If you are interested in shipping in shipping to Switzerland, the country is home to several ports along the Rhine River including the Port of Kleinhuningen, Port of St. Johann, Port of Birsfelden, Port of Mutten-Au, and Switzerland’s busiest Port of Basel.
Known officially as the Swiss Confederation, Switzerland is a country situated in Western and Central Europe. A landlocked country, Switzerland is bordered by Italy to the south, France to the west, Germany to the north, and Austria and Lichtenstein to the east. Switzerland is inhabited by approximately 8 million people and is home to global economic cities Zurich and Geneva.
Documentation Required for Shipping to Switzerland
- Valid Passport
- Residence Permit
- Lease or Property title of Residence in Switzerland
- Detailed inventory list dated and signed by the customer that entails contents of items shipped, given make and serial number of appliances. List must be submitted with first shipment
- Customs Import Form 18.44
If you are interested in shipping household goods, you must be in Switzerland and take up residence prior to customs clearance. Used household goods must be owned and used for a minimum of six months and remain in your possession for at least one year. These items will need to be imported during the period of transfer of residence, which is a maximum of three years.
Items Prohibited from shipping to Switzerland
When shipping cargo to Switzerland, there are certain items that are not allowed to enter the country via cargo. These items include the following:
- Drugs and narcotics
- Weapons (sporting and hunting guns may be imported with a permit)
- Ammunition
- Anti-radar equipment
- Animal products from protected/endangered species (ivory, skins, etc.)
- Cleaning fluids
In addition to these items, Swiss customs request any appliances and restricted items be loaded last in the container to allow easy access for required inspections.
Shipping a Vehicle to Switzerland
If you are interested in shipping a vehicle to Switzerland, you will have to follow the guidelines and regulations of the Swiss customs in order to do such. When shipping a vehicle to Switzerland, there are a number of specific cases that may or may not apply to your shipping needs. You will first have to determine which regulations and classifications apply to your shipping needs. Swiss customs make the distinctions between undeclared vehicles, vehicles for temporary use and relocation from a foreign country. Regardless of your situation, you will need to provide essential documents to customs prior to shipping your vehicle. These documents include the following:
- 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
When importing your vehicle, you must declare it the first chance you get with customs and can only do this in person. You will also liable for customs duties and may be subject to a technical test.
Temporary visitors with residence abroad can operate a vehicle without paying import duties, after filling out proper documentation only a simple permit will be required.
If you are moving to Switzerland, the car will be duty free if it was used for at least 6 months abroad under your ownership. Registration of the vehicle is required after customs in the canton where you have declared residence.
Bringing a Pet to Switzerland
If bringing along a cat or dog, you must first show proof of having an implanted microchip. You must provide a rabies certification for your pet and it is also required that your pet be vaccinated 21 days before traveling. The most important documentation is the veterinary certificate for Switzerland, without this document your pet will not be allowed to enter the country.