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Austria, Germany, and Swaziland all have different regulations when it comes to the import of household goods. In this article, we will explore the intricacies of importing household items into these three countries, including any restrictions, duties, and required documentation. We will also look at the types of household goods that are commonly imported into these countries and how they are transported.
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What You'll Learn
- Germany: household goods can be imported duty-free if you meet certain requirements
- Austria: certain household items are exempt from import taxes and duties
- Swaziland: top imports include delivery trucks, corn, and packaged medicaments
- Germany: food and perishable items are restricted to certain quantities
- Austria: import restrictions on medicines, tobacco, alcohol, and live animals
Germany: household goods can be imported duty-free if you meet certain requirements
Germany allows most goods to be imported into the country, excluding illegal items. Non-EU citizens arriving by sea or air can bring in a total of €430 worth of goods, excluding specific restrictions on alcohol and tobacco. If you exceed the duty-free limit, you will be required to pay a sales tax (VAT) of 19% in addition to varying customs fees on the value of the item.
If you are moving to Germany, you can bring your household goods and one used vehicle with you duty-free. To do this, you must meet the following requirements:
- Document that you have given up your residence in your home country and are establishing a residence in Germany.
- Prove that the household goods have been used by you for at least six months before moving and will continue to be used by you for 12 months after relocating.
- Provide a "change of residence notice" showing how long the shipper has lived outside the EU or a letter from an employer or the German Embassy confirming 12 months of residency outside the EU.
- Obtain "Confirmation of registration" at the shipper's new residence in Germany, issued by the local town hall.
- Submit a copy of the photo page of your passport.
- Provide a packing inventory and a letter signed by the shipper stating that the shipment does not include any prohibited items.
- Provide a rental contract for your residence and a contract of employment, if applicable.
- Submit a statement of transfer from your employer, detailing how long you have lived in the previous country and confirming your continued employment with the company in Germany.
Austria, on the other hand, has different requirements for importing household goods. Only used goods are exempt from import taxes and duties, and personal property can only include items for personal use. When registering a motor vehicle in Austria, a standard consumption tax called NoVA is due, payable at the local tax office. To be granted an exemption from taxes and duties, you must meet the following requirements:
- You must transfer your normal place of residence to an EU Member State.
- The personal property must belong to you and have been used by you at your former residence for a minimum of six months before ceasing to have your normal place of residence there.
- You must use the personal property for the same purpose at your new normal place of residence in Austria.
- You must have had your normal place of residence outside the customs territory of the European Community for a continuous period of at least 12 months.
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Austria: certain household items are exempt from import taxes and duties
When relocating to Austria from a non-EU country, certain household items are exempt from import taxes and duties. These exemptions apply to used goods that are intended for personal use, and include household effects such as personal effects, household linen, furnishings, and equipment. Additionally, items such as bicycles, motorcycles, private motor vehicles, camping caravans, pleasure craft, and private aeroplanes are also exempt. It is important to note that only used goods are eligible for exemption, and new goods are not included.
To qualify for the exemption, individuals must meet specific requirements. Firstly, the personal property must have been used by the relocating person at their former normal place of residence for a minimum of six months before ceasing to reside there. Secondly, the personal property should be used for the same purpose at the new normal place of residence in Austria. Lastly, the relocating person should have had their normal place of residence outside the customs territory of the European Community for a continuous period of at least 12 months.
When importing motor vehicles, a standard consumption tax called NOVA (Normverbrauchsabgabe) is typically due and must be paid to the local tax office. However, individuals can apply for relief from taxes and duties on their means of transport by submitting a request to the competent customs office before the planned import of the goods. This relief is available to those who already had a normal place of residence in the EU or plan to maintain their place of residence outside the EU even after establishing residency in Austria.
It is important to have all the required supporting documents at customs clearance to determine eligibility for exemption from taxes and duties. In cases where the necessary documents are not available, individuals may still import their goods by paying the import taxes and duties on a provisional basis or providing a corresponding guarantee. If it is established that the individual meets the requirements for exemption at a later stage, the amount of taxes and duties paid will be returned.
While Austria offers exemptions on certain household items, it is important to be aware of any import prohibitions and restrictions that may apply to relocation goods. Additionally, foreign vehicles circulating in Austria must provide proof of third-party liability insurance valid for the entire EU/EEA territory, either through a valid international insurance card ("Green Card") or a border insurance policy valid for one month.
