Hello, GOL!
Does anyone have any recent practical experience of importing a car to Switzerland?
I have recently brought my car in from Germany and want to know exactly what steps I have to go through. I have read various things in different books, but would really be grateful if someone who has done it successfully recently, could talk me through it.
Please email me in the first place at cars@cowans.biz
Really grateful for your help. And I promise - once I get it done I'll put a wee report on GOL for others in the same situation.
Thanks for your help in advance
pete
Forums in Geneva > Geneva > Importing A Car?
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Importing A Car?
Sep 13, 06 10:44
The text you are quoting:
Hello, GOL!
Does anyone have any recent practical experience of importing a car to Switzerland?
I have recently brought my car in from Germany and want to know exactly what steps I have to go through. I have read various things in different books, but would really be grateful if someone who has done it successfully recently, could talk me through it.
Please email me in the first place at cars@cowans.biz
Really grateful for your help. And I promise - once I get it done I'll put a wee report on GOL for others in the same situation.
Thanks for your help in advance
pete
cowanpeteSep 13, 06 10:44
Does anyone have any recent practical experience of importing a car to Switzerland?
I have recently brought my car in from Germany and want to know exactly what steps I have to go through. I have read various things in different books, but would really be grateful if someone who has done it successfully recently, could talk me through it.
Please email me in the first place at cars@cowans.biz
Really grateful for your help. And I promise - once I get it done I'll put a wee report on GOL for others in the same situation.
Thanks for your help in advance
pete
cowanpeteSep 13, 06 10:44
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Re: Importing A Car?
Post 1
Sep 14, 06 00:28
And you can prove that you are moving from Germany, and it was your car before you moved, then you can bring it in and get suisse plates fairly easy.
You may have to pay somthing at the border, but you can get suisse plates without having to do a technical control.
Simon
You may have to pay somthing at the border, but you can get suisse plates without having to do a technical control.
Simon
The text you are quoting:
And you can prove that you are moving from Germany, and it was your car before you moved, then you can bring it in and get suisse plates fairly easy.
You may have to pay somthing at the border, but you can get suisse plates without having to do a technical control.
Simon
DJ_Symcard, Sep 14, 06 00:28
You may have to pay somthing at the border, but you can get suisse plates without having to do a technical control.
Simon
DJ_Symcard, Sep 14, 06 00:28
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Re: Importing A Car?
Post 2
Sep 14, 06 10:01
I was looking for a bit more detail, but thanks for the feedback anyway. Did you actually import your car, and if so, what were the steps. Thanks again. Pete
The text you are quoting:
I was looking for a bit more detail, but thanks for the feedback anyway. Did you actually import your car, and if so, what were the steps. Thanks again. Pete
cowanpete, Sep 14, 06 10:01
cowanpete, Sep 14, 06 10:01
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Re: Importing A Car?
Post 3
Sep 14, 06 11:07
But its a car I brought in another country, I haven't yet done it. But the steps are fairly simple.
First you need to go to the border and get the customs to register your car in Switzerland, so make sure you have all the necessary papers. Then get some insurance for your car, then go to the bureau des autos and register you car, and get your plates.
That is what the TCS explained to me for someone who is moving into Switzerland and bringing their car with them.
Hope this helps
First you need to go to the border and get the customs to register your car in Switzerland, so make sure you have all the necessary papers. Then get some insurance for your car, then go to the bureau des autos and register you car, and get your plates.
That is what the TCS explained to me for someone who is moving into Switzerland and bringing their car with them.
Hope this helps
The text you are quoting:
But its a car I brought in another country, I haven't yet done it. But the steps are fairly simple.
First you need to go to the border and get the customs to register your car in Switzerland, so make sure you have all the necessary papers. Then get some insurance for your car, then go to the bureau des autos and register you car, and get your plates.
That is what the TCS explained to me for someone who is moving into Switzerland and bringing their car with them.
