Import Vehicle Into USA From Switzerland

Import Vehicle Into USA From Switzerland

Switzerland, located in western-central Europe, is one of the most developed countries in Europe. The quality of life, economic competitiveness, and human development are among the top qualities of Switzerland. For that reason, it is a popular destination for private American citizens, military personnel, and government workers. Still, Americans who relocate to this European country need to come back to the US at some point. One of the services they need at that point is to import vehicle into USA from Switzerland.

At A-1 Auto Transport, we provide car shipping from Switzerland to the US. Read on to find out more.

Cost & Time Examples for Import a Car from Switzerland

1. *Prices and times are estimated. They can vary depending on the season and the type of vehicle.
2. *Save the ground transport cost by delivering the vehicle to the nearest port.
3. *Allow an additional 10 days to process the documents.
4. *Prices are for 1 car in a dedicated 20ft container. This is the safest and most reliable way to transport a vehicle internationally. Other items may be included in the container to help save you money when moving.
5. *Using the RoRo (roll on, roll off) method is less expensive and shipments can be completed in fewer days. Contact us now for a free RoRo quote.

Before deciding to import vehicle into USA from Switzerland

Any vehicle imported to the US is subject to safety standards checks and emission checks. Ignoring these standards can result in the high costs of modifying the vehicle to American standards, or worse – destruction or re-exportation. Therefore, before deciding to export your Switzerland vehicle, make sure it will pass these checks.

The safety standards check is performed by the Department of Transportation (DOT) while the emissions check is performed by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). For more information about conforming and nonconforming vehicles, click here.

Find an expert car shipping company

The first step of the process is finding an international car shipping. International car shipping is a complex process that involves lots of paper work, paying of customs duties at ports, and proper preparation. Therefore, you need a company with experience that knows what they are doing.

At A-1 Auto Transport, we handle these logistical and legal challenges easily. We have over 20 years of experience and have established delivery routes from the US to major cities in Switzerland such as Geneva, Basel, and Zurich. With us, shipping from these cities in Switzerland to all destinations in the US is a breeze.

Declaration at the ports

Before vehicles can leave the Swiss borders, the customs offices enquire whether they are to remain abroad permanently or temporarily. If the former is the case, a declaration is required. Several documents are required for the declaration including purchase invoice or contract for the vehicle, the vehicle registration documents, and passports.

There are special circumstances that should be considered before vehicle exportation from Switzerland. Otherwise, an international shipping company with proper licensing will handle all the declaration and other legal hurdles that may present themselves.

Method of shipping

Oceans separate Europe and America. So, the most affordable means of auto transport is via ships. Unfortunately, Switzerland is a landlocked country, bordering Italy, Germany, and France to the south, north, and west respectively. Shipping companies have to transport vehicles via road or train to the nearest ocean ports such as Amsterdam, Rotterdam, and Antwerp.

Once the shipment is on an ocean port, the vehicles are loaded onto a vessel using the RoRo (Roll on Roll off) method or container shipment method. At A-1 Auto Transport, we use RoRo vessels to transport cars. The method involves, driving a car into the deck on the ship and securing it firmly. This method is affordable and more convenient compared to the container shipping method.

You have to choose a method of delivery convenient to you. The options are port-to-port, port-to-door, and even door-to door. The door-to-door option is very convenient as we pick up the vehicle from any location in Switzerland and drop off to a location convenient to you in the US.

US customs arrangement

Once your car has left Switzerland, we will notify you of the arrival date. The next step is to make the necessary arrangements with US customs. Notify them of the arrival date so they can start making arrangements to clear your vehicle. Please note that shipments are cleared at the first point of entry.

The US customs office will need the shipper's bill of lading, vehicle purchase invoice, and the Swiss car registration documents. You will also have to fill the DOT’s form HS-7, which declares the vehicles operability safety provisions and precautions at the time of import. They also require you to complete EPA’s form 3520-1, which details the vehicle’s emissions standards. Foreign vehicles that match US standards have a manufacturers label under the hood confirming these facts. The label has to be in English.

Duty fee

To import vehicle into USA from Switzerland, duty fees are applicable. The fee is dependent on the type of automobile and the amount paid or payable for the vehicle (that is why the customs office requires the vehicle purchase invoice).

Obviously, the process to import vehicle into USA from Switzerland is quite complex. But we are here to make it as easy as it can be for you. Contact us today for more information and quotes for shipping your car from Switzerland.

Written By:Joe Webster

Joe Webster began his journey in the auto transport field by attending the University of Southern California (USC), where he graduated with a Bachelor of Business Marketing. 

After college, he started his career in the auto transport industry from the bottom up and has done virtually every job there is to do at A-1 Auto Transport, including but not limited to: Truck Driver, Dispatch, Sales, PR, Bookkeeping, Transport Planner, Transport Manager, International Transport Manager, Brokering, Customer Service, and Marketing. Working with his mentor Tony Taylor, Joe Webster has learned the ins and outs of this industry which is largely misunderstood. 

With over 30 years experience in the industry, we've been helping people ship their vehicles, motorcycles, RV's, heavy equipment, household goods and more across the country or overseas without a hitch. Ask us anything.