International Moving

Customs Information

Be prepared. Learn the requirements and restrictions of your destination country.

Moving across international borders can be complicated. In order to be fully prepared, you should know what documents (identification, titles, insurance certificates, bills of sale, etc.) are required by customs in your destination country. Many countries also have various restrictions on the type or quantity of goods or pets that you are allowed to bring into the country. Researching well ahead of time will ensure that your relocation is successful and problem-free.

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 only a brief summary of customs regulations applicable to household goods shipments to this country and is solely for general guidance. Since regulations are subject to change without notice, iMoveInternational.com cannot be held liable for any costs, damage, delays, or other detrimental events resulting from non-compliance. It is your responsibility to check with your local embassy or consulate prior to your move for the most up-to-date and complete information.