When you move internationally, customs authorities in your destination country will require specific forms to clear your used household goods and personal effects. These documents help confirm that your shipment qualifies for duty and tax relief, and that the contents comply with local regulations on restricted and prohibited items. Preparing the correct forms in advance – and completing them accurately – can significantly reduce delays, storage charges, and additional inspections.

This guide provides an overview of the main customs forms used for personal effects in several popular destinations, including the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, India and France. It is intended as a practical summary only. Customs rules and document requirements change over time, and each shipment is assessed individually. Always check the latest guidance from the relevant government websites or speak with your relocation specialist or customs broker before shipping.

Overview of Key Customs Forms Covered

• United States: CBP Form 3299, Supplemental Declaration, Customs Power of Attorney
• Canada: BSF186 and BSF186A – Personal Effects Accounting Documents
• Australia: Form B534 – Unaccompanied Personal Effects Statement (UPE)
• New Zealand: NZCS 218 and Personal Effects Supplementary Declaration
• Ireland: C&E 1076 – Transfer of Residence
• India: Customs Baggage Declaration / Indian Customs Declaration Form
• France: Cerfa declaration for transfer of personal belongings

Important: The information below is general in nature and may not reflect the latest legal changes or your specific situation. Always consult the official customs website of the destination country before shipping.

United States – CBP Form 3299 & Supporting Declarations

CBP Form 3299 – Declaration for Free Entry of Unaccompanied Articles

For shipments of unaccompanied household goods and personal effects entering the United States, importers usually must complete CBP Form 3299 – Declaration for Free Entry of Unaccompanied Articles . This form is used to claim duty-free entry for items that qualify as personal or household effects under U.S. customs regulations. A current fillable PDF of CBP Form 3299 is also available directly from CBP (download the form).

Typical information requested on CBP Form 3299 includes:

• Full name, date of birth and contact details of the importer
• Date and place of arrival in the U.S., and passport details
• U.S. address (temporary or permanent) and contact telephone number
• Details of the shipment (carrier, bill of lading or airway bill, container number)
• Declaration that the effects are used, for personal use, and not intended for sale
• List of any restricted or dutiable items included in the shipment

Supplemental Household Goods Declaration

Many movers and customs brokers also request a supplemental declaration or detailed inventory form to accompany CBP Form 3299. This is usually a company-specific form rather than an official CBP document and may ask for more detail on:

• Specific restricted items (e.g., alcohol, food, medicines, weapons, plants)
• High-value articles such as artwork, antiques, or collections
• Electronics or equipment with serial numbers
• Any items that may require additional permits or licenses

Your international mover or U.S. customs broker will normally provide this extra form if needed.

Customs Power of Attorney (POA)

A Customs Power of Attorney (POA) authorizes a licensed customs broker or agent in the U.S. to act on your behalf. CBP guidance explains that a broker must obtain a valid power of attorney from the importer of record before transacting customs business on their behalf. You can find official information on customs brokers and powers of attorney on the CBP website:

• CBP – Customs brokers and powers of attorney: Validating the Power of Attorney
• Legal framework: 19 CFR Part 141, Subpart C – Powers of Attorney

In practice, your chosen customs broker will supply their own POA form based on these regulations.

Canada – BSF186 and BSF186A (Personal Effects Accounting Documents)

BSF186 – Personal Effects Accounting Document

When settling in Canada or returning to Canada with household goods, you will normally complete Form BSF186 – Personal Effects Accounting Document . This form is used by the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) to document goods imported duty-free as part of your move.

BSF186A – List of Goods Imported

Form BSF186A – Personal Effects Accounting Document (list of goods imported) is a continuation sheet that lists your goods in more detail – often by box number, room, or category.

Typically, BSF186/186A will ask for:

• Personal details and immigration category
• Separate lists for goods accompanying you and goods to follow
• Reasonable values for each group of items
• Details of any high-value or restricted items

CBSA’s guidance for people moving to or returning to Canada is available here: Moving or returning to Canada – official CBSA information .

Australia – B534 Unaccompanied Personal Effects Statement

B534 – Unaccompanied Personal Effects (UPE) Statement

For personal effects shipped separately to Australia, the Australian Border Force requires an Unaccompanied Personal Effects (UPE) Statement. The current English-language form is: Form B534 – Unaccompanied Personal Effects Statement (PDF) .

The general information page on unaccompanied personal effects, including when and how to lodge form B534, is available here: Australian Border Force – Unaccompanied Personal Effects .

