Worldwide operational updates
On this page, you can find updates about outside factors causing delays to our operations, such as port closures, spikes in Covid-19 cases and poor weather conditions. We've also listed any extra shipping considerations for each country we serve to ensure a punctual transit.
Use the links below to jump to the information you need quickly:
Country statuses: a simple traffic light system showing the level at which our services are running in each region.
Regional updates: diarised updates as changes to our operations happen.
Don't forget to visit our blog for more shipping updates and industry news.
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Tips for a stress-free shipment collection and delivery
At Seven Seas Worldwide, we aim to make the international shipping and removals process smooth sailing. That's why we've listed a few handy tips to help you ensure an efficient collection and delivery:
- Check banned goods: every country has a list of items forbidden from importation. Please read our Prohibitive Goods page before packing to prevent customs issues.
- Complete your inventory: fill in your inventory packing list with 100% accuracy. This document tells customs and quarantine officials what your shipment contains, helping them identify any items they need to inspect. Incorrect information can lead to your goods not being cleared for entry into the destination country.
- Pack before collection: to keep everything running on schedule, pack all the items you're shipping or loading into a MoveCube® in advance of our driver's arrival. Then, move your boxes and bags to the entrance of your building for a quick pick-up.
- Weigh your containers: before collection, use bathroom scales to check each box weighs under 30kg/66lbs and split the contents of any exceeding this limit.
- Arrange parking: if you're preparing for a MoveCube®, pay for parking permits before collection or delivery. Although our driver isn't able to singlehandedly load the container for you, they can offer an extra pair of hands and advice on how best to pack your possessions.
- Piano shipping: these instruments are large and fragile, and our drivers don't have the training or equipment to move them. We suggest hiring a professional piano moving company to assist with transporting these items.
Australia
Collection and deliveries are running as expected. However, all shipping is subject to potential delays due to ongoing industry-wide congestion — we'll inform you if your shipment is affected at any point in its journey.
Destination advice:
- Before packing, ensure all items are clean and free of organic materials, such as soil, household dust and vegetation.
- Place footwear at the top of your boxes with the soles facing upwards, so they are easily accessible for inspection by the Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment.
Learn more on our Australian Customs Advice page.
Austria
Collection and deliveries are running as expected. However, all shipping is subject to potential delays due to ongoing industry-wide congestion — we'll inform you if your shipment is affected at any point in its journey.
Belgium
Collection and deliveries are running as expected. However, all shipping is subject to potential delays due to ongoing industry-wide congestion — we'll inform you if your shipment is affected at any point in its journey.
Canada
Collection and deliveries are running as expected. However, all shipping is subject to potential delays due to ongoing industry-wide congestion — we'll inform you if your shipment is affected at any point in its journey.
Destination advice:
- All returning Canadian citizens or recent immigrants must complete a BSF186 form (Personal Effects Accounting Document) to avoid taxes. It needs to be stamped upon arrival at the airport RED channel. Then, show it to the Customs Office in the city your cargo is located for further stamping and send it to our team.
- You must be in Canada when your shipment arrives and be present during customs clearance.
- Avoid using Home Depot-style boxes to pack your possessions as they aren't sturdy enough for overseas journeys.
Learn more on our Canadian Customs Advice page.
China
Collection and deliveries are running as expected. However, all shipping is subject to potential delays due to ongoing industry-wide congestion — we'll inform you if your shipment is affected at any point in its journey.
Destination advice:
- You must be present in China for your shipment's arrival.
- Upon entering the country, declare your unaccompanied baggage by taking the RED Channel at the airport. Then, present your completed "Customs Baggage Declaration Form for Incoming Passengers" to the Customs officer for stamping. Please send the original stamped Declaration and a copy of the entry stamp on your passport by courier to our Guangzhou Office. We must receive this documentation BEFORE your shipment arrives in China.
- Chinese customs officials x-ray all shipments containing personal belongings, and the contents are compared to your inventory list. If they don't match, your boxes are opened and physically inspected by Customs Officials, causing delays and additional charges.
