Swiss Car Customs: Customs Declaration for Importing Cars from Germany

Learn how to import your vehicle into Switzerland and obtain the proper customs declaration for car imports.

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Customs Guide: Importing Your Car from Germany to Switzerland

Before you can permanently import a car into Switzerland and apply for Swiss registration, your vehicle must undergo customs clearance first. This car import process consists of two essential steps.

In the first step, the car is registered and exported with the German customs. This allows you to later reclaim the Value Added Tax (VAT) you have already paid in Germany from the car seller.

The second step involves customs clearance upon entering Switzerland at the Swiss customs office. Here, you will incur Swiss Value Added Tax, vehicle tax, and possibly a weight-based duty. The costs for these, often denominated in CHF, can be paid either directly at the customs office or conveniently through the Import Butler.

The Import Butler assists you in calculating the import costs. After the calculation, you will receive all the necessary documents required for export from Germany and subsequent import into Switzerland.

Steps for the Optimal Car Customs Clearance from Germany to Switzerland

1. CALCULATE IMPORT COSTS

Calculate all costs for car importation up to registration in Switzerland, including vehicle tax and Value Added Tax (VAT).

CALCULATE COSTS ONLINE

2. DEKLARATION BESTELLEN

Order your desired car customs declaration online. Use our service to smoothly transfer your vehicle from Germany to Switzerland.

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3. IMPORTING A CAR

After receiving all the documents, you can transport your vehicle from Germany to Switzerland and register it with the Swiss Motor Vehicle Inspection Authority (MFK).

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Clearing a Car from Germany to Switzerland: Cost Example

The customs clearance and import of a vehicle from Germany to Switzerland involve various items that contribute to the total cost. Whether it’s a conventional vehicle or an electric car, the costs vary depending on the type of vehicle and other factors.

Here, we provide a detailed calculation example to give you an overview of the possible costs.

Itemized Costs Amount in € Amount in CHF
Net Vehicle Price in Germany € 20’000 —
Exchange Rate (Customs Exchange Rate) — 1 € = 1.10 CHF
Vehicle Price in CHF — CHF 22’000
Value Added Tax (7.7%) — CHF 1’694
Vehicle Tax (4%) — CHF 880
Weight-Based Duty — CHF 450
Total Cost Including Duties & Taxes — CHF 25’024

Costs for the Car Customs Declaration

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export and import declaration

CHF39800
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Customs Clearance for Car Imports: Questions about Importing Vehicles from Germany to Switzerland

The customs exchange rate, often simply referred to as the exchange rate, is a rate established by customs authorities used to convert the value of imported and exported goods into the local currency. It serves as the basis for calculating customs duties, taxes, and other import or export fees.

In practice, this means the following: If, for example, you are importing a car in euros, and importing it into a country that uses a different currency (e.g., Swiss Francs in Switzerland), then the value of that product must be converted into the local currency to accurately calculate the applicable duties and taxes. In this process, it doesn’t necessarily rely on the daily exchange rate in the open market, but rather on the customs authorities’ predetermined customs exchange rate.

The customs exchange rate can differ from market rates and is periodically updated by the customs authorities. This ensures a certain level of predictability and consistency in customs processing, even though market rates may fluctuate daily.

If you need specific information about the current customs exchange rate in a particular country or for a specific currency, you should consult the official website or contact the customs authority of that country.

In Switzerland, the vehicle tax is levied on passenger cars and amounts to 4% (as of 08/2023). The basis for the calculation is the Swiss net amount after conversion using the customs exchange rate.

Weight-based duty is a form of taxation on the import of goods into Switzerland, which is based on the weight of the imported goods. When importing a car, in addition to the Value Added Tax and other charges, a weight-based duty may also apply. The exact amount of duty depends on various factors, including the type and weight of the vehicle.

If there is no supplier’s declaration or no EUR.1, a weight duty is due. These charges amount to CHF 15.- per 100 kg of vehicle weight and are calculated based on the COC (Certificate of Conformity) vehicle specifications.

The Value Added Tax (often abbreviated as MWST) is an indirect tax levied on the sale of goods and services. In Switzerland, it is imposed on the value of imported goods, such as a “car from Germany.” The current Value Added Tax rate (7.7%) in Switzerland may vary, and it’s important to take into account the applicable rate when importing a car.

The costs for customs clearance of a car in Switzerland are composed of various fees.

The main components include Swiss Value Added Tax, vehicle tax, and potentially weight-based duty. The exact costs depend on the vehicle’s value, type, and weight. Additionally, when importing a car, there may be fees for customs clearance services or additional charges. It is recommended to perform a precise cost calculation before importing a car to avoid any unpleasant surprises.

Import duties in Switzerland vary depending on the product category. For cars, it’s important to distinguish between Swiss Value Added Tax and the actual customs duty. While Value Added Tax is typically a fixed percentage of the purchase price, customs duty can vary depending on the type and weight of the vehicle. To find out the exact customs fees for “importing a car,” we provide our own free calculator.

A “car” imported “permanently into Switzerland” must be registered with the relevant cantonal road traffic office after successful customs clearance. This should typically be done within 14 days after importation. Before registration, the vehicle often needs to undergo a motor vehicle inspection (MFK) to confirm compliance with Swiss regulations.

If you want to register a car from Germany for export, for example, “to Switzerland,” you must first deregister the vehicle at the appropriate registration authority. During this process, you will receive export license plates and an export certificate. This certificate is necessary to obtain a refund of the Value Added Tax when exiting Germany and importing into another country, such as Switzerland. It’s important to have all relevant vehicle documents and proofs with you, especially when planning to transport the “car from Germany to Switzerland.”

An EUR.1 is a certificate of origin that certifies that the goods being exported to certain countries were manufactured in the EU or one of the countries associated with the EU. When importing vehicles into Switzerland, presenting an EUR.1 certificate may The presentation of an EUR.1 document, under certain circumstances, can lead to customs duty reductions, especially when a free trade agreement is in place.

The EORI number is a special customs identification number for German businesses that are liable for Value Added Tax (VAT). When exporting cars to Switzerland, this number is reported to the relevant customs authority. It is used for the refund of German Value Added Tax (VAT). Without this number, a proper proof of export from Germany to Switzerland cannot be provided.

After importing a car from Germany into Switzerland, the Swiss customs issues an import confirmation. With this confirmation, you can request a refund of the Value Added Tax (VAT) you paid when purchasing the car from the dealer in Germany.

The Value Added Tax (VAT) already paid in Germany is refunded by the car seller after the car is imported into Switzerland.

With the import confirmation from Swiss customs, you can request a refund of the Value Added Tax from the car dealer in Germany.

The certificate of origin is issued by the car manufacturer and confirms the vehicle was produced within Europe. For importing a car from Germany to Switzerland, this certificate is required, especially for the issuance of the EUR.1 document. Documents.

The import fees (automobile tax, weight-based charges, and value-added tax) can be paid in cash directly at the relevant customs office. Please note the daily limit of your card. Alternatively, you can also pay the fees using a payment slip through the Import-Butler.

For the import declaration of your vehicle from Germany, you will need:

– Purchase agreement
-EU Certificate of Conformity (COC)
– Certificate of Origin / EUR.1 (if applicable)

The customs declaration for your imported vehicle from Germany is typically processed within two working days. An express service is offered upon request through the Import-Butler.

Yes, the customs clearance can also be carried out at the inland customs office. However, it is recommended to handle the import and customs clearance directly at the main customs office if you intend to permanently bring your car into Switzerland.

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