Defense Personal Property System (DPS) Country Instructions

Defense Personal Property System (DPS) Country Instructions England Jan 2022
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CONTENTS
Customs Clearance Procedures, Requirements, and Restrictions.................................. 3 PREPARATION AND DISTRIBUTION OF THE DD FORM 1434 (UNITED KINGDOM CUSTOMS DECLARATION FOR THE IMPORTATION OF PERSONAL EFFECTS OF THE US FORCES CIVILIAN PERSONNEL ON DUTY IN THE UK)...................... 3
Alcoholic Beverages........................................................................................................ 4 Army Personal (U5330-I)................................................................................................. 4 Food Stuff and Meats ...................................................................................................... 5 Medication (Narcotics)/Pharmaceutical Products............................................................ 5 TVs/VCRs ....................................................................................................................... 5 Electrical appliances ....................................................................................................... 5 Furniture, Oversized........................................................................................................ 6 Pets/Quarantine .............................................................................................................. 6
DANGEROUS DOG ACT: ........................................................................................... 6 THE PET TRAVEL SCHEME (PETS) ......................................................................... 7 QUARANTINE ............................................................................................................. 7 Privately Owned Firearms (POFs) .................................................................................. 7 WEAPONS RECOMMENDATION: ............................................................................. 7 DECLEARATION AND CLASSIFICATION.................................................................. 8 Prohibited Firearms ..................................................................................................... 8 Restricted Firearms ..................................................................................................... 8 Authorized Documents: ............................................................................................... 8 Non-Restricted Firearms.............................................................................................. 9 Prohibited Offensive Weapons .................................................................................... 9 Individual trophies........................................................................................................ 9

POSSESSION AND LICENSING OF RIFLES SHOTGUNS...................................... 10 NON-RESTRICTED FIREARMS ............................................................................... 10 POVs (prohibited vehicles, color, etc.) .......................................................................... 10 Gasoline/Catalytic Converters ....................................................................................... 11 nsurance and Safety Requirements .............................................................................. 12 Vehicle Registration and Testing ............................................................................... 12 Motoring Owning A Vehicle Mot DG_4022109.; ........................................................ 12 Sexually Explicit/Pornographic Material ........................................................................ 13 MATERIAL DEPICTING VIOLENCE ......................................................................... 13 Stuff Wild Life/Animals and Plant Restrictions............................................................... 14 WILDLIFE TROPHIES (Deer antlers, moose racks, elk horns, etc.) ......................... 14 CB ................................................................................................................................. 14 Amateur/Ham Radios ................................................................................................ 14 Dish Antennas............................................................................................................... 14 Cordless Phones........................................................................................................... 15 Separatees/Retirees Entitlements/Limitations............................................................... 15

CUSTOMS CLEARANCE PROCEDURES, REQUIREMENTS, AND RESTRICTIONS
The updated DD Form 1434 (May 2015) must be utilized for all personal property shipments destined to the United Kingdom (UK). This form has been extensively modified to include updated UK legislation concerning the importation of knives, weapons, goods subject to import duties taxes, and to address the increase in the import of prohibited restricted items by Service personnel. These changes are designed to protect members of the U S. Forces by ensuring the declaration is understood, complete and accurate. The 2015 version of DD Form 1434 has 3 signature blocks; all must be signed.
US Military Forces and civilian personnel on official duty in the UK are permitted duty free importation privileges for goods for personal use. The May 2015 version of the DD Form 1434 (United Kingdom Customs Declaration for the Importation of Personal Effects of the US Forces Civilian Personnel on duty in the UK) must be utilized only for those active duty and civilian personnel meeting the criteria, and a copy of the inventory must accompany each shipment for Customs purposes; shipments cannot be released for delivery until Customs procedures are complete.
Be specific in item description within inventories; avoid generic entries such as knickknacks, miscellaneous, stuff, souvenir, sports goods, plaque and pro-gear. Full Country Instructions should be reviewed for limits that may be applied, for example duty free vehicle limits shown in 8. Privately Owned Vehicles (POVs). Shipments for dependents (designated location moves, including British Nationals), retirees, separatees, and bluebark shipments are not permitted duty free importation privileges. These members must review guidance on Transfer of Residence (ToR) Relief at https: www.gov.uk guidance customs-clearance-for-transfers-of-residence-to-the-uk-and-eu, and complete Transfer of Residence (ToR) Relief (ToR01) process if eligible
All prohibited and restricted items will be removed by HMRC prior to delivery. Contact USAFE-UK A4 ([email protected]) prior to attempting to make any shipments of firearms or any other prohibited or restricted item to the UK.
PREPARATION AND DISTRIBUTION OF THE DD FORM 1434 (UNITED KINGDOM CUSTOMS DECLARATION FOR THE IMPORTATION OF PERSONAL EFFECTS OF THE US FORCES CIVILIAN PERSONNEL ON DUTY IN THE UK)
Preparation: Before completing the DD Form 1434, member MUST read Country Instructions, ensuring any restricted, prohibited or revenue items are not shipped, or are declared on the DD Form 1434. Failure to declare any such items on DD Form 1434 is in violation of UK law.
(a) The servicing Personal Property Office will provide the DD Form 1434 to the member and ensure an original and sufficient copies are prepared and provided to the carrier as outlined below.

