Quick Answer: A household goods inventory is the itemized, signed list that customs requires to release your personal belongings duty-free. It must detail quantity, brand, model, serial number, condition, and USD value for each item, grouped by box and room, and match exactly with the freight forwarder's packing list.
- A household goods inventory is a valued list, not a simple checklist: each item needs quantity, brand, model, serial number (for electronics), condition, and estimated USD value.
- Declared value must be second-hand market value (30%-50% of new price), not original purchase price or a token amount.
- Most LatAm customs authorities require household goods to arrive between 1 month before and 3-6 months after the owner's entry to qualify for the exemption.
- An LCL Miami→LatAm shipment of 8-12 m³ costs between $1,850 and $3,200 door-to-door; FCL 20' starts around $3,400.
In the Miami–Latin America corridor, a poorly drafted inventory delays more shipments than any shipping problem. This guide shows you the exact 7 steps, the values customs accepts, and country-by-country requirements for 2026.
Get an instant quote
Compare LCL, FCL, air, and courier rates in seconds — no email required.
Use the calculator above →What is a household goods inventory and why does customs require it?
Quick Answer: A household goods inventory is the itemized list of your used household belongings that you present to destination customs. It proves your items are personal, used household goods—not commercial merchandise—which qualifies them for full or partial duty and VAT exemption.
The legal definition is consistent across most of the region. Household goods are used personal and domestic property of the owner and family, acquired before the change of residence.
That detail matters. If you buy a new refrigerator two weeks before shipping, customs can remove it from the household goods regime and tax it as a standard import.
What items qualify as household goods
- Living room, dining room, and bedroom furniture, including used mattresses and bed frames
- Standard household appliances: refrigerator, washing machine, microwave, blender
- Clothing, shoes, linens, books, and personal items
- Kitchen items: dishes, pots, cutlery, glasses
- Hand tools for gardening and home maintenance
- Personal computers: one laptop per family member, home printer
What does NOT qualify
- New items with tags or in original packaging
- Commercial quantities of the same product (12 cell phones, 30 new shirts)
- Duplicate inventory without family justification: three identical TVs, four washing machines
- Vehicles, motorcycles, and machinery — these use a separate customs regime
There are two distinct documents people confuse. One is the household goods declaration, which is the customs document you sign. The other is the freight forwarder's operational inventory, which only tracks boxes.
The customs broker uses your list as the basis to assess or waive duties. An error in the list stops the entire shipment, not just one box.
Pro Tip
Draft your household goods inventory before packing, not after. With thousands of relocations processed in the Miami–LatAm corridor, the pattern is clear: those who inventory while packing number boxes correctly and never need to reopen anything. Those who inventory from memory create vague descriptions that customs flags.
What's the difference between a household goods inventory and a packing list?
Quick Answer: A household goods inventory is a signed fiscal document with declared USD values per item. A packing list is an operational document from the freight forwarder that only describes boxes, pieces, and volume. Customs requires both, and the numbers must match piece for piece.
Confusing these documents is the costliest mistake in an international move. They serve distinct legal functions.
Household goods inventory (valued list)
You sign it as the owner. It includes USD value for each item, brand, model, serial number, and condition. It carries the weight of a sworn declaration: you are legally responsible for its accuracy. SUNAT and DIAN call it an "inventory" precisely because valuation is mandatory.
Packing list (shipping list)
The freight forwarder or moving company issues it. It contains box number, dimensions, gross weight, and volume in cubic meters. It carries no values. It serves the bill of lading, stowage, and box count at the destination CFS.
The Bill of Lading (B/L) or Air Waybill (AWB) must reflect the same piece count as the packing list. A single-box discrepancy triggers a physical inspection.
| Document | Issued by | Contains | Presented to | Error consequence |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Household goods inventory / valued list | The relocating owner | Item, brand, model, serial, condition, USD value | Destination customs via broker | Revaluation, fine, loss of exemption |
| Packing list | Forwarder or moving company | Box number, dimensions, weight, m³ | Carrier and customs | Physical inspection, 5-15 day delay |
| Bill of Lading (B/L) | Carrier or NVOCC | Consignee, pieces, weight, ports | Carrier and customs | Cargo not released without correction |
| Cargo insurance policy | Cargo insurer | Total insured value | Insurer in case of loss | Indemnity less than actual loss |
How to create a household goods inventory for an international move: step by step
Quick Answer: To create a household goods inventory follow seven steps: number the boxes, inventory by room, describe each item with brand and model, record serial numbers for electronics, assign condition, value in second-hand USD, and sign the final sworn declaration.
