Car Import Switzerland 2026: Costs, Taxes and Process

In short (as of November 2026): When you import a passenger car, you pay 4% automobile tax on the vehicle value and 8.1% VAT on the vehicle value, transport costs to the destination and the automobile tax. Customs duty no longer applies since 1 January 2024. For a car with a purchase price of CHF 30'000 and CHF 800 of transport, that comes to around CHF 3'800 in charges. You still have to declare the vehicle at customs yourself.

Why import a car from abroad?

Switzerland is a high-price country, and that includes buying a car. That is why many buyers check whether a vehicle from Germany, Italy, France or another EU country is worthwhile.

But importing does not run by itself. The customs declaration, automobile tax, VAT, CO₂ rules and registration all require planning. In this guide, we take you through the process step by step, with the rates that apply in 2026.

Step 1: Find the right vehicle

Where to look?

The largest platforms for vehicles in the EU:

• Germany: mobile.de, AutoScout24.de
• Italy: AutoScout24.it, subito.it
• France: leboncoin.fr, lacentrale.fr
• Austria: AutoScout24.at, willhaben.at

What to look out for?

Before you commit, check:

• EC Certificate of Conformity (COC): It makes registration in Switzerland easier. Ask the seller whether it is available
• First registration abroad: It determines whether the CO₂ rules apply to you (see step 3)
• Emissions standard: Before buying, ask the road traffic office whether the vehicle meets Swiss requirements
• Service history: Important for imported vehicles too
• Accident-free: Get the condition confirmed in writing

Price comparison: is importing worthwhile?

Before buying, calculate the total cost including all charges and fees. Only then can you compare whether importing is really cheaper than buying in Switzerland. The price advantage often shrinks when you do the maths more carefully.

Step 2: Purchase and transfer

Purchase contract

Even when buying abroad, conclude a written purchase contract. Pay attention to:

• Complete vehicle data (VIN, mileage, first registration)
• Purchase price in the agreed currency
• Condition and known defects
• Warranty terms

The invoice or purchase contract is the basis for the taxes. If they are missing or the details are doubtful, customs may estimate the value.

Transfer to Switzerland

You have three options:

1. Drive it yourself with transit plates: You will usually need temporary foreign plates. Ask in the export country or the seller what applies there.

2. Transport it on a trailer: If the vehicle is not or no longer registered, transport by trailer is the safest option.

3. Hire a forwarding agent: Professional vehicle forwarders handle the transfer and often the customs declaration as well. Get a quote beforehand, as transport costs count towards the VAT base.

Step 3: Customs declaration

At the Swiss border, you must declare the vehicle without being asked, at a customs office responsible for commercial goods. Do not simply drive through: the declaration is mandatory. Check the customs office's opening hours beforehand.

Documents required at customs

• Electronic customs declaration e-dec
• Purchase contract and/or invoice
• Foreign vehicle registration document (even if already cancelled)
• ID card or passport

Charges

The import charges are made up as follows:

1. Customs duty: none Switzerland abolished industrial tariffs on 1 January 2024, regardless of origin and delivery route. Cars are covered. The customs declaration remains mandatory, however, and you do not need proof of origin for a car that stays in Switzerland.

2. Automobile tax (4% of the vehicle value) Automobile tax is 4% of the vehicle value. It applies to cars as well as certain vans and minibuses. Since 1 January 2024, electric cars are no longer exempt either.

For a used car with a purchase price of CHF 30'000:

• Automobile tax: CHF 1'200

3. VAT (8.1%) VAT is calculated on the price paid (including any vehicle traded in), the costs to the destination in Switzerland and import charges such as automobile tax. Customs converts foreign currencies at the foreign exchange selling rate.

Example:

• Vehicle value: CHF 30'000
• Automobile tax: CHF 1'200
• Transport costs: CHF 800
• VAT base: CHF 32'000
• VAT (8.1%): CHF 2'592

4. Proof of customs clearance (CHF 20) For registration, customs issues you with form 13.20 A. It costs CHF 20. Business partners registered with customs have also been able to obtain it digitally and print it since 3 December 2024.

Total charges (example)

Item	Amount
Customs duty	CHF 0
Automobile tax (4%)	CHF 1'200
VAT (8.1%)	CHF 2'592
Proof of customs clearance	CHF 20
Total charges	CHF 3'812

This example is simplified. With the purchase price and transport, you end up at around CHF 34'600, before inspection, plates, any modifications and the cost of a forwarding agent. This is the amount to compare with the Swiss price, not the foreign purchase price.

