Shipping your belongings to Switzerland: customs and household goods

Moving from the United States to Switzerland means your furniture, boxes and possibly your car will pass through Swiss customs, run by the Federal Office for Customs and Border Security (FOCBS, in German BAZG). Household goods can enter duty-free, but only if you meet the conditions and bring the right paperwork. This guide covers what the FOCBS requires, in the order you will need it.

The core rule: transfer of domicile and six months of use

The FOCBS names transfer of domicile to Switzerland as the most important requirement for importing household goods, collections, animals or a car duty-free. Two further conditions apply:

• You must have used the items personally for at least six months before the move.
• You must continue to use them yourself after import.

Anything bought less than six months before the transfer of domicile does not qualify for the exemption. The FOCBS asks you to list such items at the bottom of your inventory under the heading "Goods to be taxed", with their value. Keeping purchase receipts makes this easier.

The FOCBS also notes that household goods, personal effects and students' educational materials can be imported duty-free even when the domicile is not transferred, under separate rules, and that second homes in Switzerland have their own customs regulations.

Proof that you have moved

Americans are not covered by the EU and EFTA rule that lets immigrants skip proof of a residence permit. Still, the FOCBS FAQ says submitting the residence permit is not an absolute requirement: what you must prove is that the transfer of domicile has taken place. Documents such as your employment contract, Swiss lease and confirmation of departure from your previous country can serve as proof. The customs office decides whether what you present is sufficient.

If you do not yet have all your papers when the goods arrive, the customs office can clear the shipment provisionally against a guarantee. Once you submit the missing documents within six months, the guarantee is refunded minus a handling fee.

Form 18.44 and the inventory list

To import household effects duty-free you present form 18.44 (customs clearance of household effects) at the customs office of importation. The form can be filled in online.

The inventory list does not need a special format. The FOCBS says it can be drawn up on a blank sheet, for example "xx boxes of books, xx boxes of clothes, xx boxes of dishes". These items must be listed individually and in detail:

• bulky articles such as furniture and large appliances
• objects of value
• restricted items such as alcoholic beverages and weapons

For weight and value, the FOCBS accepts a rough estimate. The amount the goods are insured for gives an indication, and your moving company can help estimate weight.

Where and when clearance happens

You do not need to announce your shipment in advance. Clearance takes place at a customs office for commercial goods during its opening hours, in principle Monday to Friday, with only some large offices open on Saturday mornings. At the border you use the lane for commercial goods, the one used by heavy goods vehicles. The FOCBS offers a preliminary examination of your relocation file, which helps if your paperwork is unusual.

If your moving company handles the import, confirm with them which customs office they use and that they have your signed form 18.44 and inventory.

Shipping in stages

Many people moving from the US send some things ahead and some later. The FOCBS rules are specific:

• Subsequent consignments must be declared at the time of the first consignment on a separate list. This can include a vehicle.
• Household effects should be imported during the period of transfer of domicile. Imports within two years pose no problem, but the six-month prior-use rule still applies to every item.

If you plan to ship suitcases or boxes ahead rather than move everything in one container, a door-to-door service such as Luggage Forward can carry luggage separately. Keep those items on your inventory list too.

Bringing your car

The FOCBS treats a private vehicle moved with your household as household effects, which are classed as commercial goods. Key points:

• Clear the vehicle at an occupied customs office when it first crosses the border into Switzerland. If you fail to do so, you must clear it retroactively.
• The vehicle must be present. No appointment is needed. Bring form 18.44 and its supporting documents.
• Customs gives you inspection report form 13.20 A as proof of clearance for registration at the cantonal vehicle licensing office.
• If the household-effects conditions are not met, you can under certain conditions apply for customs permit form 15.30, which lets you use the vehicle duty unpaid for a maximum of two years after relocation.
• Registration with Swiss plates can be done up to one year after the transfer of domicile, according to the FOCBS FAQ. Ask your cantonal road traffic office for details.
• If the car papers are in another person's or your employer's name, add a declaration from that person or company explaining who used the vehicle, since when and why.
• A leased car does not change the customs formalities, though it can affect the plate change.

Driving on Swiss motorways requires a vignette. The FOCBS sells the e-vignette, linked to your licence plate, through its Via Portal for CHF 40; the adhesive sticker is the alternative. Each vignette is valid from December 1 of the previous year until January 31 of the following year.

Animals, plants and special items

Pets count as goods for duty purposes and must appear on your inventory list. Veterinary entry rules are separate and set by the Federal Food Safety and Veterinary Office (FSVO): for dogs, cats and ferrets arriving from the US that means a microchip, a valid rabies vaccination and the correct health certificate. The FOCBS FAQ adds:

• House plants are not subject to any particular restrictions.
• Ivory items (including pianos with ivory keys) and stuffed animals require information from the FSVO.
• Weapons require formalities with the Federal Office of Police (fedpol).

Moving trucks over 3.5 tonnes

If a truck brings your goods, the FOCBS reminds you that vehicles over 3.5 tonnes pay a heavy vehicle charge on all roads, cannot exceed the load weight in their papers, and may not drive from 10 pm to 5 am or on Sundays and public holidays.

Leaving Switzerland later

When you move away, the FOCBS asks only for an inventory list in duplicate with your addresses, presented at a customs office for commercial goods. US Customs and Border Protection sets its own rules for household goods you bring back to the United States, so check them before you ship.

Common questions

Can I import my household goods to Switzerland duty-free from the US? Yes, if you transfer your domicile to Switzerland, have used the items for at least six months and keep using them. Declare them on form 18.44 with an inventory list.

Do I need my residence permit before the shipment arrives? No. The FOCBS says you must prove the transfer of domicile, for example with an employment contract and lease. Missing papers can be handled by provisional clearance against a guarantee.

How long do I have to ship the rest of my things? Imports within two years of the transfer of domicile pose no problem, provided later shipments were declared on a separate list with the first consignment and each item meets the six-month use rule.

What happens with items I bought just before moving? Items used for less than six months do not qualify. List them under Goods to be taxed with their value, ideally with receipts.