What You Can and Can't Bring in an International Move to the EU

Many families and companies find out too late: an international move isn't just about packing and loading. Some items can't cross a border between EU countries (or in and out of the EU) without meeting certain conditions, and a handful are banned outright. Get this wrong and your shipment can sit in customs, earn a fine, or simply be confiscated. Here's what's prohibited, what needs a declaration, and how to prepare your move so it clears the border without surprises.

Items that are completely prohibited in an international move

The list is short but strict — no carrier will accept these, regardless of the EU country of origin or destination:

• Firearms, ammunition and replicas without the proper licence — even decorative or antique weapons need specific paperwork.
• Illegal drugs and chemical precursors.
• CITES-protected species: ivory, endangered-animal hides, certain corals or tropical woods, unless backed by an official certificate.
• Fresh animal-origin food (meat, cured meats, unpasteurised dairy) when the route crosses the EU's external border.
• Explosives and fireworks.
• Hazardous or polluting waste without proper ADR dangerous-goods documentation.

Restricted items: allowed, but only with a declaration or permit

This is where most moves get complicated, because the item itself is legal but needs paperwork sorted beforehand:

• Cash over €10,000 (or the equivalent) must be declared when crossing an EU external border.
• Antiques and artwork: several countries require a cultural-heritage export permit before you take them out — even within the EU.
• Plants, seeds and plant products may need a phytosanitary certificate.
• Loose lithium batteries (power banks, tool or e-bike batteries) have transport limits and must be properly packaged and labelled.
• Pets need an EU pet passport, a microchip and a current rabies vaccination; the rules change if origin or destination is outside the EU.

Vehicles and high-value items: what to declare in advance

If your move includes a car, a motorbike, or high-value pieces (jewellery, watches, art, collections), prepare two things ahead of time: proof of habitual residence in the country of origin (to qualify for the customs exemption on a change-of-residence move, where it applies) and a photo inventory with invoices for every valuable item. This speeds up any inspection and is also the basis for correctly pricing transport insurance.

If you're bringing your car, note that the duty and VAT exemption for a change of residence usually requires you to have owned and used the vehicle for at least 6 months before the move, and not to sell it within 12 months of import. Confirm the exact terms with customs at the destination — they vary by country.

Prohibited, restricted, or free to move: quick summary

Always prohibited: unlicensed weapons, drugs, protected species, fresh animal-origin food (outside the EU), explosives, hazardous waste.
Needs a declaration or permit: large cash sums, antiques, plants, loose lithium batteries, pets.
Free to move, but worth listing on the inventory: personal electronics, appliances, furniture, clothes, books.

How to avoid your shipment getting held at the border

Most customs delays don't come from prohibited items — they come from incomplete paperwork. Before loading day:

• Prepare a detailed, signed packing list, item by item.
• Keep invoices for your higher-value items.
• Check with your carrier whether you need a change-of-residence certificate for the duty exemption.
• Read our full guide to organising an international move and the article on 7 common mistakes that get cargo held at EU customs so you don't repeat the usual slip-ups.

How Layner Group keeps your move free of border surprises

With more than 1,500 international moves and 5+ years of experience across EU corridors, Layner Group reviews your inventory with you before loading, flags any item that needs extra paperwork, and coordinates the documentation in advance. Every shipment is also covered under our CMR transport insurance, so you know exactly what's protected in transit.

Quick FAQ

Can I move my pet within the EU with no paperwork at all? No. Even between two EU countries, your pet needs an EU pet passport, a microchip and a current rabies vaccination, and some countries also require parasite treatment.

What happens if I don't declare a restricted item? Customs can hold the entire shipment until it's resolved, and undeclared cash or high-value goods can trigger a fine.

Does moving insurance cover restricted items if they're declared correctly? Yes, as long as they're listed on the inventory and their value was communicated before transport.

Have a question about a specific item, or want a free review of your inventory before you move?