Question 1

What are my options when it comes to selecting a destination port for vehicle freight in the Area?

Accepted Answer

While Switzerland is a land-locked country, it possesses almost a dozen important and fully operational inland ports and shipping centers.

The three most iconic ones are as follows:

Basel Port: The port is nestled in the embrace of the eponymous city and is the country's only seaport that connects directly with the Rhine River. Through these stretches of navigable waters, the goods can be shipped via vessels to the port of Rotterdam. The strategic value of the port is only further accentuated by its ability to handle cargo in bulk. It is a hub of import/export operations and a preferable destination port for car shipments.

Geneva Port: The port is situated in one of the most beautiful, well-known, and peace-loving cities in the world (remember the Geneva Convention?) Geneva Port connects directly with the Rhone River where it feeds Lake Geneva. It is by far, the largest port in the country and can handle tons of cargo imports and exports annually, including automobile imports.

Zurich Port: Situated at the northern shore of the lake that bears the same name, the Zurich Port is part of an extremely busy commerce center. Pinned amid a financial hub for all types of businesses, the port handles a great deal of import/export operations including car shipments.

Question 2

How much should I expect to pay for moving my automobile from the USA to Switizerland?

Accepted Answer

Putting an exact price tag on such operations is hard considering how many variables come into play, however, as a general estimate, around $2,000 to $4,300 should cover it. This, of course, is only an estimate based on current trends and presuming that you’re not overcharged and that there are no issues with the shipment.

The cost depends on several factors, but the most important variables are the distance traveled and whether or not you get a tax exemption for your import.

You must get a trusted service provider on board because this way, you'll ensure that you don't overpay for anything and that everything goes on smoothly.

Question 3

I have to relocate to the Area, how long will it be till I get my vehicle from the USA to my address in the Area?

Accepted Answer

The time frame can’t be stated with absolute certainty in the shipping business because there can be unexpected delays at every stage, i.e. poor weather conditions, import processing delays, customs hold up, and so on.

However, the biggest fraction of the time taken for shipments is claimed by overseas travel. This time frame depends on which route works out in your case, for instance, the travel time between the California port and Basel is around 45 days.

In contrast, the travel time for the New York port to Zurich route is half as much, i.e. 23 days.

This means that the original location of your vehicle and the delivery address matter a lot, and of course, the aforementioned estimates only over overseas travel. You need to give extra days for overland distances, document processing, customs clearing, and so on.

You should not delay shipping your vehicle if you need it as soon as possible because it can take at least a month for you to get a hold of your car in Switzerland, and even then there will be stuff to do, i.e. registration.

Question 4

How much does it cost Shipping From USA to Switzerland?

Accepted Answer

The shipment prices are not fixed but instead, subject to change, based on the following important factors:

Your car’s make and model
Your car’s monetary value, based on the condition at the time of the shipping.
The most suitable route for overseas transport of the car, i.e. the distance traveled will also affect the cost of shipping.
The selected shipping method, i.e. container shipping or open-air shipping will also factor in; the former is costlier than the latter.
Customs clearance is another important stage, if you secure an exemption on the duties and taxes, you’ll get a major slash on your costs.
Fees for insurance coverage will also affect the overall cost if you choose to get it.
The materials and equipment used for the transportation will also decide the final price.

And so on…

In most cases, as you may have already noticed, you can manage your car shipment in a way that minimizes the cost. For instance, you opt for open-air shipment and secure an exemption with Swiss customs, you won’t have to pay as much as otherwise.

Then there are discount offers from the logistics services providing company, so be sure to explore the full spectrum before finalizing your decision.

Question 5

I have to import an automobile from the USA to City Limits, can you give me a checklist of documents I need to have for this?

Accepted Answer

Here’s a list of the documentation you must have on hand when importing your vehicle from the USA to Switzerland:

Customs form 18.44
Inspection documents
Permit of residence in Switzerland
Bill/Invoice of the sale detailing the car’s specs, origin, and price
A copy of your passport
Lading bill
Documented evidence of your insurance coverage
A valid driver’s license from the USA

Question 6

I am new to this, can you please give me a breakdown of the whole process of importing a vehicle from the USA to the Area?

Accepted Answer

Here is a summary of the car shipment process from the USA to Switzerland to help you get started on the right foot:

Start with research – you need to know the requirements of car imports in Switzerland and your options, make the best of your time before you relocate. Find out:
The car import legal requirements in Switzerland.
Whether your car complies with those requirements in its current state.
If not, can it be made to comply through modifications?
Also, create a checklist of documents that you will need for your import.
Gather your documents – be sure to have all the necessary documentation to avoid any problem with the customs clearance:
A valid driver’s license
Your passport (a copy can work too)
Bill or invoice of sales with details of the car and its cost
Form 18.44 from the customs
Inspection documents
Lading bill
Insurance documents
And so on…
Break down the shipping costs – take your time to analyze every fraction of the shipping costs and the segments that you can skip (i.e. tax exemptions):
Charges for freighting
Charges for insurance coverage
Charges for storage (i.e. in wharves)
Charges for transportation and delivery
Taxes and customs duties
Car preparation fees
Import processing charges
Customs broker’s fee
Vehicle registration and insurance fees
Logistics services provider’s charges
Getting in touch with the shipping company – next, you need to decide who your logistics services provider will be, you need someone well-reputed in the business, and the A1 Auto Transport is just that, we have worked with countless clients over the years and ensured their satisfaction throughout.
Preparations on your end – before the actual shipping process, you need to ensure a couple of things:
Cleaning the car
Making sure that the undercarriage is free of any foreign soil (recommended even if not necessary)
Selecting the arrival and departure ports
Selecting the shipping method, i.e. open-air or closed-air
Car shipment across the selected route
Arrival at the destination port
Import processing
Customs clearance
Road standards compliance test
Vehicle registration
Getting insurance coverage

Question 7

How do container cargo and open-air cargo differ from each other and which one will be more appropriate in my case?

