Customer Guide to Transfer of Residence for Moves to the UK

** Please note: If you are not a customer of Bournes we cannot assist you with enquiries about ToR - please contact HMRC directly **

From the 1st of January 2017 it is now mandatory for applicants changing their country of residence to the UK and wishing to bring unaccompanied personal effects with them to complete an online 'Transfer of Residence' (ToR) application form and submit this to HMRC in advance of their belongings arrival in the UK. A successful application will result in a unique reference number being provided which should be passed to the shipping company (e.g. Bournes) allowing consignments to be released from customs on arrival.

The application form which must be submitted online is called the Transfer of Residence, or ToR01 application. It should be completed by any private individual planning to relocate their normal place of residence to the UK. We strongly advise that application should be made prior to shipping any consignments of household goods as HMRC have not currently committed to fixed turnaround times. The TOR1 application form should also be used for bringing pets to the UK for the import of private motor vehicles and private vessels to the UK.

We have provided below a guide to the information that we have been provided by HMRC which is up to date as of the date of publication of this post and will update it should the situation change as it is still early days of the process and this may be the case. Please ask your move manager if you require further guidance.

If you are moving with Bournes your move manager will provide full guidance on the Transfer of Residence process.

What is a Transfer of Residence Application for?

ToR relief provides relief from customs duties and in some cases import VAT when moving your own household effects and personal property with them into the UK.

What happens if I don't complete a ToR application?

If you do not complete an application and receive a unique reference number that can be provided to your shipping company in advance of your goods arriving in the UK your consignment may be delayed or refused clearance. This may result in additional charges, not to mention stress and an extended period of time without your belongings, so its really important that you comply. We're here to help if you need any advice or guidance.