(b) The member original signature must be in blue or black ink on each copy. Digital, reproduced or carbon copy signatures are strictly prohibited. Guidance on completion of the DD Form 1434: a. Block 1a - Enter member name only. The use of dependent name or any other person name, regardless whether a power of attorney is involved or not, is strictly prohibited, and will not be accepted.
(c) Block 5 Declarations - Ensure member reads all relevant areas within Country Instructions and declares any items within UK meaning of weapons, firearms, revenue items or other prohibited or restricted goods.
(d) Each copy of the DD Form 1434 must be signed (original signature) only by the member, in blue or black ink. In unusual or emergency situations, if the member is not available to sign the DD Form 1434, the origin JPPSO PPSO PPPO must notify the destination PPPO the shipment is moving without the completed DD Form 1434 and request the member complete the form on arrival.
ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES
Alcoholic beverages are restricted items but may be shipped as part of the personal property shipments of the member during the initial phase of movement to the UK.
If alcoholic beverages are included in personal property shipments they must be declared on the DD Form 1434 and an inventory be providing listing alcohol, name, country of origin, year, size of bottle, in the case of wine whether red/white etc., alcohol % and cost.
The goods must be for the personal use of the entitled member, must not be sold, lent or gifted. Additionally should a collection change ownership at any point then the excise duty and tax will become payable.
ARMY PERSONAL (U5330-I)
Alcoholic Beverage Transportation Personally procured transportation and Governmentarranged transportation of alcoholic beverages is not authorized unless the member provides a copy of the final destination state permit, paid invoice for the state taxes or a letter of exemption from the state Alcohol Beverage Control (ABC) Board at the time of counseling

FOOD STUFF AND MEATS
Products containing meat including ham, bacon, sausage, pate, poultry, fish shellfish, eggs, milk and other products with a dairy content, honey, gelatin and pet food are prohibited items and cannot be shipped to the UK. This includes canned products. Authorized foodstuffs must be placed into the number one container of personal property shipments destined to the UK and clearly identified on the personal property inventory.
Generic, non-specific entries (foodstuffs, food etc., are not to be used). Shipment containing foodstuff of any type may be opened for inspection by UK Port Health Authorities which will delay delivery to the member.
To prevent delays, recommend food items not be shipped with personal property destined to the UK.
Plants, parts thereof, and plant produce including trees and shrubs, potatoes and certain other vegetables, fruit, bulbs, and seeds are prohibited items that cannot be shipped into the UK.
Information on Foot and Mouth disease within the USEUCOM AOR can be found at www.eucom.mil news hoof and mouth index.htm.
MEDICATION (NARCOTICS)/PHARMACEUTICAL PRODUCTS
Controlled drugs (which include: opium, heroin, morphine, cocaine, cannabis (marijuana), amphetamines and lysergic acid (LSD)) are prohibited items that cannot be shipped into the UK. Ensure any medicines included in personal property shipments are listed by name on inventory.
TVS/VCRS
A valid TV License is required if TV receiving equipment is used to watch or record television programs as they’re being shown on TV. This includes a TV, computer, mobile phone, games console, digital box, DVD VHS recorder or any other device. Current cost can be found at http: www.tvlicensing.co.uk .
ELECTRICAL APPLIANCES
Not all economy homes have the appropriate connections for washers, dryers, refrigerators and freezers.
If you live in off-base housing, a transformer is required to convert the electric current from 240 volts to 110 volts.

