Car Import from EU to Switzerland (less than 6months)

Raspa · #1 05.11.2012, 13:22

Hello, I am looking around but can not find any related post to my issue.

So 1st of all sorry if there is any...!

My issue is that I have a EU Car (less than 6 months under my name but was from my parents). I am planning to bring it to Switzerland but I am getting confuse with all the Tax and permits thing.

My question:

Can I drive my car from EU to Switzerland, use it until is 6 months under my name and then, do all the Import paper work? Is this legal?

Thanks!

Elira74 · #2 05.11.2012, 14:25

Hi,

I have the same dilemma and at the moment I am driving in Switzerland with a proxy from my mum, original owner of the car. the car is insured in Italy.
Once I am ready I will import the car, within the next 3/4 months. With the help of some local people knowledgeable of this matters, I am trying to see if I have to pay the full import+ VAT or not. As soon as I have some news I will pass them on. Sorry I do not have more at the moment

Raspa · #3 05.11.2012, 15:34

Hi Elira, thanks!

So I guess you crossed the border with no issues, right???? You just paid the Highway impost...

Anyone with more details? Is OK to come in CH and drive your EU car during the next 12 months... and then do all paperwork...?

Thanks!

aSwissInTheUS · #4 05.11.2012, 21:20

	Quote:	Raspa
	Anyone with more details? Is OK to come in CH and drive your EU car during the next 12 months... and then do all paperwork...?

No it is not o.k. What you would do and Elira is already doing is tax fraud. A crime. Additionally your insurance may be void if your vehicle is involved in any form of crime.

The problem is that you cannot easily import a car into Switzerland once you have residency in Switzerland. Now, you may tell me that you are not "importing" it, but every time someone drives with a car over the boarder he or she is legally importing the car.

Now, if you are a tourist this is a formless and easy procedure, you just do it under the provision that a) it is for your own personal use b) you will leave the country with the car once your stay is over. Nothing has to be declared, no paper forms, no verbal communication, no duty and no fees, just drive over the border. Zollverordnung Art. 30.

If you are a student or worker on an annual permit you cannot just do it w/o any forms. You would need to fill in Form 15.30.

	Quote:
	Foreign workers (holders of annual permits or short-term permits and trainees) are permitted to use a foreign vehicle in the customs area duty-free for a period of two years from the date of first entry (for example upon taking up employment) (form 15.30) even if they transfer their domicile under civil law to the customs area. The charge is CHF 25. Foreign students are permitted with authorisation form 15.30 to use a foreign vehicle duty-free in the customs area for the entire duration of their studies in principle. The charge is CHF 25.

See Form 15.50 for more details.

If you are neither tourist, student, nor on an annual permit you may have had declared the vehicle on Form 18.44 when you initially crossed the border. Furthermore it would have been tax free only if you had it used for more than six months aboard before you entered Switzerland.

If all of the above is not the right thing you have to declare, import, and pay taxes as everybody else. Failing to do so may end up in a fine which is double of the taxes you would have payed. Additionally to the taxes. This would be approx a third of the cars value in total.

Patxi · #5 05.11.2012, 21:30

	Quote:	aSwissInTheUS
	No it is not o.k. What you would do and Elira is already doing is tax fraud. A crime. ...... The problem is that you cannot easily import a car into Switzerland once you have residency in Switzerland. ....more BS

It only took 4 posts for the misinformation to start spewing forth...

OP, you haven't provided enough information. Take a look through the Stickies in this sub-forum in addition to the countless other threads on this topic. You will find all you need to know (once you wade through the crap).

Raspa · #6 06.11.2012, 11:14

mmmm... thank you...!!!

I will keep looking in the Forum but in the meantime I think I will leave the car back at home and will bring in to CH once is under my name for more than 6 months...

Thank you!

aSwissInTheUS · #7 06.11.2012, 11:37

	Quote:	Patxi
	It only took 4 posts for the misinformation to start spewing forth... OP, you haven't provided enough information. Take a look through the Stickies in this sub-forum in addition to the countless other threads on this topic. You will find all you need to know (once you wade through the crap).

You may call my post BS. But Form 15.50?

Whatever rocks your boat.

Here is an official challenge: Show me one one single untrue statement in my above post until midnight today (2012-11-06T23:59:59+01:00) and I will change my signature and avatar to your likening for one month (November 7th 2012 to December 7th 2012) if you fail I will chose your avatar and signature for the mentioned time period. Deal?

baretta · #8 06.11.2012, 15:56

I've been told you can have an EU number plate for up to one year here in Switzerland then you should change the car over!

Asphalte · #9 06.11.2012, 22:14

Bear in mind that if you've owned your car for less than 6 months when you immigrate, you not only have to pay duties because it does not qualify as a household moving item, but you also now (since July 1st 2012) have to pay the new CO2 tax if the car is less than 6m old, which is a function of weight and engine power.

You can compute the tax here: http://www.bfe.admin.ch/themen/00507...x.html?lang=fr

Mark75 · #10 06.11.2012, 23:54

	Quote:	Asphalte
	Bear in mind that if you've owned your car for less than 6 months when you immigrate, you not only have to pay duties because it does not qualify as a household moving item, but you also now (since July 1st 2012) have to pay the new CO2 tax if the car is less than 6m old, which is a function of weight and engine power.

This post is somewhat confusing.

What matters regarding the CO2 tax is
a) the date of the first registration abroad
b) the date you import the car into Switzerland

If a) was more than 6 months before b) the car is considered a used car and is not subject to the CO2 tax. It does not matter for how long you have owned the car.