Introduction
Relocating between the United Kingdom and Germany in 2025 is no longer just a matter of packing boxes and hiring movers. Post-Brexit, both personal and commercial shipments are subject to full customs formalities. With the introduction of ICS2 (Import Control System 2) and ELO (Enveloppe Logistique Obligatoire), compliance has become more complex. Missing documentation or late submissions can mean delays, fines, or denied entry.
This guide compiles the latest factual updates from EU customs portals, UK government announcements, and specialist logistics sources like Harbour Shipping. It is designed as a practical, snippet-rich resource for anyone moving between the UK and Germany in 2025.
1. Background: Brexit & the New Border Reality
Summary: The UK’s exit from the EU single market transformed cross-border moves into complex customs processes. Understanding this shift is crucial for anyone relocating household goods or vehicles.
- Before 2021, the UK was part of the EU single market. Moves between Germany and the UK required little or no customs paperwork.
- Post-Brexit, UK–EU trade is treated as third-country imports and exports.
- Household goods, vehicles, and even personal belongings now require declarations, codes, and customs clearance.
- Key shift: What used to be simple is now regulated by multiple new EU and UK systems.
2. ICS2 – Import Control System 2
Summary: ICS2 is the EU’s new cargo information system. From April 2025, road and rail shipments into the EU require Entry Summary Declarations, with full Release 3 enforcement expected from 1 September 2025. Some Member States may apply transition windows.
Key Dates:
- 1 April 2025: ICS2 Release 3 begins for road and rail shipments.
- 1 September 2025: Broader enforcement deadline, though Member States can apply delays (“deployment windows”).
What is ICS2?
- ICS2 is the EU’s advance cargo information system.
- It requires an Entry Summary Declaration (ENS) to be filed before goods arrive in the EU (European Commission).
Who must file ENS?
- Usually the carrier, but responsibility can extend to freight forwarders or the importer.
What data is required?
- Shipper and consignee details.
- Commodity codes and description of goods.
- Value, weight, and origin.
- Transport details (vehicle, route, crossing point).
Why it matters for shipping companies and moving companies:
- Household goods shipments generally also require ENS.
- Missing or incorrect data = fines or shipment held at EU entry.
Case Example: A UK-based moving company transporting a family’s household goods to Munich files the ENS on the client’s behalf. By submitting cargo details three days before departure, they avoid delays at the French border checkpoint.
Tip: From 2025, most shipments into the EU — including relocations — require an Entry Summary Declaration under ICS2.
3. ELO – Enveloppe Logistique Obligatoire
Summary: France introduces the ELO in 2025. It digitally links customs and vehicle data, with a five-month transitional period before full enforcement on 1 September 2025. Some reports suggest possible delays beyond this date.
Key Dates:
- Spring 2025: Transitional deployment of ELO begins.
- 1 September 2025: End of transition, ELO mandatory (subject to possible extension).
What is ELO?
- A digital logistics envelope combining vehicle, customs, and safety data.
- Each truck or shipment crossing into France must have an ELO barcode that links to customs declarations (Douane.gouv.fr).
What happens without it?
- Vehicles are directed to the orange lane for manual inspection.
- Delays, possible fines, and additional costs.
For relocations:
- Even a private household shipment may require an ELO if crossing France.
- Shipping companies and moving companies must lodge ELO in advance.
Case Example: A German relocation firm transporting goods from Hamburg to London arranges an ELO through their customs broker. The ELO barcode is scanned at Calais, allowing the truck to pass through the green lane without delay.
Tip: From Autumn 2025, relocation shipments via France are expected to require an ELO barcode for boarding.
4. UK Safety & Security Declarations
Summary: Since 31 January 2025, all imports into Great Britain from the EU require a Safety & Security Declaration. Shipping companies and moving companies must provide this data in advance to avoid customs holds.
Why it matters:
- Applies to goods entering GB, including personal moves.
- ENS-like data required: shipper, consignee, goods details.
- Submission must be pre-arrival.
Case Example: A UK relocation service importing household furniture from Berlin ensures the Safety & Security Declaration is lodged with HMRC before the shipment leaves Germany. This prevents a 48-hour hold at Dover.
Tip: Since January 2025, all EU shipments to Great Britain — even household goods — require a Safety & Security Declaration.
5. Commodity Codes & Customs Duties
Summary: Accurate coding is vital in 2025. The EU has introduced new commodity codes, and using the wrong one can lead to duties, penalties, or weeks of delays.
2025 updates:
- EU Combined Nomenclature was updated with 49 new codes, 34 removed.
- Incorrect classification leads to wrong duties or rejected declarations.
Household goods exemptions:
- Germany allows duty-free entry of used personal belongings if conditions are met: goods must have been owned >6 months, importer must be taking up residence, and items cannot be resold shortly after import.
Case Example: A British family moving to Berlin misclassified electronic appliances under the wrong commodity code. Customs re-routed their shipment, causing a week-long delay and additional brokerage fees.
Tip: List your goods carefully. A single wrong commodity code can delay your Germany move for weeks.
