June 12, 2024

Moving to Switzerland

Removal goods

DOCUMENTS REQUIRED

All importers:

  • Original signed Customs form 44.
  • Copy of passport of all co-immigrating persons (picture page).
  • Inventory of the goods translated in one of the official languages: French, German, Italian or even English.
  • Copy of lease or property title for the Swiss apartment or house (countersigned)
  • Copy of registration certificate from the local town hall.

Additional for immigrants from the 25 EU- countries:

  • A copy of residence permit or approval letter from the local immigration department. “Zusicherung der Aufenthaltsbewilligung” / “Ermächtigung zur Visumerteilung” OR Employment contract (countersigned).

Additional for foreign Non-EU immigrants:

  • Employment contract (countersigned).
  • A copy of residence permit or approval letter from the local immigration department. “Zusicherung der Aufenthaltsbewilligung” / “Ermächtigung zur Visumerteilung”.

CUSTOMS PRESCRIPTIONS

  • Duty free entry provided when:
    • The imported goods have been in use and possession by client for at least 6 months prior to shipping.
    • The import of the removal goods must take place within 24 months from change of residence.
    • 2nd or additional shipments must be announced upon the main import of household goods and must take place within 24 months from change of residence.

REMARKS

Diplomats removals

DOCUMENTS REQUIRED

  • Application for free entry on form 60 to be made by Embassy/Diplomatic Representation to the Customs Office of importation as requested.
  • Copy of Legitimation Card.

CUSTOMS PRESCRIPTIONS

  • Application to be forwarded to the nearest customs office e. to Genève-La Praille or Bern, where the formalities for duty-free importation will be carried out.
  • Import of alcohol is allowed for diplomats but limited to annual quota agreed by the local Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the respective embassies in the country.

REMARKS

  • Customs form on file with most foreign Embassies and Consulates.
  • Copies are not accepted – original signature is mandatory.

Wedding trousseaux

DOCUMENTS REQUIRED

  • Customs form 45.
  • Inventory of the goods.
  • Marriage certificate.
  • Residence permit for both partners (if non- Swiss citizens).

CUSTOMS PRESCRIPTIONS

  • Duty free entry provided:
    • Items will be used for another 12 months.
    • Shipment has to take place within 6 months of the civil marriage.

REMARKS

  • Your destination agent will provide the Swiss customs form 45. Copies are not accepted – original signature is mandatory.
  • If used articles only are imported: clearance as “removal goods” with documents as stipulated above.

Inheritance

DOCUMENTS REQUIRED

  • Customs form 46.
  • Inventory of the goods with supporting legal declaration or will confirming that the goods to be imported are the rightful property of the inheritor.
  • Certificate of death or equivalent document confirming the last residence of the deceased.
  • Passport copy of inheritor.

CUSTOMS PRESCRIPTIONS

  • Duty free entry provided:
    • Inheritor has residence in Switzerland at the time of death and at the time of import.
    • Only used household goods and effects can be imported duty-free as inheritance goods

REMARKS

  • Your destination agent will provide the Swiss customs form 18.46. Copies are not accepted – original signature is mandatory.

New furniture and household goods

DOCUMENTS REQUIRED

  • Purchase Invoice.
  • Forms EUR 1 certificate of origin where applicable, to allow duty-free entry (EEC/EFTA-countries) or entry at reduced rates from some other countries.

CUSTOMS PRESCRIPTIONS

  • All new items are subject to duties and taxes payment.
  • Duty is charged by weight.
  • Taxes: VAT is charged at 7.7%.

REMARKS

  • Must be declared separately according to customs tariff headings.
  • Individual weights on invoice or packing list are helpful.

Art work

DOCUMENTS REQUIRED

  • Inventory list showing the art work:
    • Name.
    • Year of production.
    • Author/artist.
    • Value (if possible).

Information is required for statistical data.

CUSTOMS PRESCRIPTIONS

  • Duty free without special documents if part of a removal.

REMARKS

  • If not part of a removal, same as under ‘new’ furniture, but duty and tax-free when imported by the artist himself.

Antiques

DOCUMENTS REQUIRED

  • See under Works of art.
  • If not part of a removal: invoice with confirmation that they are over 100 years old.

CUSTOMS PRESCRIPTIONS

  • Antiques can be imported duty free but are liable to VAT taxes, see under ‘new’ furniture.

Motor vehicles (cars, boats, planes etc.)

DOCUMENTS REQUIRED

  • Documents as mentioned under “removal goods” plus:
  • Purchase contract/receipt.
  • Original title or registration card

CUSTOMS PRESCRIPTIONS

  • Duty free entry provided when :
  • The imported vehicle has been in use and possession by client for at least 6 months prior to shipping.

REMARKS

  • Third party liability insurance is mandatory for the registration and use of a vehicle on Swiss
  • Vehicle cannot be used without number plate (foreign or Swiss).
  • Customs may ask for proof of the first registration/official use of car.

Alcoholic beverages (wine, beer etc.) (up to 25% proof)

DOCUMENTS REQUIRED

  • To be declared on separate inventory.

CUSTOMS PRESCRIPTIONS

  • Duty free if part of removal and in a reasonable quantity appropriate to the amount of removal goods (max. 200 litres of wine).
  • Import of alcohol is allowed for diplomats but limited to annual quota agreed by the local Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the respective embassies in the country.

REMARKS

  • Load to allow easy access for inspection. If bought especially for export and not in owners possession prior to the move, dutiable, and may be subject to import quotas.

Strong liquor (over 25% proof)

DOCUMENTS REQUIRED

  • Must be declared on separate inventory.

CUSTOMS PRESCRIPTIONS

  • Duty free up to 12 litres.

REMARKS

  • For additional quantity, very heavy duty and taxes are applied (over SFr.50. – per bottle).

Firearms

DOCUMENTS REQUIRED

  • Exact description on inventory make, model, calibre etc.

CUSTOMS PRESCRIPTIONS

  • Some require import permit to be obtained from Federal Authorities in Bern, others not, depending on the exact type.

REMARKS

  • To be loaded to allow easy access for customs inspection.

Plants

DOCUMENTS REQUIRED

  • None, if in reasonable quantity together with removal, plant health certificate helpful.

CUSTOMS PRESCRIPTIONS

  • If not together with removal or large quantities, health certificate necessary.

Pets (dogs, cats, ferrets)

DOCUMENTS REQUIRED

  • 15 digit ISO Microchip.
  • Identity card, Passport or EU Veterinary certificate if no pet ID card available in the country of origin.
  • Rabies vaccination, effective 21 days after vaccination until the end of the period of validity (as indicated by the vaccine manufacturer).
  • Additionally, if coming from a country where urban rabies is known:
    • Blood test – required at least 30 days after rabies vaccination. At least 4 months must elapse between last rabies vaccination and entry into the country.
  • Import permit.

REMARKS

Pets (birds)

REMARKS

Fumigation of imported and exported wooden materials

CUSTOMS PRESCRIPTIONS

  • Effective October 2010 the Swiss Government adopted ISPM-15 standards for wood packaging.
  • Wooden packing material imported from outside of Europe and from Portugal are subject to heated treatment proofed with an according ISPM Seal.

REMARKS

  • The wooden packing material must be marked in a visible location on each article, if possible on two opposite sides of the package.
  • Currently the random samples will only be examined at the Swiss customs boarder in Basel.
  • Consult www.spedlogswiss.com
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