Hope this helps
DJ_Symcard, Sep 14, 06 11:07
First you need to go to the border and get the customs to register your car in Switzerland, so make sure you have all the necessary papers. Then get some insurance for your car, then go to the bureau des autos and register you car, and get your plates.
That is what the TCS explained to me for someone who is moving into Switzerland and bringing their car with them.
Hope this helps
DJ_Symcard, Sep 14, 06 11:07
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Re: Importing A Car?
Post 4
Sep 14, 06 22:21
I imported my motorbike from the UK and I did the following. Thou it might be different for you.
1, I listed the motorbike on my "Personnal Goods" list (this was a list I typed up of all the items I was bringing into Switzerland over four trips (inculding one with the bike). This list was presented to the Swiss Customs (at broder control, Geneva) on the first trip. The list was stamped by the "Swiss Customs" and in my case the "French Customs". I got the "French Stamp" just in case I need to export the bike at a later date. You will need to have your Swiss "permit Sejour" on you at this point, otherwise you will be charged import tax on the value of your goods.
2, You will need a "Certificate of Conformity" for your vehicle. My bike is a BMW and I got mine from "BMW Customer services UK". You will need to talk to your vehicle manufacture. You need this before you bring your vehicle in.
3, When I rode my bike into Switzerland. I stopped at "Swiss Custom" to get the "Form 13.10". This is the form you need from custom to register your vehicle in Switzerland. You will need your "original Vehicle registration document" and "certificate of conformity" at this point. They will also ask for this when you go to ask for your Swiss Plates at the "Service de Autos".
4, I then had to sort out swiss insurance for my bike, as you need a Swiss Insurance number to get Swiss Plates. This was the fun bit (catch 22) I found that insurance companies wanted a swiss number plate number to issue the insurance. In the end I found a helpful insuance mamanger who rang the "services des Auto" and spoke to them and sorted out what paperwork was required.
5, I then went to "Services de Autos" and asked for appointment. The appointment was for them to register my bike in Switzerland, they wanted to check it(give sort of MOT), check the engine number, chassis number out. When this was done, I had to hand my UK plates over and they gave me Swiss plates there and then.
Hope this helps
1, I listed the motorbike on my "Personnal Goods" list (this was a list I typed up of all the items I was bringing into Switzerland over four trips (inculding one with the bike). This list was presented to the Swiss Customs (at broder control, Geneva) on the first trip. The list was stamped by the "Swiss Customs" and in my case the "French Customs". I got the "French Stamp" just in case I need to export the bike at a later date. You will need to have your Swiss "permit Sejour" on you at this point, otherwise you will be charged import tax on the value of your goods.
2, You will need a "Certificate of Conformity" for your vehicle. My bike is a BMW and I got mine from "BMW Customer services UK". You will need to talk to your vehicle manufacture. You need this before you bring your vehicle in.
3, When I rode my bike into Switzerland. I stopped at "Swiss Custom" to get the "Form 13.10". This is the form you need from custom to register your vehicle in Switzerland. You will need your "original Vehicle registration document" and "certificate of conformity" at this point. They will also ask for this when you go to ask for your Swiss Plates at the "Service de Autos".
4, I then had to sort out swiss insurance for my bike, as you need a Swiss Insurance number to get Swiss Plates. This was the fun bit (catch 22) I found that insurance companies wanted a swiss number plate number to issue the insurance. In the end I found a helpful insuance mamanger who rang the "services des Auto" and spoke to them and sorted out what paperwork was required.
5, I then went to "Services de Autos" and asked for appointment. The appointment was for them to register my bike in Switzerland, they wanted to check it(give sort of MOT), check the engine number, chassis number out. When this was done, I had to hand my UK plates over and they gave me Swiss plates there and then.
Hope this helps
The text you are quoting:
I imported my motorbike from the UK and I did the following. Thou it might be different for you.