Electrical appliances such as toasters, electric frying pans, broilers or appliances relying on heating elements will operate on 50 cycle electrical current. This will cause some electrical appliances to operate slower and slightly warmer. Service life of these items may be reduced.
FURNITURE, OVERSIZED
Anyone moving to the UK should seek the advice of their sponsor when determining suitable furniture for British homes. Most homes are small; large American size furniture may not fit into some rooms. Narrow staircases and passageways may prevent placement of the furniture into the appropriate rooms.
PETS/QUARANTINE
DANGEROUS DOG ACT:
It is against the law in the UK to possess some types of dogs. The Dangerous Dog Act applies to
• The Pit Bull Terrier • Japanese Tosa, • Fila Braziliera • Dogo Argentino types
For full and current information, view the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) website at http: www.defra.gov.uk wildlife-pets pets dangerous.
(a) It is highly recommended that members not import any cross breed dog which may be included in the above description.
(b) All dog owners should review the DEFRA website regarding UK law on the control of dogs at http:www.defra.gov.uk publications 2011 06 21 pb13573-dogs-lawyou.

THE PET TRAVEL SCHEME (PETS)
See http: www.defra.gov.uk wildlife-pets pets travel for current information on the Pet Travel Scheme (PETS), which allows pet animals from certain countries to enter the United Kingdom without quarantine as long as they meet specific criteria.
(a) Properly documented cats and dogs coming from the United States and Canada, travelling over approved routes with participating transport companies, will no longer have to go through the six-month quarantine period when entering the United Kingdom.
(b) The scheme only applies to cats and dogs, including guide dogs and hearing dogs.
(c) Pets are not authorized to enter the United Kingdom on military aircraft. Reference leaflet on requirements at http: www.defra.gov.uk publications files pb13582bringing-pets-to-uk-120229.pdf and details of approved routes and carriers can be found at http: www.defra.gov.uk wildlife-pets pets travel pets routes.
(d) You can get more information about PETS by contacting the Pet Travel Scheme Helpline: www.defra.gov.uk wildlife-pets pets travel contact-us . E-mail: [email protected] Telephone: +44 (0)870 241 170
QUARANTINE
There is a 6-month quarantine requirement for dogs and cats entering the United Kingdom which do not qualify under the Pet Travel Scheme. The costs for maintaining pets in approved quarantine kennels is expensive.
For further information on quarantine refer to http: www.defra.gov.uk wildlife-pets pets travel quarantine
*NOTE: AF members relocating to the UK are highly recommended to visit the 48 Force Support Squadron Veterinary Clinic Website at http: www.48forcesupport.com Family VeterinaryClinic tabid 110 Default.aspx.
PRIVATELY OWNED FIREARMS (POFS)
Privately Owned Firearms including imitation and airsoft type and other weapon related items.
WEAPONS RECOMMENDATION:
It is strongly recommended that no firearms, parts of firearms, imitation or replica firearms, ammunition (live or inert) or other weapons are imported to the UK.

