plays a fundamental role in facilitating the transportation of personal goods to Portugal without incurring unnecessary charges.

What is the Baggage Certificate?

The Baggage Certificate is a document issued by consular authorities that allows for the transportation of personal belongings across borders without paying import taxes or duties on these items. Essentially, this document is a way to prove that the items in question are not intended for commercial purposes.

What is the purpose of the Baggage Certificate?

This certificate serves as assurance for all parties involved in the moving process that the transported items are not being imported for sale or trade, but rather for personal and/or domestic use. It is a document that facilitates customs procedures, often without the need to pay taxes on personal belongings.

Where can the Baggage Certificate be requested?

Typically, the Baggage Certificate can be obtained at a Portuguese embassy or consulate in your country of origin. Generally, it is necessary to fill out a form provided by these authorities and present a detailed list of the items you intend to transport. It is important to remember that the requirements and procedures for obtaining the certificate may vary according to the country and its specific regulations.

How can the Baggage Certificate help obtain fee exemption?

By presenting the Baggage Certificate during the customs process, expatriates may qualify for exemption from import taxes on their personal belongings. This means they will not need to pay taxes on items they bring with them for personal use.

In summary, the Baggage Certificate is a very important document for expatriates who wish to transport their personal belongings without incurring additional fees, potentially saving them time and money.

It is often in the details that the power to completely change the outcome of your moving process lies, and the Baggage Certificate is just one example of that. In such a complex process as international moving, where each step can mean significant differences, it is essential to rely on a specialized team to guide and simplify each stage.

Our team understands the importance of these details and is prepared to handle the complexity of international transportation. By trusting in our specialized team, clients can be assured that their goods will be transported efficiently and in compliance with regulations. Ultimately, it is our attention to detail that allows us to make a difference, making the international moving process a smoother experience.

In today’s world, international mobility is not just a reality but a growing necessity in our globalized society. Whether it’s businesses looking to expand their horizons, professionals seeking opportunities abroad, or families embarking on new adventures in foreign lands, international mobility plays a crucial role in the lives of many.

At Global International Relocation, we understand the challenges and opportunities associated with international mobility. Specializing in relocation and immigration services, we are committed to making this process smooth and efficient.

A relocation process involves much more than simply changing your address. It’s a life-changing experience that can bring excitement and, at times, concerns. From finding a new home to ensuring all documentation is in order, every step is important.

Our team provides assistance at every stage of this process, from researching the real estate market to obtaining visas. We are prepared to tackle any challenge that arises.

What sets us apart is our commitment to excellence and attention to detail. We understand that each client is unique, with specific needs, and we tailor our services to meet those needs.

Our team is ready to face the challenges that arise during the international mobility process, allowing our clients to focus on what truly matters: making the most of this new phase in their lives.

If you are considering an international move or need assistance with immigration services, please do not hesitate to contact us.