- Number and identify each box before packing. Use a simple format: "Box 01 – Kitchen", "Box 02 – Bedroom 1". Customs reviews by box number, not room name.
- Walk through room by room: living room, dining room, kitchen, bedrooms, bathrooms, laundry, office, and garage or outdoor. Don't mix rooms in a single box.
- Describe with precision each item. Write "Samsung LED TV UN55TU7000, serial ABC12345, 55-inch, used" instead of "TV". Generic description is the most cited reason for customs flags.
- Record the serial number as mandatory for TVs, laptops, cell phones, gaming consoles, power tools, and major appliances.
- Assign condition and unit value: new, used good condition, or used fair condition, plus USD value. Subtotal by box, then grand total.
- Cross-check your list against the forwarder's packing list. Fix discrepancies before the port's document cut-off, not after the vessel sails.
- Sign, date, and notarize per destination country requirements. Mexico requires consular certification; Ecuador requires notarized declaration.
Always group items by room and ensure box numbering matches the packing list and B/L. Document discrepancies are the number-one cause of physical inspection.
If you want to reduce volume before inventorying, check our guide on Affordable International Moving 2026: 12 Strategies to Save on Your Household Goods Shipment. Fewer cubic meters means a shorter list and lower freight.
Pro Tip
Photograph each box open with its number visible before sealing. In a physical inspection at Cartagena or Callao, those photos let the customs inspector locate the flagged item in minutes. You save days of storage and prevent the inspector from opening every box.
How to value each item in your household goods inventory
Quick Answer: Value each item at second-hand market price, not purchase price. The practical rule in the Miami–LatAm corridor: 30%-50% of new value for goods 2-5 years old and 15%-25% for goods over 5 years old. Undervaluing is the number-one reason for rejection.
The household goods value at customs is not what you paid. It's what someone would pay today for that used item.
| Age of item | % of new value | Example | Declared value |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-2 years | 60%-70% | Whirlpool washing machine $900 new | USD $540-$630 |
| 3-5 years | 30%-50% | Samsung 55" TV $700 new | USD $210-$350 |
| Over 5 years | 15%-25% | 3-piece sofa $1,200 new | USD $180-$300 |
| Clothing and linens (per lot) | 10%-20% | Box of 40 used garments | USD $60-$120 |
Never declare "$1" or "no commercial value". Customs can replace your value with an official reference value much higher and assess duties on that basis.
Overvaluing doesn't help either. Peru, Ecuador, and Mexico apply exemption caps: anything above is taxed at standard rates.
When an item exceeds $1,000, document the value. Keep the original receipt, a resale price screenshot, or a simple appraisal.
Your insurance pays on declared value
The cargo policy indemnifies based on your inventory value, not what your things are worth to you. If you declare $6,000 for household goods worth $18,000 and the container suffers water damage, you collect $6,000. Keep consistency between inventory and policy.
What does a household goods inventory include by room? Format and PDF template
Quick Answer: Household goods are organized by room: living room, dining room, kitchen, bedrooms, bathrooms, laundry, office, and outdoor. A three-bedroom home generates 180 to 320 items and occupies 18 to 28 cubic meters. Using a room-by-room format speeds customs clearance and reduces flags.
That volume equals a well-packed FCL 20' or a large LCL shipment. Measuring your actual volume by room is the first step to choosing the right service and estimating freight accurately.
| Room | Typical items | Average count | Approx. volume | Common customs flag |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Living/dining room | Sofa, table, chairs, TV, shelving, rugs | 25-40 items | 4-6 m³ | Duplicate TVs of same model |
| Kitchen | Refrigerator, microwave, blender, dishes, pots | 50-90 items | 3-5 m³ | Dishes must be listed by lot, not piece by piece |
| Bedrooms | Beds, mattresses, dressers, clothing in boxes | 60-110 items | 6-10 m³ | Clothing by lot and weight; never item by item |
| Bathrooms/laundry | Washing machine, dryer, towels, shelves | 15-30 items | 2-4 m³ | Duplicate washing machine flagged as taxable |
| Office | Laptops, printer, desk, books | 20-35 items | 2-3 m³ | Serial numbers mandatory on all electronics |
| Garage/outdoor | Tools, bicycles, patio furniture | 15-25 items | 1-3 m³ | Industrial tools reclassified as commercial |
Column structure for household goods inventory PDF template
Your Excel or PDF template must have nine fixed columns. This is the order customs brokers expect.
- Box or piece number
- Room
- Item description
- Brand and model
- Serial number
- Quantity
- Condition
- Unit value in USD
- Total value per line
Close the document with the grand total and space for signature, date, and passport details. That structure works the same in editable Excel and signed PDF.
