Quick Answer: A household goods inventory for an international move is the itemized, signed list customs requires to clear your personal belongings under the destination's household goods rules. It must detail quantity, brand, model, serial number, condition and USD value for each item, grouped by box and room, and match exactly the packing list issued by your freight forwarder, such as AB Group Shipping.
- 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 should be the second-hand market value (as a working rule, 30%-50% of new price), not the original purchase price or a token amount.
- Each country sets its own arrival window around the owner's entry (Colombia: 1 month before to 4 months after; Peru and Ecuador: 1 month before to 6 months after; Mexico: 3 months before to 6 months after; Chile: 120 days before or after), and not every country waives the taxes: Colombia charges a single 15% tax and Peru 12% unless a returnee law applies.
- A consolidated (LCL) shipment of about 13 m³ from Miami or Houston to LatAm starts at $1,048 (Nicaragua; $1,869 to Colombia); a 2-bedroom move in a 20' container starts at $2,600 (Colombia).
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, how to value each item, and country-by-country requirements as of October 2026.
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Go to the calculator →Reference prices: moving abroad from Miami
| Destination | Boxes and some furniture | 2 bedrooms | 3+ bedrooms | Transit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| El SalvadorSan Salvador | $1,038 | $4,182 | $4,499 | 7 days |
| HondurasSan Pedro Sula | $1,038 | $3,450 | $4,027 | 14 days |
| GuatemalaGuatemala City | $1,038 | $3,610 | $3,940 | 14 days |
| Dominican RepublicRio Haina | $1,907 | $3,225 | $3,500 | 14 days |
| ColombiaSanta Marta | $993 | $2,650 | $2,800 | 14 days |
| PanamaManzanillo | $958 | $2,900 | $3,100 | 14 days |
| PeruCallao | $2,194 | $2,900 | $3,100 | 14 days |
| EcuadorGuayaquil | $2,142 | $2,900 | $3,100 | 14 days |
Port-to-port rates in USD from Miami, calculated with our quoting system (current since September 28, 2026). Boxes and some furniture: consolidated, ≈13 m³. 2 bedrooms: 20 ft container. 3+ bedrooms: 40 ft HC container. They include freight and US export charges; they do not include import taxes or local charges at destination. The calculator on this page gives your exact price, with pickup and delivery.
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 shows customs that your items are personal household goods, not commercial merchandise, which lets them enter under the destination's household goods regime: a full exemption in some countries, a reduced single tax in others (15% in Colombia, 12% in Peru).
The definition changes from country to country. Mexico, Chile and Panama admit only used household goods; Peru and Ecuador accept new or used items within their lists and quantity limits; Colombia requires that the goods were acquired while you lived abroad.
That detail matters. Where only used goods qualify, a refrigerator bought two weeks before shipping can be taken out of the household goods regime and taxed 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, in the countries that only admit used goods (Mexico, Chile and Panama, for example)
- 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. Its name and format change by country: Peru asks for invoices or a sworn statement of value, Mexico for a declaration certified by its consulate.
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 and 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 legalize as the destination requires. Mexico asks for a declaration certified by the Mexican consulate where you lived; Ecuador asks for a sworn declaration made before a notary or at an Ecuadorian consulate; the official lists of Colombia, Peru and Chile ask for neither.
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. As a working rule (no customs authority publishes these percentages): 30%-50% of new value for goods 2-5 years old and 15%-25% for goods over 5 years old. Customs sets the final value; Chile's customs, for example, uses the normal second-hand price in the country of purchase, with reductions for years of use.
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. Several countries cap the benefit by value: Panama exempts used household goods up to B/.25,000 of customs value, Chile up to US$6,750 FOB for foreigners with a residence visa, and Peru up to USD 50,000 for returning Peruvians under Law 30001 (figures as of October 2026). Value above the cap is taxed.
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
A template with these nine columns covers what customs brokers usually ask for. Where the destination has its own format (the declaration certified by the Mexican consulate, the list of goods annexed to Ecuador's SENAE request), use that one.
- 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 cost you the household goods treatment and bring fines.
| 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 | — | Packaged food only where the destination allows it, with its health permit | Perishables, meat products, fresh dairy, pet food |
| Plants and pets | — | Phytosanitary / zoosanitary certificate | CITES species, ivory |
| Chemicals | — | — | Aerosols, paint, fuel, gas |
| Alcohol and tobacco | — | Within each country's limit (Ecuador admits up to 50 litres with the household goods; the EU excludes both from its relief) | 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 are almost never part of household goods. They import with their own title, invoice, and B/L, and some countries do not admit used vehicles at all (Colombia, for example). The exception is Ecuador, where a returning Ecuadorian may include one car or motorcycle shipped together with the goods. 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 get the box seized and hold up the entire shipment. Goods you did not declare lose the household goods treatment and can bring fines, so list everything. Empty fuel from tools, leave gas cylinders, paint and aerosols behind, and ask your mover before packing gas-powered items such as grills or lawnmowers, as the U.S. Federal Maritime Commission advises.
What are the household goods inventory requirements by country in 2026?
