Moving overseas – what NOT to pack

What you must not ship abroad

When packing for your move abroad there are certain items that should not be packed into your shipment. Because this shipment is not accompanied by you certain items that need to be declared upon entry to your new country are prohibited from being packed. And other items are just plain forbidden.

• Some items are banned from importation into other countries.
• Certain items can be imported as long as you have the correct paperwork.
• Other items should be carried as hand luggage or checked-in baggage on the plane.

Certain goods wouldn’t survive the long journey through a huge range of temperatures and valuable items such as jewellery and important documents shouldn’t be packed but carried with you on the plane.

Banned, restricted and hazardous items

Basically these ‘must not ship’ items are split into three types; banned, restricted and hazardous.

• Banned items are… well, banned.
• Restricted items usually require extra paperwork and have to be personally declared at customs in the destination country.
• Hazardous items are any items which may be dangerous to life, health or property.

What is prohibited from shipping overseas?

Do not assume this list is full and accurate for the country you are moving to! It’s a guideline and each country has laws that change regularly.

Whilst this list is not exhaustive, these items usually appear on all country’s import laws. All countries prohibit or restrict the importation of certain goods; it’s up to you to take note of your destination country’s import laws and regulations. For further information do your own, independent research and speak to your removal company.

• Weapons: guns, swords
• Aerosols and other pressurised containers: e.g. hairspray, shaving cream, antiperspirant and insect repellent
• Foodstuffs, including dried and tinned food
• Alcohol
• Tobacco
• Corrosives: e.g. batteries
• Explosives: e.g. fireworks, ammunition.
• Inflammables: e.g. nail varnish, paint, lighter fuel, matches.
• Drugs or medicines: carry these with you with paperwork from your doctor
• Animal skins: clothing, shoes or ornaments made from skins, or the by-products of endangered species
• Vegetable matter: e.g. plants, bulbs, seeds, soil, sand
• Pornographic material
• Radioactive substances
• Poisons: e.g. pesticides, bleach, mercury thermometers,

While I haven’t been able to put links in for all countries of the world (!) these suggestions will give you guidance. Please do your research!

Plan And Pack For Your Overseas Move:

A complete guide to organising your packing ready to move abroad.

How to organise your packing and decluttering to help make your relocation abroad a success from the start.

This book will guide and support you as you make your first steps to your new life abroad. Those first steps are the actual moving part; the sorting out, packing up and relocating your home to a new place overseas. And that’s what this book concentrates on: efficiently planning your packing.

You’ll discover how to sort out which items to take with you, which to leave behind and how to get everything to your new country. And your arrival at your new home isn’t forgotten either, with tips on how to help your children settle into their new home – and you too! Scroll down for contents and topics covered.

• PDF version here on ExpatChild 
• Kindle edition available on Amazon 
• Paperback edition available on Smashwords