In recent weeks we have seen several cases of clients importing a vehicle that can hardly be registered in Switzerland afterwards. The reason was the same every time: the first registration abroad and the Swiss customs clearance happened in the wrong order.
The rule
The date of the first registration abroad must be earlier than the customs clearance date – the date of the Swiss customs stamp. What counts is the date on the foreign registration document, compared with the date on the customs receipt.
Most critical: vehicles with an exemption permit
It becomes critical for vehicles that need an exemption permit before they can be registered, for example from the German Federal Motor Transport Authority (Kraftfahrt-Bundesamt, KBA). If such a vehicle is only registered abroad after customs clearance, Switzerland does not accept the exemption permit. The vehicle then most likely cannot be registered here – and the order of the dates cannot be changed afterwards.
How to avoid the trap
- Register first, then clear customs: only have the vehicle cleared through customs once the foreign registration has been issued.
- Allow time: exemption permits take time. Only plan transport and customs clearance once the permit and the registration are in place.
- Compare the dates: before customs clearance, check that the first-registration date on the foreign registration document is earlier than the planned clearance date.
Not sure whether your vehicle is affected? Send us the vehicle details via the contact form before you have it cleared through customs – we are happy to check this for you in advance. You will also find the rule in our FAQ.