Shipping Household Goods - A Long List
posted by Robert Hahn in Azores forum
Mary,
The whole process from when I contacted my shipper to when my goods arrived, took around 30 days. We had to provide a list to the Portuguese Consulate of the goods we were shipping in order to avoid import taxes. ( This takes awhile). Word of advise, if one of you is Portuguese, put that name on your shipment. The detailed list can be sent to the Consulate before the movers and packers arrive. A copy of this translated and certified document must accompany the shipment. Here's a list of what you're going to need.
Documents Required
Original Passport, stating place of residence abroad (and 1 certified copy)
"Certificado de Bagagem" issued by the Portuguese Consulate at origin
Detailed inventory in Portuguese ( A fee charged here by the Consulate)
Copy of Visa
Declaration as per EU regulations
Original Bill of Lading (OBL) / Air Waybill (AWB)
Residence Certificate (Atestado de Residencia)
Photocopy of air ticket or declaration (must include details, date of arrival, etc.)
Photocopy of work contract (if applicable)
Proof of application for Residence Permit (My wife's a resident)
Copy of Identity Card (Diplomats) N/A
* Specific Information
The Certificado de Bagagem must state that all the items are used and have been in the
client`s possession for more than 6 months (do not show values).
Residence Certificate (Atestado de Residencia) can be obtained by the transferee and issued
by the Junta de Freguesia in which transferee’s residence in Portugal is situated; it must state
that he/she has been residing there for less than 1 year and include the exact date of arrival
in Portugal, if possible. (Cost me 2 Euro)
If shipper is not a citizen of the origin country, proof of residency for a period of at least 12
months is required (photocopy of Identity Card, certificate issued by the Portuguese
Consulate or Employment Contract from the origin country, etc.).
Portuguese nationals are not required to provide proof of application for a Residence Permit.
Transferees must be present for Customs clearance and must provide an exact date of arrival
in Portugal.
Although normal goods are duty free, Custom´s broker fees are generally required and are
based ad valorem.
Port handling charges and warehouse fees may be included in Custom’s broker fees but can
be expensive; estimates should be requested from agent prior to import.PS. We still had to pay the shipping company in the Azores for storing our 40ft container for 2 days and pay a fee for customs to process our paperwork. And yes we did all the required paperwork.
Contact me and I can send you a copy of the Consulate document in Word format.
Hope this helps.