Country Guide: Cyprus

Household Goods and Personal Effects

Documents Required

•  Original Passport
• Original T2L (page 4) signed by Origin Customs (shipments from European Union (EU) countries, including Diplomats)
• Packing List
• Original Bill of Lading (OBL) or Express Waybill / Air Waybill (AWB) (must show C status for EU countries)
• Sale Agreement / Termination of Rental Agreement in origin country (non-EU countries)
• Utility bills (non-EU countries)
• Exemption Form from the local Embassy (Diplomats from non-EU countries)
• Form 1002 signed and stamped by the local Embassy
• Letter of Employment (non-EU countries) (Diplomats from non-EU countries)
• Registration of your children at local schools (non-EU countries)
• Bank statement confirming you have an funds in Cyprus (non-EU countries)
• Copy of ticket / boarding pass of flight to Cyprus (non-EU countries)

Specific Information

• All shipments arriving from non-EU member countries are inspected. Less-than-container load (LCL) shipments and air shipments are inspected at the port/airport. Full container load (FCL) shipments are inspected at the residence by Customs officers.
• New items arriving from non-EU member countries are dutiable. All items owned and used for less than 6 months are considered new. This period excludes the shipping time to Cyprus. Customers must declare new items to Customs; otherwise, penalties, duties and taxes will be charged
• The pre-alert must be sent at least 48 hours before the arrival of shipment at Larnaca (air shipments from EU member countries).
• A wharfage charge is a Port Authority charge based on the weight of the shipment on all import and export shipments and is even charged on Diplomatic shipments.
• Wharfage charges are approximately EUR 110-150 for a 20’ container and approximately EUR 130-200 for a 40’ container with household goods and personal effects. For LCL shipments it can vary from EUR 50-100.
• All customers pay a wharfage charge regardless of their status.
• All solid wood packing materials used as overcasing, bracing or blocking must conform to EU Commission Directive 2004/102/EC (ISPM15) and be appropriately and clearly marked with IPPC symbol, registration and treatment codes.
• Returning students bringing used household goods and personal effects from non-EU member countries must pay duties and VAT ranging from approximately 18-33% on the current value declared to Customs. Duties depend on the items being imported.

Motor Vehicles

Motor Vehicles

Documents Required

• Copy of Passport
• OBL / Express Waybill / C Status AWB (C Status for air shipments from EU countries)
• Packing list
• Exemption Certificate from the local Embassy (Diplomats)
• Form 1002 stamped and signed by the local Embassy (Diplomats)
• Original registration documents (client must attend LIMASSOL Customs if shipping a car, bike, or boat) (Diplomats)
• Sale Agreement / Termination of Rental Agreement in origin country (non-EU countries)
• Letter of Employment
• Registration of your children at local schools
• Bank statement confirming the shipper has an account on the Island
• Proof of insurance for the 6 months prior to entry may be required

Specific Information

• A shipper from a non-EU country can import one car duty free under the following conditions:
  • It is already registered in his/her name) and used for more than 6 months
  • The mileage is more than 6,000 kms
  • The owner lived abroad for a continuous period of 12 months prior to transfer of normal residence
  • The car must be imported within 6 months from owner’s transfer of primary residence to Cyprus
  • The owner must prove relocation to Cyprus permanently
  • The owner must pay value added tax (VAT), which is approximately 18% on the current value assessed by the Customs
• Upon arrival, the shipper must apply to the Immigration office for permanent residency.
• The car will first be released to the shipper as a “visitor” and will receive a Temporary Importation License (Form C104); extensions may be granted if application is made prior to the expiration date
• For a shipper from an EU country, VAT and excise duties are not payable provided the client meets the criteria required for the import of a motor vehicle from a non-EU country. If client does not meet the criteria, the payment of excise duties is required. VAT will only be waived if the car is more than 6 months old and the mileage is more than 6000 kms.

Motor Bikes

• Documents should not be left inside the car.
• A shipper from an EU country can import:
  • If less than 599 cc, then no duties or taxes are paid provided age of motor bike is more than 6 months and the mileage is more than 6000 kms (non-EU origin)
  • If over 599 cc, the same rules and regulations for motor vehicles apply (non-EU origin)
• A shipper can only import motor vehicles / bikes free of duties and taxes if registered in their own name.
• A shipper from a non-EU country can import a motor bike if less than 599 cc duty free; however, if the owner does not meet all of the criteria (see regulations for motor vehicles, then the duties of approximately 6-8% plus VAT (approximately 15%) must be paid on the total amount (duty and

Pets

Documents Required

• Vaccination Record
• Veterinary Health Certificate

Specific Information

• Pets must be identifiable through tattoo or an electronic identification system.

Restricted/Dutiable Items

• Leather and fur coats/shoes (authorization is required)
• Medication (for personal use only)
• Alcoholic beverages may be included in FCL containers as follows:
  • Up to 12 sealed bottles are acceptable
  • Up to 20 open bottles are acceptable

Prohibited Items

• Drugs and narcotics
• Pornographic materials

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://www.cyprusembassy.net/home

http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_1098.html