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
- Used household goods given by a living person to an heir as inheritance advancement (“Avance d’hoirie”) is considered as inheritance goods
- A declaration (“Declaration personnelle d’effects de succession” form 18.46) must be completed and given to the local Swiss Customs Direction before importation
DOCUMENTS REQUIRED:
- Passport (copy of first three pages)
- Inventory (detailed) in English, German, French, or Italian, dated and signed by the customer (three copies) showing:
- Residence Permit or “Zusicherung Aufenthaltsbewilligung”
- Lease or Property Title of Residence in Switzerland
- Full contents of this and any other shipments planned
- Appliances, giving make and serial number
- 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 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
PROHIBITED ITEMS:
- Drugs and narcotics
- Weapons (sporting and hunting guns may be imported with a permit)
- Animals products from protected/endangered species (ivory, skins, etc.)
- Cleaning fluids
- Ammunition
- Anti-radar equipment
DUTIABLE/RESTRICTED ITEMS:
- New items (less than six months old) require an invoice, and must be listed separately on the inventory
- Appliances and restricted items should be loaded last in the container for easy access by Customs
- Foodstuffs in quantity
- Alcoholic beverages (must be declared under penalty of heavy fines)
PETS:
- Dogs, cats and birds permitted
- Proof of inoculation, veterinary attestation and anti-rabies shot required
- Quarantine may be required
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
- Documents required:
- Passport
- Work Permit
- Purchase invoice
- Form 18.44
- Title
- Proof of Residence
- Household goods inventory
- Swiss Insurance Receipt
- Valid Driver’s License
- Foreign Registration Card
- Car license from previous country
- Permission to import is granted on case-by-case basis
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, we 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.
