Hi,

I currently own and operate two CrossFit affiliates in Canada. My wife and I are selling the business and are relocating to Switzerland (she's Swiss) this fall.

My intention is to open a new gym once we get settled. I am wondering what the tax implications are for bringing in all of the fitness equipment needed to get started. The items won't be for re-sale, only for use in the new business. It woul be approx $20000 USD worth of gear and be shipped along with our household goods.

Any information or advice would be greatly appreciated!

James

If you import it as Household Personal belonginings with becoming resident in Switzerland; then there are no duties on it.

Disappointing....I thought this post was going to be about bringing in a couple of the lamest members of your workforce.

not sure how plausible it will be to pass off 20k of gym equipment as 'personal household belongings'

Should you decide to send it as what it is (not sure about importing it as personal effects, may be up to customs to decide depending how much it is), the following approximate customs fees would apply, less transport, local handling and customs clearance of course:

9506.9100 - Equipment and accessories for PE, gymnastics and athletics
CHF 30.-/100kg brut (or, if the goods have Canadian origin and this is declared on the invoice - duty free)

or same as the above 9506.9900 - at CHF 29.-/100kg brut or also duty-free if of Canadian origin and declared as such.

Plus the VAT of 8% of the total value plus transports...

Just in case

(Source: TARES)

__________________
Nullus Anxietas - Oook

Just to clarify, I wasn't implying that I'm trying to pass off the equipment as "personal belongings", just that it will be shipped in the same container as our household items.

Careful now. If you intend opening a public gym then you will need to use equipment certified for use in Switzerland.

Care to share your source?