What items cannot be included in household goods?
Quick Answer: Firearms, ammunition, drugs, protected species, perishable food, and flammable materials are prohibited. Restricted or taxed: vehicles, alcohol, tobacco, artwork, duplicate appliances, jewelry, and professional equipment. Including them undeclared can void the entire household goods exemption.
| Category | Allowed in household goods | Restricted (requires permit) | Prohibited |
|---|---|---|---|
| Appliances | One per function, used | Justified duplicates | — |
| Firearms | — | Sporting with local permit | Firearms and ammunition without permit |
| Food | Sealed packaged, small quantity | Products with health registration | Perishables, fresh meat, fresh dairy |
| Plants and pets | — | Phytosanitary / zoosanitary certificate | CITES species, ivory |
| Chemicals | — | — | Aerosols, paint, fuel, gas |
| Alcohol and tobacco | — | Within limit, with duties | Commercial quantities |
| Vehicles | — | Separate customs regime | — |
| Art and jewelry | Low-value personal pieces | Valuable works with appraisal | Heritage items without permit |
The authority controlling each category varies by country. Food and plants go through the health service (SENASA, ICA, SAG). Firearms go through military or police authority.
Vehicles and motorcycles never form part of household goods. They import with their own title, invoice, and B/L. If you're also moving your car, check the Vehicle Import Requirements for Panama 2026: Complete Documentation Checklist for US Cars.
One prohibited item taints the entire shipment
A propane grill tank or a can of paint can trigger seizure of the box and penalties on the entire shipment. In several regional customs agencies, undeclared cargo voids the exemption for all household goods, not just that box. Empty fuel containers and leave aerosols in origin.
What are the household goods inventory requirements by country in 2026?
Quick Answer: Each customs authority requires a different format. Peru (SUNAT) requires a sworn declaration with values and entry timeline; Colombia (DIAN) requires a Spanish inventory via customs broker; Mexico (SAT/ANAM) requires a consulate-sealed list; Ecuador, Chile, and Spain apply their own caps and timelines.
| Country | Authority | Required document | Entry timeline | Notarization / consular certification |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Peru | SUNAT | Valued inventory in Spanish | 1 month before to 4 months after owner arrival | Recommended; reduces flags |
| Colombia | DIAN | Spanish list + ID or RUT/NIT | Owner must have entered | Not mandatory; via customs broker |
| Mexico | SAT / ANAM | List certified by Mexican consulate | Before shipment sails | Mandatory at US consulate |
| Ecuador | SENAE | Notarized sworn declaration | From owner's arrival onward | Mandatory before notary |
| Chile | Chilean Customs | Valued inventory + consular certificate | Tied to owner's entry | Change of domicile certificate |
| Spain | AEAT | Valued inventory + consular discharge | Up to 12 months after move | Consular residency certificate |
Countries requiring pre-shipment certification
Mexico and Ecuador require the process before shipment. In Mexico, without the consulate seal from Miami, Houston, or Los Angeles, no exemption is possible when arriving at Veracruz or Manzanillo. Schedule 5-10 business days for the consulate appointment.
Countries accepting destination presentation
Peru, Colombia, and Chile accept the customs broker presenting the signed list at arrival. Here the critical factor is the owner's entry timeline and consistency between inventory, packing list, and B/L. Pre-shipment notarization still speeds clearance.
Common supporting documents
- Valid passport of the owner
- Visa, residency card, or residency certificate
- Employment contract or company letter (when applicable)
- Packing list from the forwarder
- Original B/L or AWB
- Cargo insurance policy
- Power of attorney or authorization letter to customs broker
For Chile details, including current costs and timelines, see the Cost of International Moving from United States to Chile: Prices and Documents 2026.
Get an instant quote
Compare LCL, FCL, air, and courier rates in seconds — no email required.
Use the calculator above →How much does it cost to ship household goods from Miami to Latin America in 2026?
Quick Answer: Shipping household goods from Miami costs $1,850-$3,200 in LCL for 8-12 m³, and from $3,400 in FCL 20' door-to-door. Final price depends on volume in cubic meters, destination port, local customs broker, and insurance on your declared inventory value.
| Service | Ideal volume | Reference cost | Typical transit | Recommended Incoterm |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LCL (consolidation) | 3-12 m³ | USD $1,850-$3,200 | 10-20 days | DAP |
| FCL 20' | 13-30 m³ | from USD $3,400 | 7-16 days | DAP |
| FCL 40'HC | 30-65 m³ | from USD $5,200 | 7-16 days | DAP |
| Air freight | Up to 500 lbs | USD $4.50-$8.00/lb | 2-5 days | DAP |
The practical threshold is around 10-12 cubic meters. Below that, LCL wins on cost per cubic meter. Above that, FCL 20' becomes cheaper and reduces handling risk at the deconsolidation CFS.