Accepted Answer

For shipping your vehicle from the USA to Switzerland, you have two major options: closed-air and open-air shipping. The former is also called container shipping, and it simply involves putting the car into a container and then shipping that container overseas.

This affords extra protection to the vehicle, works well with non-runner cars, and you can even keep your personal effects in the vehicle during the shipping process.

However, all of this comes at a bigger cost.

For most people, especially those who're shipping their own car from the USA to Switzerland, a more practical and economic approach is the open-air shipment. This is also called the roll-on, roll-off shipment method. In this method, the car is transported to the carrier, fastened on board, transported, and then driven to the port.

In this shipping option, the car cannot have any of your personal belongings in it during the shipment process.

For most people, this method is preferable because of its lower cost.

Question 8

Once my automobile reaches the Area, what will happen during the customs clearance process, and what can I do to make things go on smoothly?

Accepted Answer

Once your car arrives in Switzerland, it will need to pass customs clearance before you can pick it up. The department will make sure that all the details of the car have been truthfully disclosed and they will then determine how much tax/duties will be applicable in your case.

If your case falls in an exemption category, you can declare so beforehand, and the department will verify your claim.

To help ease the process, just keep your documentation up to date and ensure that none of your documents are missing/incorrect because that can cause unwanted delays and problems. You’ll need the following:

Your invoice with all the necessary details and the price/cost on it
Vehicle registration certificate from the USA (if it is your car)
Your passport or any other valid proof of identity
e-dec declaration for imports
Proof of vehicle’s origin (from the original seller)

If you have the necessary documentation at hand then the import process should not drag on unnecessarily. Just keep in mind that the customs department may order an inspection as part of their routine, it does not necessarily mean that something is wrong.

Question 9

How much VAT and customs duties are usually extracted from vehicle imports in the Area, and do I have to pay them for my own vehicle as well?

Accepted Answer

Usually, the value-added tax or VAT for car imports in Switzerland is 8%, and the customs duties are placed at 4% of the current value of the imported vehicle. Of course, there are other bureaucratic issues to contend with as well if you're not experienced in this area.

You can get extra information from the Swiss customs department about taxes and duties applicable in your case, and these policies can change, so it is better to stay up to date.

As for the second part of the question, no, you don't necessarily have to pay these taxes because there are exemption categories, and if your case falls within such a category, you can import your car tax-free.

Just be sure to get a reliable services provider like A1 Auto Transport to avoid being overcharged for the whole thing and to secure your tax exemption if applicable.

Question 10

How can I import my automobile from the USA to the Area tax-free?

Accepted Answer

For imports to Switzerland, there are no taxes on “moving goods” which are all the effects that one brings with them to another country while relocating. If you bought your car at least six months before your relocation to Switzerland, it will be considered in this category.

If that is the case, you won’t have to pay any customs duties or taxes on it.

Question 11

How Much Does It Cost to Ship to Switzerland?

Accepted Answer

The cost of shipping to Switzerland depends on several factors, including the type of vehicle, shipping method, and distance from the departure point. Typically, shipping a car from the USA to Switzerland ranges from $1,500 to $5,000, with container shipping being more secure but slightly more expensive than roll-on/roll-off (RoRo) transport. International shipping to Switzerland also involves customs duties, VAT, and import regulations, which vary based on the vehicle's age and emissions standards. To get the best rates, compare services from reputable car shipping companies that specialize in Switzerland car transport.

To/From	Ground	Ocean	Days
Los Angeles to (California port) to the Area	$350	$3,700	5+45
Portland, OR to (California port) to the Area	$475	$3,700	6+45
Phoenix, AZ to (California port) to the Area	$550	$3,700	6+45
Columbus, OH to (New York port) to City Limits	$550	$2,800	5+23
Charlotte, NC to (New York port) to Local Delivery	$575	$2,800	6+23
Chicago, IL to (New York port) to City Limits	$675	$2,800	6+23
Denver, CO to (California port) to the Area	$775	$3,700	7+30
Memphis, TN to (New York port) to Local Delivery	$800	$2,800	6+23
Miami, FL to (New York port) to the Area	$925	$2,800	7+23
Dallas, TX to (California port) to City Limits	$1,025	$3,700	7+30

Ship Car To Switzerland | International Shipping to Switzerland

Regional Considerations

Ship Your Car To Or From Switzerland

Typical Cargo Prices – How Much Does It Cost?

Cost & Time Examples For Shipping a Car to Switzerland

Popular Cargo Destinations

Choosing the Right Vehicle Freight Aency

Required Documents For Moving A Vehicle To The Area

Getting Around in the Area

Understanding Import Regulations and Requirements

Freight Of Heavy Machinery & Oversized Cargo To The Area

Freight Methods and Costs

What Are My Options through A1 AT?

Customs Clearance Process In The Area

Relevant Statistics

Other Services & Related Information

Frequently Asked Questions