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Swaziland: top imports include delivery trucks, corn, and packaged medicaments
In 2023, the southern African country of Eswatini (formerly known as Swaziland) imported goods worth an estimated 1.53 billion US dollars. The country's top imports include refined petroleum, electricity, corn, delivery trucks, and packaged medicaments.
Corn, delivery trucks, and packaged medicaments are among the top imports to Swaziland/Eswatini. Corn, also known as maize, is a staple food crop in many parts of Africa, including Swaziland/Eswatini. It is used in a variety of dishes and is a key source of nutrition for the population. Delivery trucks, on the other hand, are imported to facilitate the transportation of goods within the country. These trucks are used by businesses and individuals to move products, equipment, and other items over long distances. Packaged medicaments, which include pharmaceuticals and other medical supplies, are also a significant import. These imports help to meet the healthcare needs of the country's population.
Corn is a major import for Swaziland/Eswatini, with the country importing millions of dollars' worth of the crop each year. The exact amount can vary depending on market prices and the size of the harvest in any given year. Delivery trucks are another significant import, with the country spending around $42.1 million on them in 2023. These trucks are essential for transporting goods and services within the country, especially over long distances. The import of delivery trucks highlights the importance of a reliable transportation network in Swaziland/Eswatini.
The import of packaged medicaments is also noteworthy, with the country importing $32.7 million worth of these products in 2023. This category includes a range of pharmaceuticals and medical supplies that are vital for the healthcare system in Swaziland/Eswatini. The import of medicaments helps to ensure that the country's population has access to essential medications and treatments. The import of these goods is regulated to ensure their quality and safety for human consumption and use.
It is worth noting that the import of certain goods to Swaziland/Eswatini may be restricted or prohibited. For example, the import of firearms, ammunition, and certain restricted or prohibited items, such as endangered species products, is controlled. Additionally, the import of vehicles may require additional documentation, insurance, and adherence to specific standards, as outlined by the country's regulations.
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Germany: food and perishable items are restricted to certain quantities
Germany is not among the countries from which household items are imported, as per the search results. However, here is some information about importing household items to Germany.
Germany has restrictions on food and perishable items, which are limited to certain quantities. When importing household goods to Germany, only used goods are exempt from import taxes and duties. Personal property can only include used goods that the relocating persons need for their personal use, meaning no new goods can be included.
If you are importing a motor vehicle to Germany, a standard consumption tax, the NoVA (Normverbrauchsabgabe), is payable at the local tax office. Foreign vehicles in Austria must have third-party liability insurance cover valid for the whole EU/EEA territory. This can be proven with a valid international insurance card ("Green Card") or by signing a border insurance policy valid for one month. If the vehicle is registered in an EU/EEA state, Switzerland, or Andorra, the official license plate is considered proof of insurance, and no additional insurance is required.
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Austria: import restrictions on medicines, tobacco, alcohol, and live animals
Austria has several import restrictions on medicines, tobacco, alcohol, and live animals. Here is an overview of the restrictions for each category:
Medicines
Under the Austrian Medicines and Medicinal Products Import Act, only pharmacies and authorised entities can import pharmaceutical products into Austria. Private travellers are generally not permitted to carry medicines. This restriction applies to travellers entering Austria from both non-EU and EU countries. The term "medicines" includes herbal medicinal preparations, vitamins, and mineral preparations used for treating or preventing specific health issues. However, travellers residing abroad may carry medicines for their personal needs or to meet the needs of a pet travelling with them.
Tobacco
Tobacco products are subject to import restrictions in Austria. Customs regulations specify duty-free allowances for tobacco products brought into the country from other EU countries for personal use. For example, for cigarettes brought into Austria from Hungary, Croatia, Latvia, Lithuania, Romania, or Bulgaria, the tax-exempt quantity is 300 pieces as of March 1, 2014.
Alcohol
When importing alcoholic beverages into Austria, specific documents are required, including a Customs Import Declaration (SAD form) and, for wine, a Simplified Export Certificate. Imported goods are subject to the import value-added tax, known as the "Umsatzsteuer" in Austria. The importer may be entitled to claim a refund of this tax once the product has been sold. Labelling requirements for alcoholic beverages must be followed, with information provided in German or other official EU languages.
Live Animals
When bringing live animals into Austria, certain regulations must be followed. All pets must be declared to the customs office at the airports of Vienna, Linz, Salzburg, Innsbruck, Graz, and Klagenfurt, and the necessary documents, such as animal health certificates or pet passports, must be presented. A border veterinary service is available at the Vienna and Linz airports for animals entering or re-entering from third countries. Customs will carry out checks to ensure compliance with the regulations.
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