Passing Swiss customs for vehicle importation

Importing Your Vehicle to Switzerland: Taxes, Customs, and License Plates

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By Brice DELHOME

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📌 In short: importing your vehicle into Switzerland
  • The 6-month rule: a vehicle you have used personally for at least 6 months before the move, and will continue to use in Switzerland, is imported as household effects (form 18.44), free of VAT and automobile tax.
  • Less than 6 months: a vehicle used for less than 6 months before the move is taxed as ordinary goods, with Swiss VAT of 8.1% and automobile tax of 4%; customs duties on cars have been abolished since 1 January 2024.
  • The document to keep: whether the vehicle is exempt or taxed, customs hands over the inspection report (form 13.20 A), which is then required to obtain Swiss plates.
  • 12 months to register: foreign plates remain usable for a maximum of 12 months after entry into Switzerland. Registration with the cantonal vehicle office requires Swiss third-party liability insurance, a technical inspection and the European Certificate of Conformity (COC).

Step 1: how do you clear your vehicle through customs and benefit from the 6-month rule?

Upon arrival in Swiss territory, you must spontaneously declare your vehicle to the Federal Office for Customs and Border Security (FOCBS). Taxation depends on how long you used your vehicle before the move.

Customs clearance of a vehicle imported into Switzerland when moving: classification, customs form, taxes and conditions depending on whether you personally used it for at least 6 months or for less than 6 months before the move
Scenario A: Vehicle used for at least 6 monthsScenario B: Vehicle used for less than 6 months
Classification: Household effects (Relocation goods).Classification: Standard merchandise import.
Customs Form: Declaration 18.44.Customs Form: e-dec Declaration (Import).
Taxes to pay: 0 CHF. You are fully exempt from Swiss VAT and automobile tax.Applicable taxes:
- Swiss VAT: 8.1%
- Automobile tax: 4%
- Customs duties: none since 1 January 2024 (abolition of industrial tariffs).
Condition: You must continue to use the vehicle yourself in Switzerland (Art. 14 Customs Ordinance, in French).Resale: free, as the taxes were paid on import.
The Precious Document: Whatever your scenario, the customs officer will hand you the inspection report (form 13.20 A). Keep it safe; it certifies customs clearance and will be required to obtain your Swiss license plates.

Step 2: how do you register your vehicle and obtain Swiss license plates?

Once you have cleared customs, you are allowed to drive with your original foreign license plates for a maximum period of 12 months (Art. 115 of the Road Traffic Licensing Ordinance) from your date of entry into Switzerland (the date on your B, L, or C residence permit).

Before this deadline expires, you must initiate the procedures with the Vehicle Office of your canton of residence (SAN in the canton of Vaud, OCN in Fribourg, OCV in Geneva, etc.).

The 3 Prerequisites for Registration:

  • Swiss Civil Liability Insurance: Third-party liability insurance is mandatory. The Swiss insurer will directly send an electronic certificate (e-attestation) to the cantonal vehicle office.
  • Technical Inspection (Motor Vehicle Control): You will receive a summons for a technical inspection. This check is very rigorous in Switzerland. Plan for a complete cleaning (including chassis and engine) before presenting the car.
  • The Administrative File: Bring the original form 13.20 A, your foreign vehicle registration certificate, your residence permit, and the European Certificate of Conformity (COC).

How can you avoid exchange rate traps?

Moving and importing your vehicle involve unavoidable expenses in Swiss francs (CHF): payment of customs taxes (if applicable), payment of the new Swiss auto insurance premium, and cantonal registration fees.

If your funds are currently in euros (on your home bank account), you will have to convert this capital. This is where expats often lose money invisibly.

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Frequently Asked Questions

No, if you have used the vehicle personally for at least 6 months before your move and continue to use it in Switzerland. It is then considered "household effects" (form 18.44) and is exempt from Swiss VAT and automobile tax.

If you have used the vehicle for less than 6 months before importation, you must pay Swiss VAT (8.1%) and automobile tax (4% of the vehicle's value). Customs duties on cars, however, were abolished on 1 January 2024.

You have a strict period of 12 months from your date of entry into Switzerland (the date on your residence permit) to register your vehicle with the Cantonal Vehicle Office and obtain Swiss plates.

Official sources