Planning European removals after Brexit? Moving home between the UK and the EU still works smoothly in 2026, but your belongings now cross a customs border, and a few rules have changed for food, pets, cars and travel. This checklist covers what is different today and what to prepare before moving day.
1. Your household goods need customs declarations
Every removal between Great Britain and the EU needs an export declaration in the country you leave and an import declaration in the country you move to. Used personal belongings can usually come in free of duty and VAT under transfer of residence relief, but the paperwork still has to be done. If you are moving back to the UK, read our guide to ToR1 relief for returning residents.
2. A detailed inventory is essential
Customs relies on a numbered list of every box and item, with descriptions and values. “Boxes, misc.” is the most common reason for delays. See what to list on a customs inventory.
3. Safety and security data, GMR and transit documents
On top of the declarations, the vehicle needs safety and security data (ENS) for entry, a Goods Movement Reference (GMR) to cross at Dover or the Channel Tunnel, and on some routes a T1 transit document. Your removal company or customs agent normally handles these. Ask who is responsible before booking.
4. Food, plants and restricted items
Do not pack food in your removal. Since April 2025 Great Britain has restricted personal imports of certain meat and dairy products from the EU, and plants and seeds have their own rules. Alcohol and tobacco are not covered by transfer of residence relief. Firearms, protected species and some medicines need licences. Check GOV.UK before you pack anything you are unsure about.
5. Pets need new paperwork
Pet passports issued in Great Britain are no longer valid for travel to the EU. Dogs, cats and ferrets travelling from Great Britain need an animal health certificate from a vet, a microchip and a rabies vaccination, and dogs going to some countries need tapeworm treatment. Plan this a few weeks ahead of the move.
6. Cars and vans
A car you move abroad permanently usually has to be registered in the new country within a set period, and a car brought into the UK needs a NOVA notification before registration with the DVLA. Keep your V5C, purchase receipts and proof of how long you have owned the vehicle.
7. New border checks for you
The EU Entry/Exit System (EES) started on 12 October 2025: UK passport holders give fingerprints and a photo at the border, including at Dover and the Channel Tunnel. Allow extra time if you travel with your removal. Residents of an EU country should carry their residence document.
8. Choose the right vehicle
Customs paperwork is the same for every vehicle size, so the choice is about volume, dates and budget. Compare part load or full van before asking for quotes.
European removals checklist 2026
- Numbered inventory with descriptions and values
- Proof of residence and of how long you have owned your goods
- Relief application (ToR1 if moving to the UK, the destination country’s equivalent if moving to the EU)
- Export and import declarations booked with your removal company
- ENS, GMR and transit documents confirmed
- No food, alcohol or tobacco in the load
- Animal health certificate for pets
- Vehicle documents and registration plan
- Extra time for EES checks at the border
For the full timeline, download our free Moving Abroad Checklist.
European removals with MoveDay
MoveDay Removals moves homes across the UK and Europe by road, with part load, full van and van with trailer options, and prepares the customs side for you: export and import declarations, ENS, GMR and T1 transit documents, and customs barcodes from £130. See our international removals and customs for removals pages, or get a free quote.
Website: https://movedayremovals.com
Phone: 07378 626882
Email: office@movedayremovals.co.uk
This article is general guidance, correct as of October 2026. Rules for customs, food, pets, vehicles and border checks can change, so always check GOV.UK and the authorities of your destination country before you move. Sources: GOV.UK: transfer of residence, GOV.UK Travel Aware: EU Entry/Exit System.