How to pass through the customs in Switzerland when moving household items?

The customs clearance office of a home transfer to Switzerland. Requirements and customs procedures for the transportation of used household goods for personal use.

The residence transfer to Switzerland is the main condition governing the importation of your household effects, that is tax-free.
Household effects (objects for personal use) must be imported for 2 years from the date the residence transfer occurred.
To be exempt from tax, the person concerned must have personally used the objects that he needs to transport for at least six months and continue to use them after importation into the territory of Switzerland.

Exemption from the payment of duties must be requested using the form «APPLICATION / DECLARATION AT CUSTOMS FOR THE CLEARANCE OF HOUSEHOLD ITEMS» (sheets 2 and 3).

Along with the form mentioned above, the clients must submit to Customs a list of the items to be imported for their personal needs or for their profession or trade. The items that do not meet the requirements are listed at the end of the list as "goods for normal customs clearance".

Senders of the move must have a Swiss residence permit, except for citizens of the EU and EFTA States (European Free Trade Agreement or European Free Trade Association: Austria, Denmark, United Kingdom, Norway, Portugal, and Sweden).
Citizens of the EU member states, and the EFTA trading bloc are not required to have a residence permit in Switzerland. They can prove the transfer of the address by presenting:
- Work contract in Switzerland.
- Housing rental contract in Switzerland.
-Credit document that shows that the interested party has announced his departure to the authorities of his country of origin.

The authorities reserve the right to apply import restrictions and import prohibitions, especially of an economic or financial nature and in regards of veterinary safety, as well as measures related to phytosanitary protection and the protection of species.

There are customs entry restrictions on food products. For example, the clients can transport 250 pieces / g cigarettes / cigars / other tobaccos. Alcoholic beverages with an alcoholic content of up to 25% must not exceed 200 liters, and with an alcoholic graduation greater than 25% - no more than 12 liters.

If Customs has doubts about the release of customs duties, household items can be temporarily cleared through Customs. In that case, for import duties must be given a guarantee, and the required proofs must be presented at customs within the imposed period.

Any person who obtains the exemption from import duties without fulfilling the conditions is guilty of a crime.

If you have any questions, we are ready to guide you through the entire procedure.

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