Quick Answer: Each customs authority asks for something different. Mexico requires a declaration certified by its consulate; Ecuador a sworn declaration before a notary or consul; Colombia, Peru, and Chile work at destination from the owner's valued list. The tax result differs too: Mexico, Ecuador, and Chile exempt with conditions; Colombia charges 15% and Peru 12%.
| Country | Authority | Required document | Entry timeline | Notarization / consular certification |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Peru | SUNAT | Simplified Import Declaration with invoices or a sworn statement of value | Cargo arrives from 1 month before to 6 months after the traveller; 13 consecutive months abroad | Not in SUNAT's list |
| Colombia | DIAN | Import declaration identifying each item (brand, reference, serial); the household goods regime needs no RUT | From 1 month before to 4 months after the owner's arrival; declared once the owner has arrived | Not required for the list; the 24 months abroad can be proven with a residence certificate from the Colombian consulate |
| Mexico | SAT / ANAM | Declaration certified by the Mexican consulate, with description and quantity of the goods | From 3 months before to 6 months after the person's entry | Mandatory: consulate of the place where you lived |
| Ecuador | SENAE | List of goods and sworn declaration | From 1 month before to 6 months after entry (foreigners) | Sworn declaration before a notary or an Ecuadorian consulate |
| Chile | Servicio Nacional de Aduanas | List of goods with a US$ value for each | With the traveller or up to 120 days before or after entry | Not required; passport or PDI travel certificate |
| Spain | AEAT (EC Regulation 1186/2009) | Inventory of personal property | Declared within 12 months of establishing residence; 12 prior months living outside the EU | Proof of residence abroad; confirm the document with AEAT or the consulate |
Requirements as of October 2026. Each regime has more conditions than fit in a table; confirm them with a licensed customs broker in your destination country.
Countries requiring pre-shipment certification
Mexico is the clear case: the consular declaration goes with the customs entry, so get it from the Mexican consulate of the place where you lived before the cargo ships. Without it, the household goods exemption is not granted at Veracruz or Manzanillo. Mexicans returning from the USA also have a separate, free procedure called "menaje doméstico", created in 2025; ask the consulate which one fits your case. Ecuador's sworn declaration can be signed at an Ecuadorian consulate before you travel, or before a notary. Book the consulate appointment well ahead.
Countries accepting destination presentation
Peru, Colombia, and Chile clear the goods at destination from the owner's signed list. Here the critical factor is the owner's entry timeline and consistency between inventory, packing list, and B/L. In Colombia the goods cannot be declared before their owner has arrived.
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.
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Go to the calculator →How much does it cost to ship household goods from Miami to Latin America in 2026?
Quick Answer: Shipping household goods from Miami or Houston starts at $1,048 in LCL for about 13 m³ (Nicaragua; $1,869 to Colombia), and at $2,600 for a 2-bedroom move in an FCL 20' (Colombia). 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 | from USD $1,048 (about 13 m³) | 10-20 days | DAP |
| FCL 20' | 13-30 m³ | from USD $2,600 | 7-16 days | DAP |
| FCL 40'HC | 30-65 m³ | from USD $2,750 | 7-16 days | DAP |
| Air freight | Up to 500 lbs | from USD $579 per 100 kg (approx. $2.63/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.
MiamiUSMIA
CartagenaCOCTG
MiamiUSMIA
Santo DomingoDOHAI
MiamiUSMIA
CallaoPECLL
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 the USA 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.
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Go to the calculator →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 can trigger a physical inspection, delay clearance, and generate 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, or without the legalization the destination requires.
- Household goods outside the timeline relative to owner entry. The goods are then cleared as an ordinary import, with full duties and taxes.
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.
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Go to the calculator →It depends on the destination country. Mexico requires a declaration certified by the Mexican consulate of the place where you lived, and Ecuador a sworn declaration made before a notary or at an Ecuadorian consulate. The official requirement lists of Peru, Colombia, and Chile ask for the owner's signed list and identity documents, with no notary or consular stamp. None of those lists mentions an apostille for the inventory. Confirm the current requirement with a licensed customs broker in the destination country before finalizing shipment.
It depends on the country, and the window is counted from the owner's arrival. Colombia: from one month before to four months after. Peru and Ecuador: from one month before to six months after. Mexico: from three months before to six months after. Chile: within 120 days before or after. Goods that arrive outside the window are cleared as an ordinary import, with duties, VAT, and storage. Meeting the window does not always mean zero tax: Colombia charges a single 15% tax and Peru 12% on household goods unless a returnee law applies.
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. Token amounts like one dollar invite customs to set its own value, and they also reduce your cargo insurance payout.
No, in almost every country. Vehicles, motorcycles, and machinery are outside the household goods regime and import under their own rules, with their own title, invoice, Bill of Lading, and taxes; Mexico's household goods exemption excludes vehicles by law, and Colombia does not admit ordinary imports of used vehicles. Ecuador is the exception: a returning Ecuadorian may include one car or motorcycle if it ships together with the household goods. Check the destination's vehicle rules before you ship.
Your household goods inventory decides whether you get the tax treatment your destination offers or lose it. 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.