International Packing & Customs in Los Angeles, California
Export-quality packing and customs documentation for international moves. ISPM-15 compliant crating, customs forms, and restricted items guidance.
- ISPM-15 certified export crating
- Complete customs documentation for any country
- Restricted items guidance before you pack
- Over 30 years of international shipping experience
What Is International Packing & Customs?
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Why Choose Popeye Moving & Storage for International Packing & Customs
Why Choose Us
{"heading": "Why Choose Popeye Moving for International Packing and Customs?", "body": "Our team has prepared international shipments for over 30 years, serving destinations in Europe, Asia, South America, the Middle East, Australia, and Africa. We know which items are restricted or prohibited in specific countries, what duty rates to expect, and how to document your shipment to clear customs efficiently. Proper packing and documentation prevents the two most common international moving problems — damage during transit and delays at customs. We eliminate both."}
Licensed & Insured - California License #PUC: CAL T 189749 | DOT: 1472924 | MC: 498816C
Common International Packing & Customs Scenarios
Shipping antique furniture to a home in France
Antique items require custom crating with ISPM-15 certified wood, detailed photographs and appraisals for customs valuation, and careful declaration to qualify for reduced duty rates on household effects.
Moving to Australia with restricted biosecurity requirements
Australia has strict biosecurity laws. We ensure all wooden items are treated and certified, outdoor equipment is cleaned per Australian standards, and prohibited items are identified before shipping.
First-time international mover unsure about customs requirements
We guide first-time international movers through every documentation requirement, explain what to expect at destination customs, and prepare all paperwork so nothing is left to chance.
Our International Packing & Customs Process
Destination research and restricted items review
We research your destination country customs requirements, identify restricted or prohibited items, and advise on duty expectations so you can make informed decisions about what to ship.
Export-quality packing
All items are packed using international shipping standards — ISPM-15 crating, vapor barrier wrap for ocean freight, IATA-compliant packaging for air freight, and detailed inventory labels on every container.
Customs documentation preparation
We prepare all required documents including the shipper export declaration, detailed valued packing list, certificate of origin, and any country-specific forms or permits.
Customs support at destination
Our destination partner uses the documentation we prepare to clear your shipment through customs efficiently. We remain available to resolve any questions that arise during the clearance process.
What's Included
- Destination country customs research
- Restricted and prohibited items consultation
- Export-quality packing with certified materials
- ISPM-15 heat-treated wood crating
- Vapor barrier wrapping for ocean shipments
- Detailed valued packing inventory
- Customs declaration preparation
- Certificate of origin when required
- Destination customs clearance coordination
Costs & Timelines - What to Expect
International packing and customs services are typically included in our comprehensive international moving quotes rather than priced separately. When purchased as a standalone service (for clients arranging their own freight), export packing starts at $500 for small shipments and customs documentation preparation starts at $300. Custom crating for oversized or high-value items is quoted per piece based on dimensions and materials required.
Methods, Materials & Quality Standards
We maintain a dedicated export packing facility at our Los Angeles warehouse equipped with heat-treatment capabilities for ISPM-15 compliance, vapor barrier materials for ocean freight protection, and IATA-certified packing supplies for air freight. Our packers are trained in international shipping standards and understand the specific requirements that differ from domestic packing — heavier-duty materials, waterproofing, fumigation compliance, and precise labeling that customs inspectors can read and verify.
International Packing & Customs - Frequently Asked Questions
At minimum: passport copies, visa documentation, a detailed valued packing list, and a customs declaration. Some countries require additional documents such as work permits, proof of residence, or a letter from your employer. We prepare all shipping documents and advise on personal documents you need to have ready.
Most countries allow duty-free import of used household goods for residents establishing a new home. Requirements vary — some countries require you to have owned items for 6-12 months, and some restrict certain categories. We advise on your specific situation during planning.
Common restrictions include hazardous materials, perishable food, plants and soil, certain medications, weapons, and items made from protected animal products. Each country has additional specific restrictions. We provide a complete list for your destination during the planning phase.
ISPM-15 is an international standard requiring all solid wood packing materials used in international shipping to be heat-treated to kill insects and pathogens. Non-compliant wood crates will be rejected at most international ports. All our export crating uses ISPM-15 certified and stamped lumber.
SERVICE AREAS
International Packing & Customs Near You
Popeye Moving & Storage provides international packing & customs throughout Los Angeles and surrounding communities.
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