1, I listed the motorbike on my "Personnal Goods" list (this was a list I typed up of all the items I was bringing into Switzerland over four trips (inculding one with the bike). This list was presented to the Swiss Customs (at broder control, Geneva) on the first trip. The list was stamped by the "Swiss Customs" and in my case the "French Customs". I got the "French Stamp" just in case I need to export the bike at a later date. You will need to have your Swiss "permit Sejour" on you at this point, otherwise you will be charged import tax on the value of your goods.
2, You will need a "Certificate of Conformity" for your vehicle. My bike is a BMW and I got mine from "BMW Customer services UK". You will need to talk to your vehicle manufacture. You need this before you bring your vehicle in.
3, When I rode my bike into Switzerland. I stopped at "Swiss Custom" to get the "Form 13.10". This is the form you need from custom to register your vehicle in Switzerland. You will need your "original Vehicle registration document" and "certificate of conformity" at this point. They will also ask for this when you go to ask for your Swiss Plates at the "Service de Autos".
4, I then had to sort out swiss insurance for my bike, as you need a Swiss Insurance number to get Swiss Plates. This was the fun bit (catch 22) I found that insurance companies wanted a swiss number plate number to issue the insurance. In the end I found a helpful insuance mamanger who rang the "services des Auto" and spoke to them and sorted out what paperwork was required.
5, I then went to "Services de Autos" and asked for appointment. The appointment was for them to register my bike in Switzerland, they wanted to check it(give sort of MOT), check the engine number, chassis number out. When this was done, I had to hand my UK plates over and they gave me Swiss plates there and then.
Hope this helps
Mark, Sep 14, 06 22:21
1, I listed the motorbike on my "Personnal Goods" list (this was a list I typed up of all the items I was bringing into Switzerland over four trips (inculding one with the bike). This list was presented to the Swiss Customs (at broder control, Geneva) on the first trip. The list was stamped by the "Swiss Customs" and in my case the "French Customs". I got the "French Stamp" just in case I need to export the bike at a later date. You will need to have your Swiss "permit Sejour" on you at this point, otherwise you will be charged import tax on the value of your goods.
2, You will need a "Certificate of Conformity" for your vehicle. My bike is a BMW and I got mine from "BMW Customer services UK". You will need to talk to your vehicle manufacture. You need this before you bring your vehicle in.
3, When I rode my bike into Switzerland. I stopped at "Swiss Custom" to get the "Form 13.10". This is the form you need from custom to register your vehicle in Switzerland. You will need your "original Vehicle registration document" and "certificate of conformity" at this point. They will also ask for this when you go to ask for your Swiss Plates at the "Service de Autos".
4, I then had to sort out swiss insurance for my bike, as you need a Swiss Insurance number to get Swiss Plates. This was the fun bit (catch 22) I found that insurance companies wanted a swiss number plate number to issue the insurance. In the end I found a helpful insuance mamanger who rang the "services des Auto" and spoke to them and sorted out what paperwork was required.
5, I then went to "Services de Autos" and asked for appointment. The appointment was for them to register my bike in Switzerland, they wanted to check it(give sort of MOT), check the engine number, chassis number out. When this was done, I had to hand my UK plates over and they gave me Swiss plates there and then.
Hope this helps
Mark, Sep 14, 06 22:21
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Re: Importing A Car?
Post 5
Sep 15, 06 11:39
Normally you do not need Swiss number plates for insurance, you just tell them it isn't registered yet, or you don't have plates yet, and they will send you an attestation of insurance. Which you will then present to the bureau des autos and they'll hand your plates over.
The Guy who said you needed Swiss plates to get the insurance obviously didn't know what he was talking about as 98% of the people who take insurance do not already have Swiss numbr plates.
The Guy who said you needed Swiss plates to get the insurance obviously didn't know what he was talking about as 98% of the people who take insurance do not already have Swiss numbr plates.