- Please refrain from using mothballs in your boxes, bags and suitcases, as they produce a potent smell that affects surrounding containers and could lead to serious health issues. Mothballs are made of naphthalene or paradichlorobenzene, which are toxic to humans and pets and can cause headaches, nausea, eye and nose irritation, and coughing simply by breathing in the fumes. In more severe cases, exposure could lead to hemolytic anaemia and liver and lung damage. Furthermore, children and pets could mistake these small, colourful balls for food and ingest them.
Learn more on our China Customs Advice page.
Denmark
Collection and deliveries are running as expected. However, all shipping is subject to potential delays due to ongoing industry-wide congestion — we'll inform you if your shipment is affected at any point in its journey.
Other EU & Europe
Collection and deliveries are running as expected. However, all shipping is subject to potential delays due to ongoing industry-wide congestion — we'll inform you if your shipment is affected at any point in its journey.
France
Collection and deliveries are running as expected. However, all shipping is subject to potential delays due to ongoing industry-wide congestion — we'll inform you if your shipment is affected at any point in its journey.
Germany
Collection and deliveries are running as expected. However, all shipping is subject to potential delays due to ongoing industry-wide congestion — we'll inform you if your shipment is affected at any point in its journey.
Hong Kong
Collection and deliveries are running as expected. However, all shipping is subject to potential delays due to ongoing industry-wide congestion — we'll inform you if your shipment is affected at any point in its journey.
Destination advice:
- If you live in an apartment block, our driver will go to your door to collect or deliver your boxes, no matter which floor it's on.
- Typically, two members of our team will assist with the delivery or collection of Large and Medium MoveCubes®, or three if the driver needs to park further than 50m from the building's entrance.
- Please refrain from using mothballs in your boxes, bags and suitcases, as they produce a potent smell that affects surrounding containers and could lead to serious health issues. Mothballs are made of naphthalene or paradichlorobenzene, which are toxic to humans and pets and can cause headaches, nausea, eye and nose irritation, and coughing simply by breathing in the fumes. In more severe cases, exposure could lead to hemolytic anaemia and liver and lung damage. Furthermore, children and pets could mistake these small, colourful balls for food and ingest them.
Ireland
Collection and deliveries are running as expected. However, all shipping is subject to potential delays due to ongoing industry-wide congestion — we'll inform you if your shipment is affected at any point in its journey.
Destination advice:
- You must be present in the Republic of Ireland when your shipment arrives.
- Both Irish and non-Irish citizens must complete the C&E 1076 form and get it signed and approved by Customs Officials for their belongings to be imported tax-free.
- You'll need to complete a SAD (Single Administrative Document) for power and hand tools, declaring their value and paying the duties and VAT.
Learn more on our Republic of Ireland Customs Advice page.
Italy
Collection and deliveries are running as expected. However, all shipping is subject to potential delays due to ongoing industry-wide congestion — we'll inform you if your shipment is affected at any point in its journey.
Malaysia
Collection and deliveries are running as expected. However, all shipping is subject to potential delays due to ongoing industry-wide congestion — we'll inform you if your shipment is affected at any point in its journey.
Netherlands
Collection and deliveries are running as expected. However, all shipping is subject to potential delays due to ongoing industry-wide congestion — we'll inform you if your shipment is affected at any point in its journey.
New Zealand
Collection and deliveries are running as expected. However, all shipping is subject to potential delays due to ongoing industry-wide congestion — we'll inform you if your shipment is affected at any point in its journey.
Destination advice:
- Before packing, ensure all items are clean and free of organic materials, such as soil, household dust and vegetation.
- Place footwear at the top of your boxes with the soles facing upwards, so they are easily accessible for inspection by the Ministry of Primary Industries.
Learn more on our New Zealand Customs Advice page.
Portugal
Collection and deliveries are running as expected. However, all shipping is subject to potential delays due to ongoing industry-wide congestion — we'll inform you if your shipment is affected at any point in its journey.
Singapore
Collection and deliveries are running as expected. However, all shipping is subject to potential delays due to ongoing industry-wide congestion — we'll inform you if your shipment is affected at any point in its journey.
Spain
Collection and deliveries are running as expected. However, all shipping is subject to potential delays due to ongoing industry-wide congestion — we'll inform you if your shipment is affected at any point in its journey.
Sweden
Collection and deliveries are running as expected. However, all shipping is subject to potential delays due to ongoing industry-wide congestion — we'll inform you if your shipment is affected at any point in its journey.
Taiwan
Collection and deliveries are running as expected. However, all shipping is subject to potential delays due to ongoing industry-wide congestion — we'll inform you if your shipment is affected at any point in its journey.
Destination advice:
- You must be present in Taiwan for your shipment's arrival.
- If importing more than five boxes, go through the RED Channel at the airport and complete the declaration form. Then, send our Taiwanese agent copies of your flight information, the entry pass in your passport, and work permit or ARC/Residence Certificate expats, or Residence ID for Taiwanese citizens.
Learn more on our Taiwan Customs Advice page.
Thailand
Collection and deliveries are running as expected. However, all shipping is subject to potential delays due to ongoing industry-wide congestion — we'll inform you if your shipment is affected at any point in its journey.
United Kingdom
Please note that from Sat. 7th October 2023, we will no longer collect or deliver on Saturdays in the UK.
Collection and deliveries are running as expected. However, all shipping is subject to potential delays due to ongoing industry-wide congestion — we'll inform you if your shipment is affected at any point in its journey.
Destination advice:
- For your shipment to gain customs clearance to the UK, you must provide Seven Seas Worldwide with a ToR (Transfer of Residence) Authorisation Code. Failure to do so will result in your possessions being liable for tax.
Learn more on our UK Customs Advice page.
USA
Collection and deliveries are running as expected. However, all shipping is subject to potential delays due to ongoing industry-wide congestion — we'll inform you if your shipment is affected at any point in its journey.
Destination advice:
- You must be present in the USA for your shipment's arrival.
- Avoid using Home Depot-style boxes to pack your possessions as they aren't sturdy enough for overseas journeys.
Learn more on our USA Customs Advice page.
Indonesia
The introduction of a new customs system at the Port of Surabaya is severely delaying the clearance of shipments to Indonesia. Our team continues working hard to ease congestion and get things moving timelier.
Destination advice:
- You must be in Indonesia when your shipment arrives.
- Please provide your Nomor Kartu Tanda Penduduk (Nomor KTP) 16-digit ID number from your citizen or non-citizen ID card for us to clear your personal effects through Indonesian customs.
Learn more on our Indonesia Customs Advice page.
South Africa
Due to South African customs increasing the frequency and scope of their inspections, some shipments are experiencing delays.
Destination advice:
- You must be present in South Africa when your shipment arrives.
- South Africa currently forbids the importation of electrical items.
- You must complete a SARS Customs Form for your shipment to gain clearance into the country.
- We send two team members to conduct collections and deliveries.
Learn more on our South Africa Customs Advice page.
Currently, no countries are experiencing service disruptions.
Latest updates:
22/09/23 — Saturday collection and delivery ending in the UK
From Sat. 7th October 2023, we will no longer collect or deliver on Saturdays in the UK.
19/04/23 — Temporary office closure in Indonesia
Due to the Lebaran Holiday, our Indonesian agent's office is closed until 2nd May. Please expect some customs clearance and delivery delays in Indonesia during this period. We apologise for any inconvenience.
16/11/22 — Train derailment following floods in Australia
A freight train derailed by severe flooding is disrupting the movement of shipments to Adelaide and Perth. Our team are working hard to arrange alternative transportation and ensure transit times are met, but some delays will be unavoidable.
09/11/22 — Delays at the Port of Surabaya in Indonesia
The introduction of a new customs system at the Port of Surabaya is severely delaying the clearance of shipments to Indonesia. Our team continues working hard to ease congestion and get things moving timelier.
07/11/22 — Transnet strikes continue to cause congestion at South African ports
Due to strikes, Transnet Freight Rail is suffering severe disruption, causing some shipping backlogs and delays. Learn more in our How congestion in South Africa may delay your shipment blog article.