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Customs clearance of your personal effects

Customs clearance of your personal effects

Import your goods into Switzerland without customs duties thanks to the removal allowance.

Customs clearance of your moving effects is a key stage of your arrival in Switzerland. Customs relief exempts you from customs duties and VAT on your personal goods, provided you respect the rules. We take care of the entire administrative procedure to guarantee a smooth customs clearance.

What's Included

  • Preparation of detailed inventory (form 18.44)
  • Verification of eligibility for the customs duty exemption
  • Coordination with freight forwarder and customs office
  • Attendance at customs clearance if necessary
  • Management of goods subject to restrictions (food, plants, medicines)

Steps and Timeline

1

Inventory

We help you draw up a complete inventory of your belongings, classified by category, with the estimated value of each item.

2

Form 18.44

We complete the official moving effects declaration form and gather the required supporting documents.

3

Clearance

On the day your goods arrive, we coordinate the customs clearance and resolve any possible problems on site.

Common Mistakes

  • Do not take a complete inventory — items not listed will be taxed
  • Import new goods by presenting them as personal effects
  • Exceed the deadline of 6 months after arrival for duty-free import
  • Forgetting to declare food, alcohol or tobacco (subject to restrictions)

Related Services

Service Storage and Warehousing in Switzerland

Frequently Asked Questions

What conditions must be met to benefit from the customs duty exemption?
You must have resided abroad for at least 6 consecutive months, transfer your residence to Switzerland, and import your belongings within 6 months of your arrival. The goods must be used and intended for your personal use. New items and goods intended for resale are excluded.
What is Form 18.44?
This is the official form from the Federal Customs Administration for declaring your moving effects. It includes a detailed inventory of your belongings, your proof of domicile abroad and in Switzerland, and the declaration that the goods are intended for your personal use.

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