Customs - Switzerland

SWITZERLAND

DOCUMENTS REQUIRED

Passport (copy of first three pages)

Residence Permit or "Zusicherung Aufenthaltsbewilligung"

Lease or Property Title of Residence in Switzerland

Inventory (detailed) in English, German, French, or Italian, dated and signed by the customer (three copies) showing:

Full contents of this and any other shipments planned
Appliances, giving make and serial number

Customs Import Form 18.44 (in duplicate and signed by Customer) and a list of alcoholic beverages needs to be completed upon arrival in Switzerland

Returning Nationals require an Attestation of Residence issued by the local authorities

Foreigners require a Work and Residence Permit issued by the local authorities

Inventory for all shipments must be submitted with first shipment!

Swiss: "Schriftenempfangsschein" (receipt for depositing papers at the Town Hall)

Form "Erklarung/Abfertigungsantrag fur Libersiedlungsgur" (owners' declaration of personal household goods)

CUSTOMS REGULATIONS

CUSTOMER MUST BE IN SWITZERLAND AND TAKE UP RESIDENCE PRIOR TO CUSTOMS CLEARANCE IN ORDER TO BE ELIGIBLE TO IMPORT USED HOUSEHOLD GOODS AND PERSONAL EFFECTS DUTY-FREE (REGISTRATION WITH THE LOCAL AUTHORITIES IS REQUIRED FOR CLEARANCE).

Used household goods and personal effects must be owned and used for a minimum of six months and remain in Customer's possession for at least one year

Items must be imported during the period of transfer of residence (maximum of three years)

Wedding Presents:

Goods must be shipped within 3 months following the date of wedding for free entry

Inheritance:

Admitted free of duty provided they are used and the declared owner lived abroad
Legal heirs must have their residence in Switzerland
A declaration ("Declaration personnelle d'effects de succession" form 18.46) must be completed and given to the local Swiss Customs Direction before importation
Used household goods given by a living person to an heir as inheritance advancement ("Avance d'hoirie") is considered as inheritance goods

DUTIABLE/RESTRICTED ITEMS

New items (less than six months old) require an invoice, and must be listed separately on the inventory

Foodstuffs in quantity

Alcoholic beverages (must be declared under penalty of heavy fines)

Appliances and restricted items should be loaded last in the container for easy access by Customs

PROHIBITED ITEMS

Drugs and narcotics

Weapons (sporting and hunting guns may be imported with a permit)

Ammunition

Anti-radar equipment

Animals products from protected/endangered species (ivory, skins, etc.)

Cleaning fluids

MOTOR VEHICLES

Duty-free if owned and used over six months and owner states it will not be re-sold within 12 months of import

All cars must comply with Swiss Government regulations

Permission to import is granted on case-by-case basis

Documents required:

Passport
Work Permit
Title
Purchase invoice
Form 18.44
Proof of Residence
Valid Driver's License
Foreign Registration Card
Car license from previous country
Household goods inventory
Swiss Insurance Receipt

PETS

Dogs, cats and birds permitted

Proof of inoculation, veterinary attestation and anti-rabies shot required

Quarantine may be required

PETS

Due to the landlocked location, all surface freight shipments will arrive via a base European port such as Antwerp, Belgium or Rotterdam, Netherlands. The Swiss destination agent will move the shipment in bond to Switzerland for customs clearance.
Swiss customs officials are very strict about descriptive inventories. Under no circumstances is the description of "Packed By Owner" allowed.

NOTE - Customs regulations are subject to change at any time. The proceeding information is a brief summary of customs regulations applicable to household goods shipments to this destination and is being provided for general guidance to assist our Agents and Customers. Since such regulations are subject to change without notice, cannot be held liable for any costs, damage, delays, or other detrimental events resulting from non-compliance. Always double check with your local embassy or consulate.