Customs for Household Goods: Duty Exemptions and Process
Household goods shipped from Turkey to EU countries benefit from the Customs Union (A.TR = 0% duty on industrial goods). Personal used items may qualify for full duty and VAT exemption under residence transfer rules.
Household Goods Customs
When shipping household goods internationally, customs clearance is required at both export and import. The Turkey-EU Customs Union provides significant advantages for industrial goods (furniture, appliances, electronics).
A.TR Duty-Free Benefit
With an A.TR movement certificate, industrial goods (furniture, appliances, electronics, textiles) enter EU countries at 0% customs duty. This covers most household items. VAT still applies at the destination country rate unless personal goods exemption qualifies.
Personal Goods Exemption
EU countries offer duty AND VAT exemption for personal used goods under residence transfer rules:
| Condition | Germany | France | Netherlands |
|---|---|---|---|
| Min. time abroad | 12 months | 12 months | 12 months |
| Items used | 6+ months | 6+ months | 6+ months |
| Transfer deadline | 12 months | 12 months | 12 months |
| Sale restriction | 12 months | 12 months | 12 months |
Required Documents
- Passport/ID
- Residence proof in destination country
- Detailed inventory list
- A.TR certificate
- Customs declaration
Kolay Parsiyel handles all customs documentation for customers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do new items qualify for exemption?
No. Only items used 6+ months. New purchases are subject to duties.
Will customs inspect my goods?
Depends on risk assessment. Most household shipments pass with document check only.
Who does customs?
Kolay Parsiyel manages all customs on customers' behalf.
What about prohibited items?
Drugs, weapons, counterfeits prohibited. Standard household goods clear freely.
References
- EU Customs Union
- German Zoll
- French Douane
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