Customs clearance for moving to Switzerland

1. Your destination agent provides the correct Swiss customs form (original signature required).
2. You prepare a translated inventory and the supporting residency/immigration documents.
3. The shipment is cleared as “removal goods” (used personal effects) if you meet the duty-free conditions.
4. Special categories (new goods, alcohol, firearms, pets, etc.) may require separate declarations or permits.

• Copies/PDFs of key Swiss forms are not accepted — originals with signatures are required.
• Swiss Customs may request additional documents even if not listed (e.g., work contract, de-registration at origin, removal costs).
• New items must be declared separately and are subject to duties and VAT.

• Moving household effects into Switzerland (incl. forms guidance):
  ezv.admin.ch — Moving household effects

• Dogs, cats, ferrets:
  blv.admin.ch — Dogs/cats/ferrets
• Birds:
  blv.admin.ch — Birds

• Goods must have been in your possession and in use for at least 6 months prior to shipping.
• Import must take place within 24 months from change of residence.
• Second/additional shipments must be announced with the main import and must also occur within 24 months of change of residence.

• Original signed Swiss Customs form 18.44.
• Passport copy of all co-immigrating persons (picture page).
• Inventory translated into a Swiss official language (French/German/Italian) or English.
• Copy of lease or property title for the Swiss apartment/house (countersigned).
• Copy of registration certificate from the local town hall.

• Immigrants from EU countries: residence permit or approval letter (“Zusicherung der Aufenthaltsbewilligung” / “Ermächtigung zur Visumerteilung”) OR countersigned employment contract.
• Non-EU immigrants: countersigned employment contract AND residence permit or approval letter (“Zusicherung der Aufenthaltsbewilligung” / “Ermächtigung zur Visumerteilung”).

• Removal goods import must occur within 24 months from change of residence.
• Additional shipments must be announced with the main import and also occur within the same 24-month window.

• Secure the Swiss address documentation early (countersigned lease/title).
• Ensure your town hall registration certificate is ready.
• Ask your destination agent for original forms early (forms must be signed originals).

• Form 18.45, inventory, marriage certificate.
• Residence permits for both partners (if non-Swiss citizens).
• Duty-free if items will be used for another 12 months and shipment occurs within 6 months of the civil marriage.
• Original form required (copies not accepted). If only used articles are imported, clearance may be done as “removal goods”.

• Form 18.46, inventory + legal declaration/will proving rightful ownership, death certificate (or equivalent) confirming last residence of the deceased, passport copy of inheritor.
• Duty-free if the inheritor has residence in Switzerland at time of death and at time of import; only used household goods/effects qualify.
• Original form required (copies not accepted).

• Required: purchase invoice; EUR.1 certificate of origin where applicable (EEC/EFTA) to allow duty-free or reduced duty.
• All new items are subject to duties and taxes.
• Duty is charged by weight; VAT is charged at 7.7%.
• Must be declared separately according to customs tariff headings (item weights help).

• Artworks: inventory should list name, year of production, author/artist, and value (if possible) for statistical purposes.
• Duty-free without special documents if part of a removal.
• If not part of removal: treat as “new” goods for documents; duty/tax may still apply (artist importing own works may be treated differently per guide).
• Antiques: if not part of a removal, invoice confirming they are over 100 years old; antiques can be duty-free but may be liable to VAT.

• Removal-goods documents plus: purchase contract/receipt and original title/registration card.
• Duty-free if vehicle has been in your possession and in use for at least 6 months prior to shipping.
• Third-party liability insurance is mandatory for registration/use on Swiss roads.
• Vehicle cannot be used without number plate (foreign or Swiss); Customs may ask for proof of first registration/official use.

• Alcohol up to 25%: declare on separate inventory; duty-free if part of removal in reasonable quantity (max. 200 litres of wine). Load for easy inspection.
• Strong liquor over 25%: must be on separate inventory; duty-free up to 12 litres; beyond that heavy duty/taxes may apply.
• Firearms: exact description on inventory (make/model/calibre). Some types require an import permit from Federal Authorities in Bern. Load for easy access for inspection.

• 15-digit ISO microchip.
• Identity card / passport or EU veterinary certificate if no pet ID card exists.
• Rabies vaccination: effective 21 days after vaccination until end of validity.
• If coming from a country where urban rabies is known: blood test (30+ days after vaccination) and at least 4 months between last rabies vaccination and entry; plus import permit.
• If relocating with a dog with docked tail or ears: Customs form 18.44 and household-goods supporting documents are required.

Requirements for birds are published by the Swiss authorities.
Use the official link in the “Official sources” section above (BLV — Birds).

• Switzerland adopted ISPM-15 standards for wood packaging.
• Wood packaging imported from outside Europe and from Portugal is subject to heat-treatment proof, evidenced by an ISPM seal.
• Each wooden package must be marked in a visible location — ideally on two opposite sides.
• Random samples are examined at the Swiss customs border in Basel (per guide).

• Use compliant ISPM-15 treated wood for crates/pallets where required.
• Ensure the ISPM mark is clearly visible after wrapping/strapping.
• Keep crate/pallet surfaces accessible in case of inspection.
• For logistics sector reference, the guide suggests consulting: spedlogswiss.com.

• Confirm your goods have been owned/used for 6+ months prior to shipping.
• Confirm import timing: within 24 months from change of residence (including additional shipments).
• Request original signed Swiss form 18.44 from your destination agent (copies/PDF not accepted).
• Prepare translated inventory (FR/DE/IT or English) and passport copies for all co-immigrating persons.
• Collect Swiss housing proof (countersigned lease/title) and town hall registration certificate.

• Separate “new” goods on the inventory and keep invoices ready (new goods are dutiable; VAT 7.7%).
• List alcohol on a separate inventory; keep within stated allowance limits where applicable; load for easy access.
• If shipping strong liquor, understand only 12 litres are duty-free; additional quantities can be heavily taxed.
• If shipping firearms, provide full specs and confirm whether an import permit is required.
• If shipping pets, follow microchip/rabies rules and check BLV official pages for your origin country scenario.
• If using wooden crates/pallets, ensure ISPM-15 compliance and visible marking.