Check the CO₂ sanction

If a passenger car or van exceeds the CO₂ target, a sanction is due before first registration in Switzerland. It is not collected at customs, but later by the Swiss Federal Office of Energy. To do this, you enter the import data with the Federal Roads Office (FEDRO).

Exempt are vehicles registered abroad more than 12 months before the customs declaration, as well as vehicles registered more than 6 months before the customs declaration that have covered over 5'000 km. For young imported cars, this check therefore belongs in your calculation.

Step 4: Technical inspection and modifications

After customs clearance, the vehicle must meet Swiss technical requirements and be approved by the road traffic office.

Technical modifications

Which modifications are necessary depends on the country of origin and the model. Vehicles with right-hand drive or headlights for left-hand traffic are particularly costly. Ask your cantonal road traffic office before you buy.

COC document (Certificate of Conformity)

The EC Certificate of Conformity confirms that the vehicle complies with EU type-approval rules. It makes registration in Switzerland easier, without noise and exhaust tests.

Without a COC document, registration involves more work. Clarify the costs with the road traffic office in advance, as fees are set by the cantons.

Inspection at the road traffic office

The cantonal road traffic office inspects the vehicle and decides on approval. You can find the current fees and documents from your canton or via asa.ch.

Step 5: Registration and insurance

Take out insurance

Before you can register the vehicle, you need liability insurance. Take it out before you go to the road traffic office.

Register the vehicle

To register at the road traffic office, you need:

• Form 13.20 A (proof of customs clearance from customs)
• COC document or inspection report
• Proof of insurance
• ID card or passport

Your road traffic office will tell you whether further documents are needed. You receive the Swiss vehicle registration document and the licence plates. The vehicle is then officially registered in Switzerland.

Step 6: Warranty and service

EU manufacturer warranty

Before buying, check carefully whether and how the manufacturer warranty applies in Switzerland, and get it confirmed in writing. The terms depend on the brand and the seller.

Service and spare parts

For EU models also sold in Switzerland, service and spare parts are generally not a problem. For special models or country-specific variants, obtaining parts can be more difficult.

Common mistakes when importing a car

1. Total cost not calculated in advance: The supposedly low purchase price is put into perspective by taxes, transport and registration
2. COC document forgotten: Without this document, registration involves more work
3. Currency risk ignored: EUR/CHF fluctuations can wipe out the price advantage
4. No test drive: Even when buying abroad, you should drive the car first
5. CO₂ sanction overlooked: On young vehicles, it can eat up the price advantage
6. Wrong customs office chosen: The declaration goes through an office for commercial goods, with fixed opening hours

When is importing worthwhile?

Importing is typically worthwhile for:

• Vehicles with a big price difference, even after all charges
• Certain used cars that are rare in Switzerland
• Vehicles with special equipment only offered abroad

It is less worthwhile for:

• Cheap vehicles, where fixed costs and effort eat up the advantage
• Vehicles without a COC document
• People with little time and experience

The convenient alternative

Importing a car takes effort. If you would rather avoid it, you can leave the import to us: at Car Trade24 in Wohlen AG, you will find new cars imported from the EU, such as the Seat Ibiza, the Skoda Fabia or the VW Golf, each with the current price from our stock.

Book a test drive in Wohlen, or work out the monthly rate with the leasing calculator. You will find all vehicles in our vehicle range. And if you have imported a car yourself: our registration service takes the admin off your hands.

Frequently asked questions

Do I still have to pay customs duty on a car in 2026?

No. Since 1 January 2024, Switzerland no longer levies import duties on industrial products, which include cars. However, you still pay 4% automobile tax and 8.1% VAT and must declare the vehicle at customs.

How much does it cost to import a car worth CHF 30'000?

With CHF 800 of transport, it comes to around CHF 3'800 in charges: CHF 1'200 automobile tax, CHF 2'592 VAT and CHF 20 for the proof of customs clearance. Transport, inspection and plates come on top.

Do I also pay automobile tax on an electric car?

Yes. Since 1 January 2024, electric cars are no longer exempt from automobile tax.

Which form do I need for registration?

Form 13.20 A. It is the proof of customs clearance that you receive from customs for CHF 20 and present at the road traffic office.

What is the CO₂ sanction?

A federal charge for passenger cars and vans that exceed a CO₂ target. It is due before first registration, unless the vehicle has been registered abroad for more than 12 months, or for more than 6 months with over 5'000 km.

Conclusion

Importing a car from the EU can be worthwhile, with careful planning and a realistic cost calculation. Customs duty disappeared in 2024, the taxes and the effort did not. Factor in all charges and the time involved before you decide. And do not forget the COC document.