These rules apply
What exactly counts as household effects?
In order to import your belongings into Switzerland duty-free, they must be officially declared as „household effects“. The most important golden rule here is that you must have owned the items for at least six months and used them yourself. So if you rush out to buy a whole new set of furniture just before moving and try to take it across the border in its original packaging, you’ll have to pay duty on it at customs. However, no import duties are payable on your usual household contents.
The most important customs forms
Form 18.44 vs. Form 0350: Which one do I need and when?
There is often a great deal of confusion about the forms on house-moving forums. To shed some light on the matter:
- Form 18.44 (Swiss Customs): You absolutely must have this document for your move to Switzerland. It is the application for the clearance of personal effects by the Swiss authorities. Together with your tenancy agreement and employment contract, this is your ticket to Switzerland.
- Form 0350 (German Customs): This form often comes up in searches, but it is the German equivalent. You will need Form 0350 if you are moving back to Germany from Switzerland (or another non-EU country) and wish to declare your household effects to German customs duty-free.
Re-register a car, register pets
Cars and Pets: Special Cases
Your car is also considered part of your household effects (provided you have owned it for 6 months), but must be registered separately. You then have one year in Switzerland to re-register your car and apply for a Swiss driving licence. Strict rules also apply to pets: a pet passport, a valid rabies vaccination and a microchip are absolutely essential before Fido or Kitty are allowed to cross the border.
How to prepare your belongings for customs clearance
The perfect packing list and the big day at customs
Everything must be handled quickly and transparently at customs. Draw up a detailed packing list in advance, giving a rough breakdown of all items, including their weight and value. The boxes should be numbered so that, if necessary, the customs officer can carry out spot checks without causing utter chaos. Important for moving day: Customs offices for commercial goods have fixed opening hours. If you find yourself at the border at the weekend or late in the evening with a large removal lorry, you may have to wait until the next working day.
