Dear All,

I have recently shipped a couple of paintings from New York as part of my moving to Zurich. The post office here charged me almost CHF 200 in tax. I my custome form, I specifically mentioned that these are my household items, as I understand that we should not pay tax on shipping our belongings here, is this right? Is there anyway I can get the tax back?

Thanks a million!

You had better declared the goods as household items(and used).
I had the same trouble , the swiss post will not refund the tax.
They replied to me , that they are not responsible for the declaration of the goods and that they don't made a mistake.

there is a specific customs form 18.44 you have to fill in when moving and you have to declare all the goods there, even if they are being sent in several shipments. Just mentioning on the regular sticker is not enough.

You can ship your hosehold items up to 3 Years afterwards if you have good reasons. But you must declare all items with your first shipment.

Maybe on some items tax applies which is taxed if in this coutry you are shipping from.

Best thing is to call the custom office bevore because rules often change.

I have been in Switzerland 5 years (doesn't seem that long), and just got my C permit. Only now have I found somewhere I would like to live. I have a large piano, motor bikes and a classic car, plus some furniture. Have I any chance at all of bringing this lot in tax free?

I would contact your local customs office and talk to them.

Regional customs offices