If you are planning an international move find out in advance what items cannot be moved. While it is true that this can vary from country to country, there are three major categories you should be aware of:

  • Banned items
  • Restricted items
  • Hazardous or dangerous items

Many countries have banned items, especially those in the middle or Far East. Among those banned items are:

  • Pornographic materials including magazines or videotapes
  • Illegal drugs- generally anything that is considered a class 1 narcotic will not be permitted be imported into most overseas countries
  • Guns, swords or weapons and/ or ammunition
  • Explosives including fireworks
  • Radioactive substances
  • Poisons

Restricted items are items that require additional paperwork or customs documentation. Some examples are:

  • Tobacco products
  • Prescription drugs – you may want to consider getting a letter from your doctor instead of labelling pill containers
  • Food stuffs including dried fruits or tin food
  • Animal skins or clothing or shoes made from endangered species
  • Pets – some countries require a quarantine period

Finally, there are dangerous products that represent a health or safety risk or are likely to cause damage to the shipment during a sea or air journey:

  • Batteries
  • Aerosol products
  • Household cleaning products
  • Flammable including nail varnish, matches, lighter fluid
  • Propane tanks

For specific country information contact Premiere Van Lines International Division. They can advise you on what is permitted, and their packers will ensure that nothing is packed that should not be included with your shipment. Call 1-877-671-6683.