Country Guide: Iceland

Household Goods and Personal Effects

Documents Required

• Copy of Passport
• Detailed inventory, dated and signed by shipper
• Original Bill of Lading (OBL) / Air Waybill (AWB)

 

Specific Information

• Used household goods may be imported duty free if owned for longer than 12 months abroad, the shipper is moving their principal residence to Iceland, and items arrive within 6 months from the shipper’s arrival date.
• The shipment must be imported within 12 months of the date of a transfer of residence.
• If a second shipment is anticipated, it must be stated at the time of the first importation.
• A delivery address must be known at the time of Customs clearance.

Motor Vehicles

Documents Required

• Copy of Passport
• Original certificate of title showing customer’s name and vehicle serial number
• Original registration card of origin country
• Original Purchase Invoice / Bill of Sale
• Insurance certificate
• Inventory
• Letter of Employment

 

Specific Information

• Persons entering Iceland intending to live in the country for a year or less for employment, study or travel may import a vehicle registered abroad without paying duty or import charges, provided that the following conditions are met:
  • The importer is or has been domiciled abroad.
  • The vehicle is intended for personal use of the importer and his family members and others traveling with him and are domiciled abroad.
  • The vehicle is imported or purchased new and unregistered within 1 month from the arrival of the shipper to the country for a temporary stay.
  • The vehicle will not be used for any kind of transportation of people or goods in return for payment.
  • The vehicle is exported when the importer leaves the country within 1 year from his arrival here.
• Customs may request the Letter of Employment or other documentation proving that the shipper is intending to stay is Iceland temporarily.
• Vehicles other than automobiles may also be imported such as motorcycles, caravans, campers and trailers.
• If the shipper takes up permanent residence or residence longer than a period of 1 year, the conditions for temporary duty-free import no longer apply; the shipper may be required to pay duties or taxes or the vehicle be exported out of the country

Pets

Documents Required

•  Vaccination Record
• Veterinary Health Certificate
• Pet Passport

 

Specific Information

• All pets are subject to examination upon arrival and a quarantine period of 4 weeks.
• The importation of dogs and cats is prohibited unless a special Import Permit is obtained by the Ministry of Agriculture, which is valid for 1 year.
• Pets must be microchipped with a 15-digit ISO pet microchip and vaccinated at least 30 days but not more than 12 months prior to entry.
• The Veterinary Health Certificate must be issued within 10 days of travel.
• Dogs are required to be tested for tapeworm within 10 days of arrival.
• Some breeds of dogs are prohibited from import; contact the destination agent for specific information.
• There are certain exemptions regarding vaccination requirements for cats and dogs; contact the destination agent for specific information.

Restricted/Dutiable Items

• Alcohol / wine (must be inventoried separately with brand name, type, amount, number of bottles, and value); a person importing wine or alcohol in a shipment of household goods must pay duties and taxes.
• Tobacco (is subject to duty and tax)
• New items (items less than 12 months old)
• Telephones and communications equipment
• Angling gear (clothing used abroad must be disinfected prior to importation)
• Riding gear (leather items are prohibited, including saddles, bridles, muzzles, reins, etc.)
• Weapons and ammunition (contact the destination agent for exceptions)
• Meat products (must be boiled or canned)
• Knives (cannot have blades exceeding 12 cm)

Prohibited Items

• Paints, polishes, and cleaning solvents
• Drugs and narcotics
• Natural plants
• Food items
• Chewing tobacco and finely powdered snuff
• Explosives

Consignment Instructions

Recommended: Contact the destination agent to ensure all requirements have been met prior to import, especially for differences regarding air / sea shipments.

 

 

 

Helpful Website(s):

http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_1138.html

http://www.houseofsweden.com/en/Embassy-of-Iceland

http://www.pettravel.com/immigration/iceland.cfm

http://www.tollur.is/displayer.asp?cat_id=380