📋 Vehicle Import

Financial obligations, federal taxes, and the step-by-step technical process for importing vehicles into Switzerland

Important: Importing a vehicle involves strict coordination between the Federal Office for Customs and Border Security (BAZG) and your Cantonal Road Traffic Office. This guide covers the complete 2026 process.

1. The Financial Breakdown (Taxes & Duties)

If you are importing a newly purchased car (or one you have owned for less than six months), you are subject to standard import taxation.

Tax/Duty Rate Details
Value Added Tax (VAT/TVA) 8.1% Calculated on total value (purchase price + transport + duties)
Federal Automobile Tax 4% Flat 4% on vehicle value (includes EVs since Jan 2024)
Weight-Based Customs Duty 12-15 CHF/100kg Waived with valid EU/UK Certificate of Origin (EUR.1)
CO2 Emission Penalty Variable High-emission new vehicles. Exempt if >6 months old + >5,000 km
Crucial Update (Jan 2024): The Swiss Federal Council eliminated the tax exemption for electric vehicles (EVs). All electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles are now subject to the 4% federal automobile tax.

Import Tax Calculator

Input Parameters

Results

Total Import Cost
CHF 28,637.50
VAT (8.1%) CHF 2,065.50
Federal Auto Tax (4%) CHF 1,020.00
Weight Duty CHF 0.00
Vehicle + Transport CHF 25,500.00

2. The Exemption: Relocating to Switzerland (Form 18.44)

If you are moving to Switzerland, you can bypass almost all the taxes by declaring your car as part of your "household effects" (Umzugsgut / Effets de déménagement).

The 6-Month Rule

To qualify, you must prove that the vehicle has been registered in your name and used for your personal needs abroad for at least 6 months prior to your transfer.

The Document

Submit Form 18.44 in duplicate at the border, alongside your vehicle registration, lease/purchase contract, and Swiss residence permit.

The Restriction

You are legally prohibited from selling the car for 12 months. Selling before triggers retroactive tax payment.
Tax Savings: Using Form 18.44 can save you thousands of CHF in import taxes. Make sure you meet the 6-month ownership requirement!

3. The Border Crossing Process

You cannot simply drive across the border in the fast lane with a car you intend to import.

4. Form 13.20A & The Digital "Stadi" Update

Form 13.20A (Prüfungsbericht / Rapport d'expertise) is the holy grail of the Swiss car import process. Without it, you cannot register your car or get Swiss license plates.

2025/2026 "Stadi" Digital Overhaul: The process has been modernized. Your customs broker will now download your verified Form 13.20A digitally via the government's Chartera Output portal.

📱 New Digital Process

  1. Customs broker processes your import digitally
  2. Form 13.20A is generated in the Stadi system
  3. You download the verified PDF from Chartera Output portal
  4. Print the finalized PDF
  5. Take it to the cantonal office for registration

5. Technical Inspection (MFK / Expertise) & Registration

Once customs clears the car and you have your printed Form 13.20A, you have one final hurdle.

🔧 The Expertise

  • ✓ Book technical inspection at Cantonal Road Traffic Office or TCS center
  • ✓ Rigorous checks: safety, brakes, emissions, noise levels
  • ✓ If imported tax-free (Form 18.44): up to 12 months grace period on foreign plates

📜 Required Documents

  • ✓ European Certificate of Conformity (CoC)
  • ✓ If missing: Order from manufacturer (150–300 CHF)
  • ✓ Form 13.20A (printed)
  • ✓ Swiss motor insurance proof
Final Step: Once the car passes the Expertise, you secure Swiss motor insurance, hand over your foreign plates, and are finally issued your Swiss license plates!

Import Process Timeline

Average processing time for different stages of vehicle import.

Legal References & Sources

  • Federal Office for Customs and Border Security (BAZG)
  • Official Forms: 18.44, 15.25, and 13.20A
  • Swiss Federal Council Announcements (Nov 2023 EV tax update)
  • Chartera Output Portal - Digital Stadi system

Planning to Import Your Vehicle?

Start the process early and ensure you have all required documents ready. Consider hiring a customs agency for smooth processing.

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