Miami(USMIR)
Cartagena(COCTA)
Miami(USMIR)
Santo Domingo(DOHAI)
Miami(USMIR)
Callao(PECLL)
Actual transits from PortMiami
- Cartagena: 7-10 days
- Santo Domingo: 5-7 days
- Callao: 12-16 days
- Manzanillo / Veracruz: 8-14 days
- Valparaíso: 18-25 days
Costs not included in freight
- Destination THC and drayage from port to your home
- Local customs broker: $250-$650
- Storage if household goods arrive before you
- Demurrage and detention after free time (typically 5-7 days)
- Insurance premium: 1.5%-3% of declared inventory value
For moves to Central America, check the Cost of International Moving from Miami to Panama: Prices 2026 and Complete Documents and the International Moving to Costa Rica 2026: Complete Costs, Documents, and Transit Times.
On Incoterms 2020: for household moves, DAP is the practical choice. DDP obligates the forwarder to settle duties, and in household goods regime the exemption depends on your personal documentation, not ours.
Get an instant quote
Compare LCL, FCL, air, and courier rates in seconds — no email required.
Use the calculator above →What mistakes cause customs to reject your household goods inventory?
Quick Answer: The most common rejections are vague descriptions, token values, missing serial numbers, and discrepancies between the inventory and packing list. Any of these triggers a physical inspection, delays clearance 5-15 days, and generates storage and demurrage charges on your account.
- Vague descriptions. "Kitchen box" or "miscellaneous" don't identify goods. Customs requires line-by-line identification.
- Token or retail values. Declaring $1 or store price generates official revaluation in both cases.
- Missing serial numbers on electronics and major appliances. It's the first data the inspector verifies.
- Quantities that look commercial. Six laptops, twenty new pairs of shoes, or three identical TVs get reclassified as merchandise.
- Inventory in English when customs requires Spanish, or unsigned, undated, and unnotarized.
- Household goods outside the timeline relative to owner entry. You lose the exemption entirely, no exceptions.
Final checklist before document cut-off
Verify six things: signed and dated household goods inventory, packing list reconciled piece by piece, valid passport and visa, B/L or AWB with correct piece count, cargo insurance issued, and power of attorney to customs broker. Document cut-off closes before the vessel's ETD, typically 48-72 hours prior.
AB Group Shipping is a freight forwarder and NVOCC, not legal counsel. For current exemption caps and classification of specific items, consult a licensed customs broker in your destination country.
Get an instant quote
Calculate your volume in cubic meters and compare LCL, FCL 20', FCL 40'HC, and air for your exact route.
Use the calculator above →It depends on the destination country. Mexico requires the household goods list to be certified by the Mexican consulate in the United States before shipment, and Ecuador requires a notarized sworn declaration. Peru, Colombia, and Chile generally accept the owner's signed declaration presented by a customs broker, though notarization reduces flags. Confirm the current requirement with your local customs broker before finalizing shipment.
Most Latin American customs agencies accept household goods between one month before and three to six months after the owner's entry. Peru allows up to four months after arrival, and other countries require the owner to already be in-country at clearance. If the container arrives outside the timeline, you lose the exemption and pay standard duties, VAT, and storage.
A household goods inventory is a fiscal document you sign, with description and USD value per item. A packing list is an operational document from the freight forwarder that only details boxes, dimensions, weight, and volume. Customs requires both and compares piece counts: if they don't match, customs orders a physical inspection.
Declare the second-hand market value, not the purchase price. As a practical reference, use 30%-50% of new value for goods 2-5 years old and 15%-25% for older goods. Declaring token amounts like one dollar is the most common cause of official revaluation and fines, and it also reduces your cargo insurance payout.
No. Vehicles, motorcycles, and machinery do not qualify as household goods and import under a separate customs regime, with their own title, invoice, Bill of Lading, and duty assessment. Some countries offer partial benefits for a returning resident's vehicle, but always as an independent process from the household goods inventory.
Your household goods inventory determines whether you pay zero duties or lose the exemption entirely. Draft it carefully, value it by second-hand market standards, and reconcile it with the packing list before cut-off. Use the calculator on this page to estimate your volume in cubic meters and compare LCL, FCL 20', FCL 40'HC, and air freight to Cartagena, Callao, Veracruz, Santo Domingo, or Valparaíso — real pricing in seconds, no email, no follow-up calls.