DECLEARATION AND CLASSIFICATION
All firearms, ammunition and other weapons that are imported MUST be declared and described on the DD Form 1434.
Prohibited Firearms
You CANNOT import the following into the UK • Handguns • Automatic weapons • Burst fire weapons • Semi automatic rifled weapons (.22 rim fire are RESTRICTED FIREARMS) Pump action rifled weapons (.22 rim fire are RESTRICTED *FIREARMS) Shotguns with barrels measuring less than 24 inches • Shotguns measuring less than 40 inches overall length • Air weapons using self-contained gas cartridge rounds • Air/BB pistols with a muzzle energy exceeding 6ft lbs • Firearms disguised as another object (pens, belt buckles, etc) • Deactivated firearms (except those deactivated to UK specifications) • Parts of firearms (barrels, including cannon barrels, receivers, frames, etc) Electrical stun weapons of any type • Weapons that discharge any noxious thing (CS sprays, mace, etc) • Realistic Imitation Firearms (airsoft weapons are RESTRICTED FIREARMS) • Ammunition (except air weapon pellets and BBs)
*NOTE: DoD also prohibits the shipment of ammunition, explosives and fireworks in personal property shipments.
Restricted Firearms
You can only import the following if you have the required authorization documents* at the time of importation:
• Rifles (single shot, bolt action, semi-auto pump action .22 rim fire etc) • Shotguns (other than prohibited types) • Air BB rifles (with a muzzle energy of 12ft lbs or more) • Airsoft Realistic Imitation Firearms (airsoft weapons)
Authorized Documents:
For restricted firearms listed above you will need to present, at the time of importation, either
(a) Valid UK Import License or;

(b) Valid Shotgun Certificate (single and double barrel shotguns, 3 round capacity pump action shotguns)
(c) Valid UK Firearms Certification (single action rifles, bolt action rifles, rifle shotgun combinations, multi round capacity shotguns, high powered air BB rifles)
(d) Valid UK Airsoft Club membership card (realistic imitation Airsoft weapons)
Non-Restricted Firearms
The following firearms may be imported without restriction but you must still declare and describe them on the DD Form 1434:
• Air BB pistols (with a muzzle energy of less than 6 ft/lbs) • Air BB rifles (with a muzzle energy of less than 12ft/lbs) • Non-realistic Imitation Firearms (wholly transparent or brightly colored)
Prohibited Offensive Weapons
Offensive Weapons are • gravity knives • flick (switchblade) knives • butterfly knives • stealth knives (not detectable by metal detectors) • belt buckle knives • zombie knives • push daggers • swordsticks • knuckle-dusters, • straight • side-handled • friction-lock and telescopic truncheons • blow pipes, and numerous types of martial arts equipment such as hand and foot claws • for full list contact [email protected]).
Swords with a curved blade of 50 centimeters 19½ inches or over in length (for exceptions contact [email protected])
Individual trophies
• Swords • Knives • Firearms and firearms parts are still considered weapons and could be prohibited
or restricted for import. • Cannon barrels and aircraft cannon barrels are prohibited items and should not
be included in shipments to the UK.

• For clarification contact [email protected]
POSSESSION AND LICENSING OF RIFLES SHOTGUNS
Importation or possession of handguns (pistols revolvers) is a criminal offense under British law. Only certain firearms may be permitted in the UK. The likelihood that local constabularies will license any firearm is extremely low.
All firearms (including BB guns, air weapons, etc) are subject to inspection on arrival. The member and carrier must ensure firearms are place in the number one container for easy access by Customs officials. They must also be properly identified on the DD Form 1434 (Section 5b).
Failure to declare firearms on the DD Form 1434 is an offense punishable under the UCMJ.
NON-RESTRICTED FIREARMS
The following firearms may be imported without restriction but must be declared with description on the DD Form 1434:
• Air BB Pistols with a muzzle energy of less than 6 ft/lbs • Air BB Rifles with a muzzle energy of less than 12 ft lbs • Non-realistic Imitation Firearms (wholly transparent or brightly colored)
*NOTE: It is a serious offence to have in a public place without good reason any firearm. This includes imitation, replica, BB guns and soft air weapons and deactivated firearms.
POVS (PROHIBITED VEHICLES, COLOR, ETC.)
Single or unaccompanied married members, US Forces Military, and civilian personnel, are allowed to import or purchase one (1) duty free vehicle, including mopeds and motorcycles.
Accompanied members with spouse are allowed to import or purchase two (2) duty free vehicles. Only one vehicle may be shipped per active duty service member or DOD employee at Government expense.
The importation allowance has no bearing on the one POV per active duty member shipping entitlements.
Members exceeding the importation allowance will be assessed a valuation duty by HMRC. The current duty is 25 percent of the current UK market value of the vehicle.