6. EORI Numbers & Systems to Know
Summary: Customs systems like EORI, GVMS, and EMCT are now essential for moves. Without these registrations, your shipment may never clear the border.
- EORI (Economic Operator Registration and Identification): Needed on both UK and EU side. Some shipping companies and moving companies require dual EORI numbers (one UK, one EU).
- GVMS/GMR (Goods Vehicle Movement System / Record): Required for trucks departing UK ports.
- EMCT permits: May be needed for specific relocation shipments.
Case Example: A moving company handling shipments from Manchester to Frankfurt had to pause operations until their EU EORI was approved. Without it, German customs refused to process their clients’ goods.
Tip: Before moving, ask your moving company if they have both a UK and an EU EORI. Without them, customs may not release your shipment.
7. Moving Vehicles Across Borders
Summary: Moving vehicles between the UK and Germany involves emissions compliance, registration rules, and potential VAT exemptions — but only if strict conditions are met.
- Vehicles must meet German technical and emissions standards.
- Proof of registration and conformity needed.
- In many cases, VAT and duty exemptions apply if the vehicle has been used for >6 months by the importer.
- In the UK, exporting a vehicle requires deregistration and export plates.
Case Example: A UK expat relocating to Munich brought a two-year-old car. Because it had been registered in the UK for more than six months, they qualified for duty-free import, though they still had to meet German emissions standards.
8. Restricted & Special Goods
Summary: Some goods, such as pets, alcohol, or hazardous items, face stricter import rules. These categories require special certificates or permits to cross borders legally.
- Pets: Require microchips, vaccination, and animal health certificates.
- Alcohol/tobacco: Limits apply, commercial imports require excise procedures.
- Plants/food products: Subject to phytosanitary checks.
- Hazardous goods (e.g. batteries): Extra permits and packaging required.
Case Example: A German student relocating to London attempted to ship plants along with personal belongings. UK border control confiscated them due to missing phytosanitary certificates.
Tip: Shipments with pets, plants, or alcohol must meet strict import rules — or face seizure at customs.
9. Practical Steps for Shipping Companies & Moving Companies
Summary: A successful move comes down to preparation. From inventory lists to insurance, each step reduces the chance of delays or penalties.
- Prepare a detailed inventory with values and usage proof.
- Apply for UK and EU EORI numbers.
- Confirm your shipping company or moving company can file ICS2 ENS and ELO declarations.
- Ensure Safety & Security Declarations are lodged for UK imports.
- Take out insurance for goods in transit.
Case Example: A relocation service in Hamburg provided clients with pre-filled customs templates. This proactive step reduced declaration errors and sped up customs clearance at the UK border.
10. Risks & Mitigation
Summary: Customs risks in 2025 are real — but with the right broker, careful coding, and timely submissions, you can avoid costly setbacks.
Common risks:
- Missing ENS/ELO submissions → shipment held.
- Wrong commodity codes → additional duties.
- Vehicle import without conformity → rejection.
How to mitigate:
- Work with experienced customs brokers.
- Double-check codes and documents.
- File submissions days before departure.
Case Example: A shipment of personal belongings from London to Hamburg was held because the ENS was filed late. The moving company had to pay a fine and storage fees before release.
Conclusion
2025 brings the biggest set of changes to EU–UK customs since Brexit. For moves between the UK and Germany, mastering ICS2, ELO, EORI, and Safety & Security Declarations is non-negotiable.
Action Point: Start preparation early, verify your shipping company or moving company’s compliance capabilities, and keep your documentation precise. With planning, you can avoid delays and make your relocation as smooth as possible.
Recap:
- ICS2 Release 3 begins April 2025; broader enforcement expected September 2025.
- ELO transitional period Spring–September 2025; full enforcement expected thereafter.
- UK Safety & Security Declarations compulsory since 31 January 2025.
- Dual EORI numbers often required for UK–EU moves.
- Household goods duty-free in Germany if conditions met.
FAQs: Moving Between the UK and Germany in 2025
Do I need an EORI number to move personal belongings?
Yes. Both the UK and EU require EORI numbers for customs declarations, even for household goods. Some relocations may need both a UK and an EU EORI.
What is ICS2 and how does it affect me?
ICS2 is the EU’s advance cargo information system. From 2025, Entry Summary Declarations must be submitted before goods arrive in the EU. Road and rail apply from April 2025, with wider enforcement from September 2025.
What happens if my mover doesn’t file an ELO when crossing France?
Trucks without a valid ELO will be sent to manual inspection lanes, leading to delays, fines, or even refusal of entry once enforcement begins.
Can I import my car duty-free into Germany?
Yes, if you have owned and used the vehicle for more than six months before relocation and meet German registration and emissions standards.
Are pets included in standard relocation shipments?
Pets require special handling, microchips, vaccination records, and animal health certificates. They cannot be shipped as normal cargo without the proper paperwork.
Do Safety & Security Declarations apply to personal moves into the UK?
Yes. Since January 2025, all imports into Great Britain from the EU — including household goods — must include a Safety & Security Declaration.
How can I avoid delays at customs?
Ensure your shipping or moving company files all required documents early, double-check commodity codes, and provide a detailed inventory list with proof of ownership.
