Why you should use a BAR Overseas removal company

Members of the British Association of Removers overseas moving group are pre-vetted annually to enusre they meet strict quality standards, follow the BAR code of conduct and offer an advance payment guarantee.

With so much choice out there when it comes to international removals it can be hard to try and narrow down your choice of mover to a reputable, qualified company that ticks all of your boxes - especially when time and money are of the essence. Luckily, however, there are ways to avoid falling into the traps often experienced, and one thing you can do to make sure you’re in safe hands with a removal company is check whether they are an approved member of the British Association of Removers (BAR) Overseas Group.

Moving overseas? Look for the BAR Overseas badge

Like many of the best international removal companies Bournes International Moves is a member of the British Association of Removers Overseas Moving Group.

Overseas moves involve complex customs regulations, shipping compliance, international insurance, destination agents, and financial safeguards that simply don’t apply to domestic removals. BAR Overseas Moving Group members are independently vetted to carry out international household goods moves to the required professional standard. If you’re relocating abroad, always check you’re dealing with a BAR Overseas member — not just a UK BAR remover.

What is the British Association of Removers (BAR) Overseas Moving Group?

The British Association of Removers is the UK’s leading professional association for removal companies. Within BAR, the Overseas Moving Group represents a specialist subset of members who have been independently assessed and approved specifically for international moves.

BAR Overseas members must demonstrate:

Proven experience in international household goods shipping
Knowledge of customs regulations, documentation, and compliance
Financial stability suitable for large, long-lead-time overseas moves
Robust international partner networks
Higher insurance, training, and operational standards

In short: not all removal companies (and not all BAR members) are qualified for overseas moves — and that distinction matters.

Why independent assessment matters even more for international moves

When you move abroad, you’re typically paying larger sums, earlier in the process, for services that may not take place for several months. Your belongings may cross multiple borders, pass through ports, customs authorities, and overseas agents — all outside your direct control.

Independent vetting means an industry expert has already assessed whether a mover has the systems, experience, financial resilience, and global capability required to manage that risk properly.

Without this, international moves are far more vulnerable to:

Customs delays or fines
Poor packing standards for long sea transit
Inadequate insurance cover
Financial failure mid-move
No meaningful route to redress if things go wrong

What does hiring a BAR Overseas Removal Company mean for you?

1) International-specific quality standards

BAR Overseas members are regularly inspected against more stringent criteria than domestic-only movers. This includes assessment of:

Financial standing – financial stability suitable for long international supply chains
Insurance protection – appropriate cover for international transit and storage
Premises – secure, compliant warehouses and offices
Staff training & experience – including international packing, customs documentation, and overseas move management
Vehicles & equipment – suitable for export packing and container loading
Packing materials – export-grade materials designed for long-distance shipping
Administration & compliance – accurate international quotations, contracts, GDPR compliance, and professional aftercare

This level of scrutiny exists because international removals carry higher risk if done poorly.

2) A strict international code of practice

BAR Overseas members must adhere to the BAR Code of Practice, which sets clear expectations for how international movers must operate — including:

Standards of service
Transparent quotations and contracts
Insurance arrangements
Complaint handling and dispute resolution
Ethical marketing and sales practices

This code exists to reduce stress, uncertainty, and financial risk for customers moving abroad.

3) Advance Payment Guarantee – Worldwide cover matters

It is standard practice to pay for international moves in advance.

Only BAR Overseas Moving Group members are permitted to offer the Advance Payment Guarantee (APG) for overseas moves.

This guarantee protects your money if, in the very unlikely event, your removal company suffers financial failure before your move takes place.

⚠️ Important:
Some BAR members only offer APG cover for UK moves. BAR Overseas members — including Bournes — offer worldwide APG cover.

Always:

Ask to see the mover’s APG certificate
Check the logo on their website, which clearly states the level of cover

4) Independent dispute resolution if something goes wrong

While problems are rare with reputable movers, peace of mind matters.

If a dispute cannot be resolved directly, BAR provides access to independent support through the Furniture & Home Improvement Ombudsman, ensuring a fair and impartial resolution.

This level of protection simply doesn’t exist with unregulated or non-accredited movers.

The bottom line: international moves require international expertise

If you’re moving overseas, always check that the companies quoting for your move are members of the BAR Overseas Moving Group — not just general UK removers.

The regulatory requirements, financial exposure, and technical complexity are significantly higher and your choice of mover matters more than ever.

How to find a BAR Overseas removal company

The BAR website includes a dedicated search tool. Simply enter your postcode and select Overseas Removals to view approved BAR Overseas movers near you.

If you’re already speaking with a company, don’t be afraid to ask: