New and Unused Declaration Template
Certifies that the goods are new and have never been used — required where the destination restricts imports of second-hand goods.
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We, , hereby declare that the goods described above, shipped under invoice , are new and unused. The goods have not been previously sold, operated, refurbished, reconditioned or used for any purpose, and are supplied in their original manufactured condition.
About this document
A new and unused declaration confirms that the goods have never been used. Many countries restrict or ban imports of second-hand goods, and letters of credit frequently require the statement as a condition of payment. So the document is often less about customs than about the bank releasing funds.
Why importing countries care
Restrictions on used goods protect domestic industry and keep out equipment that would fail current safety standards. Some countries ban second-hand machinery, vehicles or clothing entirely. Others allow it under permit or at a higher duty rate. Because the rules differ so widely, the declaration is generally requested by the importer, who knows what their authority will accept.
The letter of credit case
Where payment runs through a letter of credit, the credit lists the documents the bank will accept. If it names a new and unused declaration, the bank checks it exists and matches the other documents. A discrepancy means non-payment until it is corrected, regardless of whether the goods themselves are fine. Read the credit terms and match the wording exactly.
Refurbished is not new
Reconditioned, remanufactured and ex-demonstration goods are not new, and declaring them as such is a false statement. Where you are shipping refurbished equipment, say so and check whether the destination permits it. Some countries do, under a different procedure. Getting this wrong is treated as misdeclaration rather than as an error.
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Keep building your document set
- Commercial InvoiceGoods, values and payment details.
- Packing List — DetailedPackages, weights and dimensions.
- Certificate of OriginThe declared origin of your goods.
- Bill of LadingShipper, consignee and cargo details.
- Shipper's Letter of InstructionInstructions for your freight forwarder.
- Verified Gross Mass DeclarationThe verified weight of a packed container.
Questions
+When is this declaration required?
Most often when the destination restricts used goods, or when a letter of credit lists it as a required document. Machinery, vehicles, medical equipment and clothing are the categories where it comes up most.
+Does it cover packaging as well as goods?
Normally it refers to the goods themselves. Where used packaging or pallets are a concern, that is usually handled by a separate packing declaration covering timber treatment.
+What if some items are new and some are not?
Do not issue a blanket declaration. Either split the shipment, or state clearly which line items the declaration covers. A declaration that is true of most of a consignment is false of the consignment.
+Who signs it?
The exporter or manufacturer, by someone authorised to make the statement on the company's behalf. Where a letter of credit specifies who must sign or in what form, follow that exactly, since the bank checks form as well as content.
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