Personal Effects

Most countries, including the UK, USA, and Australia, allow tax- and duty-free entry for unaccompanied luggage containing personal clothing and effects (e.g., sports equipment) intended solely for the owner's use. These items typically must have been owned for at least six months.

Over 99% of GetMyParcel shipments containing personal effects qualify for tax-free allowances and enter the destination country without incurring duties or taxes. If a warning or important message appears while placing your order, please ensure you read it carefully before proceeding.

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What Qualifies as Personal Effects?

Personal effects are used items, including clothes, books, or goods often carried on holiday or shipped during relocations, such as sports equipment or household furnishings. The owner of the goods typically travels to or has recently traveled to the destination.

If your shipment does not consist of used personal effects (e.g., new items, gifts, or business shipments), you must select the appropriate category (Gift or Commercial) during booking.

Customs Clearance for France

Required Documents:

• Passport: A color copy of the consignee's passport details page.
• Customs Form: A short form completed through your GetMyParcel account after booking.

Shipments declared as gifts may qualify for duty-free entry if the gift's value is below the destination country's limit. For example, the UK allows duty-free gifts valued under £39.

If the gift's value exceeds this limit, duties, taxes, and a handling fee may apply, payable by the receiver. These fees are managed by GetMyParcel's partners in the destination country, and GetMyParcel does not profit from them.

To ensure customs treats your shipment as a gift, check the country’s requirements for:

• Gift value limits.
• Eligible items.
• Labeling or wrapping rules.

Commercial Items or Other Shipments

Shipments are typically classified as commercial when a transaction has occurred, such as:

• Business dispatching goods.
• Individuals shipping newly purchased items.

Duties, taxes, and handling fees are applied based on the declared value of the goods and must be paid to GetMyParcel’s partner in the destination country. Tax rates vary by destination.

If the shipment does not qualify for personal effects or gift allowances, customs may classify it as commercial by default.

For further details or assistance, visit GetMyParcel’s FAQs or contact our support team