MetEx House, 496a Great West Road, Hounslow, Middlesex, TW5 0TE  ·  Shipping since 1998
0800 096 38 39
Customs • Documentation

Customs asked for a valued inventory — what does that mean?

A plain-English explanation of the itemised, valued packing list customs may want.

If customs (here or at the destination) has asked for a “valued inventory” or “itemised packing list with values”, don’t worry — it’s routine for personal-effects shipments, and we help you prepare it.

What it is

A valued inventory is simply a list of what’s in your shipment, with a rough value against each item or group of items. For example: “clothing — £150; books — £60; kitchenware — £80.” You don’t need a line for every sock — sensible groupings are fine.

Why customs want it

It lets customs see that your shipment is used personal belongings rather than new commercial goods, assess whether any duty applies, and confirm eligibility for relief on a genuine move (such as Transfer of Residence). An honest, reasonable inventory is what keeps clearance smooth.

How to value your things
💵
Use second-hand value Value your items at what they’re worth now, used — not what you paid new. Realistic used values are exactly what’s expected.
Be honest — both ways Don’t undervalue to dodge duty, and don’t inflate values either. Accurate is what protects you if there’s ever a query or a claim.

We’ll give you a simple template and check it over with you before your shipment goes — it’s part of the export documentation we prepare for every job.

Get a quote Call 0800 096 38 39

Related questions
Do I need a receipt for everything? +
No. For used personal effects, a sensible estimated value is fine — receipts aren’t expected for old clothes and household items.
What if I under- or over-value my items? +
Under-valuing to avoid duty can cause problems at customs; over-valuing can create needless duty or complicate a claim. Honest, realistic values are best.
Does the inventory help if something is lost or damaged? +
Yes — a proper valued inventory is also what an insurance claim is assessed against, so it’s worth doing carefully.
Related

Moving & personal effects  ·  Shipping guides  ·  Real questions hub