Moving From France to the UK: What Happens at Customs?

Since Brexit, moving from France to UK involves more customs procedures than it once did. For many people planning a return move, customs paperwork is often the area they feel least confident about.

The good news is that most France to UK removals are very manageable when the correct documentation is prepared in advance.

At Anglo French, we’ve been helping customers move between France and the UK for over 30 years. Since Brexit, we’ve continued to manage removals in both directions, working closely with customs agents and handling pre-clearance wherever possible to help keep moves running smoothly.

Here’s a simple overview of what usually happens at customs when moving from France to the UK.

Customs Checks Are Now Part of the Process

When household belongings move across the border, customs authorities need to confirm:

• Who owns the goods

• Where they are moving from

• Whether duties or taxes apply

This means removals now require supporting documentation before goods can enter the UK.

While this sounds complicated, most of the process is straightforward when organised properly.

The ToR Number Is Important

One of the key parts of returning to the UK is obtaining a Transfer of Residence (ToR) number.

This reference helps HMRC identify that:

• You are relocating your normal place of residence

• The belongings are personal household effects

• The move may qualify for relief from customs charges

Without a valid ToR reference, customs clearance can become much more difficult.

What Documents Are Usually Needed?

The exact paperwork depends on your circumstances, but most France to UK removals require:

• Proof of identity

• Proof of UK residency or relocation

• An inventory of belongings

• A ToR reference number

• Supporting address documentation

At Anglo French, we guide customers through the paperwork requirements before transport begins to help avoid delays later.

When Duties and Taxes May Apply

Not every move qualifies for relief from customs charges.

Duties and taxes are more likely to apply if:

• Goods are being moved to a second home

• You are already resident in the UK

• New items are being imported

• Residency requirements are not met

Customs charges are usually based on declared item values and commodity classifications.

This is why accurate inventories and realistic valuations are important.

Why Preparation Matters

From our experience, the smoothest removals are the ones where customs preparation starts early.

Organising paperwork before moving day helps:

• Reduce delays at the border

• Avoid missing documentation

• Keep transport schedules on track

• Reduce unnecessary stress

We also recommend allowing some flexibility around delivery timing, as customs systems and border processing can occasionally cause delays outside anyone’s control.

Working With an Experienced Removal Company

International removals involve much more than transport alone. Customs procedures, inventories, paperwork, and timing all need to work together.

At Anglo French, we regularly support customers moving from France back to the UK, helping manage removals, storage, packing, and customs preparation as part of one coordinated process.

Having an experienced team involved early can make the entire move feel much more manageable.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a ToR number when moving from France to the UK?

In most cases, yes. A Transfer of Residence (ToR) number is an important part of the customs process when returning to the UK with household belongings.

Will I have to pay customs charges when moving back to the UK?

Not always. Many returning residents qualify for relief from duties and taxes, provided the correct conditions and paperwork requirements are met.