What is the customs form 13.20A?

The 13.20A inspection report is the official document issued by Swiss Customs confirming that the vehicle has been cleared. It is absolutely mandatory in order to register the car with the Cantonal Vehicle Office.

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

Executive Summary

Importing a vehicle into Switzerland when relocating is subject to the "6-month rule". If you have owned and used the car for more than 6 months, it is classified as "household effects" (form 18.44) and is exempt from VAT and customs taxes. Otherwise, an 8.1% VAT and a 4% automobile tax apply. In all cases, customs will provide you with form 13.20A. You then have a strict 12-month period to register the vehicle with the cantonal vehicle office, requiring Swiss civil liability insurance and a technical compliance inspection.

Step 1: Customs Clearance (The Importance of 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 exclusively on how long you have owned your vehicle.

Scenario A: Vehicle owned for more than 6 months	Scenario B: Vehicle owned 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% - Weight-based customs fees (approx. 12-15 CHF per 100 kg depending on origin).
Constraint: Prohibition on selling the vehicle in Switzerland during the 12 months following importation.	Constraint: The vehicle can be resold immediately without penalty.

The Precious Document: Whatever your scenario, the customs officer will hand you the 13.20A Inspection Report. Keep it safe; it is the absolute proof of customs clearance and will be required to obtain your Swiss license plates.

Step 2: Registration and Obtaining 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 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 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 13.20A form, your foreign vehicle registration certificate, your residence permit, and the European Certificate of Conformity (COC).

The Financial Aspect: Beware of 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.

Don't Pay the Hidden Fees of Your Traditional Bank

Using your foreign bank card or making a SWIFT transfer from your European bank to pay your Swiss invoices exposes you to an inflated exchange rate. Banks generally apply a margin of 1.5% to 2.5% on the exchange rate, in addition to international transfer fees.

As a financial partner for expats and cross-border workers, ibani allows you to:

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Frequently Asked Questions

No, if you have owned and used the vehicle for more than 6 months before your date of entry into Switzerland. It is then considered "household effects" (form 18.44) and is exempt from Swiss VAT and automobile tax.

If the vehicle was purchased less than 6 months before importation, you must pay Swiss VAT (8.1%), automobile tax (4% of the vehicle's value), and possible customs duties based on weight (depending on the origin).

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.