The text you are quoting:
Normally you do not need Swiss number plates for insurance, you just tell them it isn't registered yet, or you don't have plates yet, and they will send you an attestation of insurance. Which you will then present to the bureau des autos and they'll hand your plates over.
The Guy who said you needed Swiss plates to get the insurance obviously didn't know what he was talking about as 98% of the people who take insurance do not already have Swiss numbr plates.
DJ_Symcard, Sep 15, 06 11:39
The Guy who said you needed Swiss plates to get the insurance obviously didn't know what he was talking about as 98% of the people who take insurance do not already have Swiss numbr plates.
DJ_Symcard, Sep 15, 06 11:39
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Re: Importing A Car?
Post 6
Sep 15, 06 14:57
I looked into importing my UK golf... for the amount of work you have to do to replace the headlights and other safety features they require to pass the technical inspection it is much better to buy a local car.
Otherwise, you are left with a car that is converted but you are sitting on the wrong side (which I don't particularly mind as I have long arms for collecting parking tickets ;-)) but it is worth very little if you ever want to sell it.
So I made the jump to a local car...
Obviously not a valid concern if your car is already positioned to drive on the continental EU side!
Otherwise, you are left with a car that is converted but you are sitting on the wrong side (which I don't particularly mind as I have long arms for collecting parking tickets ;-)) but it is worth very little if you ever want to sell it.
So I made the jump to a local car...
Obviously not a valid concern if your car is already positioned to drive on the continental EU side!
The text you are quoting:
I looked into importing my UK golf... for the amount of work you have to do to replace the headlights and other safety features they require to pass the technical inspection it is much better to buy a local car.
Otherwise, you are left with a car that is converted but you are sitting on the wrong side (which I don't particularly mind as I have long arms for collecting parking tickets ;-)) but it is worth very little if you ever want to sell it.
So I made the jump to a local car...
Obviously not a valid concern if your car is already positioned to drive on the continental EU side!
tash, Sep 15, 06 14:57
Otherwise, you are left with a car that is converted but you are sitting on the wrong side (which I don't particularly mind as I have long arms for collecting parking tickets ;-)) but it is worth very little if you ever want to sell it.
So I made the jump to a local car...
Obviously not a valid concern if your car is already positioned to drive on the continental EU side!
tash, Sep 15, 06 14:57
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Re: Importing A Car?
Post 7
Oct 6, 06 00:24
I am planning to ship one of my cars from the US. Actually I am told you can drive upto one year with your US plates.
The text you are quoting:
I am planning to ship one of my cars from the US. Actually I am told you can drive upto one year with your US plates.
bJoy, Oct 6, 06 00:24
bJoy, Oct 6, 06 00:24
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Re: Importing A Car?
Post 8
Sep 22, 08 17:03
Thank you all for the valuable info.
I have to register my car already in CH and with US plates.
If we were to establish an step by step process till one gets the swiss plates would you then say you:
1) talk to an insurance carrier
2) get from the carrier an attestation
3) get an appointment with the Service des Autos
4) get the car registered and the plates exchanged
Here's my question:
Is step #3) when the Service inspects the car and tells you what to change in order to meet their criteria? Then you go to a Garage conversant with your brand to get the changes done and ask for a second appointment with the Service which will approve the changes, register the car and exchange the plates (#4)?
Thanks in advance,
Sceicco
The text you are quoting:
Thank you all for the valuable info.
I have to register my car already in CH and with US plates.
If we were to establish an step by step process till one gets the swiss plates would you then say you:
1) talk to an insurance carrier
2) get from the carrier an attestation
3) get an appointment with the Service des Autos
4) get the car registered and the plates exchanged
Here's my question:
Is step #3) when the Service inspects the car and tells you what to change in order to meet their criteria? Then you go to a Garage conversant with your brand to get the changes done and ask for a second appointment with the Service which will approve the changes, register the car and exchange the plates (#4)?
Thanks in advance,
Sceicco
sceicco, Sep 22, 08 17:03
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