Information typically required on Form B534 includes:

• Your personal details and arrival date in Australia
• Citizenship or visa status
• Shipping details and reference numbers
• Declaration of all items in the shipment, including any risk goods
• Confirmation that goods are for personal use and not for resale

New Zealand – NZCS 218 & Personal Effects Supplementary Declaration

NZCS 218 – Bring Personal Household Items into New Zealand

NZCS 218 – Bring Personal Household Items into New Zealand (PDF) is the main New Zealand customs form for new immigrants and returning residents bringing personal and household items to New Zealand.

New Zealand Customs’ overview page for household effects, including NZCS 218 and supporting requirements, is here: New Zealand Customs – Household Effects .

Personal Effects – Supplementary Declaration (Biosecurity)

New Zealand’s Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) provides a Personal Effects – Supplementary Declaration (MPI, PDF link) . This form focuses on potential biosecurity risks such as food, plant material, wooden items and outdoor equipment.

MPI’s broader guidance on household goods and personal effects can be found at: MPI – Household goods and personal effects .

Ireland – C&E 1076 Transfer of Residence Form

C&E 1076 – Transfer of Residence (TOR) from Outside the EU

If you are moving from a non-EU country to Ireland and wish to claim relief from import duties and taxes on your personal effects, you normally complete: Form C&E 1076 (Rev 2) – Declaration for Transfer of Residence (PDF) .

Irish Revenue’s official procedure for transfer of residence, including when and how to email the completed C&E 1076 and supporting documents, is set out here: Revenue – Procedure at importation (Transfer of Residence) .

India – Customs Baggage / Indian Customs Declaration Form

Indian Customs Declaration Form – Arriving Passengers

Passengers arriving in India may be required to complete an Indian Customs Declaration Form (Form I) to declare dutiable or prohibited goods and currency above specified limits. The form and related guidance are usually provided by airlines or at the airport and may be updated periodically.

Official guidance for travellers from Indian customs and missions overseas explains when the form is required and how the red/green channel system works, for example:

• Customs Guide for Travellers – Embassy of India (UAE) – PDF
• Guide to Travellers – Delhi Customs – PDF

These guides reference the Indian Customs Declaration Form and describe who must complete it. In practice, forms are normally handed out on board or at arrival and should always be filled in using the latest version.

France – Cerfa Declaration and Transfer-of-Residence Procedures

Cerfa Declaration for Transfer of Personal Property

For people transferring their primary residence to France from a non-EU country, French customs may require a Cerfa declaration covering personal belongings that qualify for duty and tax relief. The official public-service page for this declaration is: Déclaration d'entrée en France en franchise de biens personnels en provenance de pays tiers .

French customs (Douanes) also provide an overview of the documents required when transferring your primary residence to France, including the Cerfa form and inventory requirements: Douane – Transferring your primary residence to France .

Do I Need to Pre-Fill Customs Forms Before Shipping?

Many customs authorities either require or strongly recommend that you complete customs forms in advance of your goods arriving:

• United States: Complete CBP Form 3299 before your shipment is presented to customs, particularly when a broker is clearing the goods.
• Canada: CBSA guidance for people moving or returning to Canada recommends preparing your goods list and BSF186 (and BSF186A ) in advance and presenting them on arrival.
• Australia: To clear unaccompanied personal effects you must lodge the B534 UPE Statement , as explained on the ABF’s Unaccompanied Personal Effects page.
• New Zealand: New Zealand Customs and MPI advise completing NZCS 218 and the MPI Personal Effects Supplementary Declaration to help customs and biosecurity agencies assess your shipment.
• Ireland: Irish Revenue recommends emailing a completed C&E 1076 and supporting documents to Revenue about two weeks before your goods arrive, following the steps on the Procedure at importation page.
• France: French customs advise preparing the relevant Cerfa declaration and supporting documents in advance and providing them to customs when transferring your residence.
• India: Travellers must complete the Indian Customs Declaration Form when carrying dutiable or prohibited goods. Official guides, such as the Delhi Customs – Guide to Travellers , explain that the form is normally provided by airlines or at the airport and should be filled in before passing through customs.

Because requirements and form versions change, you should always consult the latest official customs website or speak with your relocation provider before shipping your personal effects.

Important Disclaimer

This page is provided for general information only and does not constitute legal or tax advice. Customs rules, allowances, and required forms can change without notice and may vary based on your immigration status, country of origin, goods being shipped, and other factors. Before shipping your household goods and personal effects, please refer to the official customs authority in your destination country and follow their latest instructions.