Importing an American Car to Switzerland: 2026 Guide

This guide summarizes what you are responsible for when registering your car in Switzerland and the indicative costs for 2026. These amounts should be confirmed with the authorities or a broker before each purchase.

How does delivery work in Switzerland?

• Selection in the USA. Licensed dealer in the USA, with access to thousands of cars in every state. Before any commitment, you will receive photos, available documents, and the type of title (clean, salvage, rebuilt).
• Maritime transport. From the USA to Europe, with assistance until arrival.
• Exporting outside the EU. Sales to Switzerland are considered exports and are not subject to Portuguese VAT; local taxes are paid upon entry into the country.
• Delivery to Switzerland. Logistics up to the border or final destination, defined on a case-by-case basis with your customs broker.

Taxes on entry into Switzerland

Since January 1, 2024, Switzerland has abolished customs duties on industrial products — including automobiles. Upon entry, the automobile tax of 4 % is paid on the value, and VAT of 8.1 % is paid on the value, transport, and fees. Customs issues form 13.20 A, necessary for registration.

Approval: MFK inspection

Registration is subject to cantonal technical inspection (MFK), including emissions testing. New vehicles may be subject to Swiss CO2 regulations.

Veteran regime

If the car is more than 30 years old since its first registration, in good technical condition, and for private use (maximum of approximately 3,000 km per year), it can be registered as a Veteranenfahrzeug, with inspections spaced up to 6 years apart. Tax reductions vary by canton.

Annual tax

Cantonal circulation tax, with different bases and values in each canton.

Indicative costs in Switzerland (2026)

Heading	Indicative value
Customs duties	0 (since 2024)
Car tax	4 % of the value
Swiss VAT	8,1 %
Form 13.20 A	CHF 20
MFK Inspection	Cantonal tax

Indicative prices, excluding transport and car price. Taxation changes frequently: confirm with the Swiss authorities or a customs broker.

For resellers and individuals

• Resellers. Dealer prices and terms negotiated on a case-by-case basis, with access to B2B program.
• Private individuals. We also sell directly, with the legal guarantee of conformity.
• Pre-purchase inspection. Upon request, made by an industry professional (paid service).

Want an American car in Switzerland?

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Frequently asked questions

Are there customs duties on an American car in Switzerland? No. Since 2024, Switzerland has not charged duties on automobiles. The automobile tax of 4 % and the VAT of 8.1 % remain.

Does the car pay Portuguese VAT? No: sales to Switzerland are considered exports. The VAT paid is Swiss VAT, paid upon entry.

Does veteran status reduce import taxes? We found no reduction in import taxes. The advantages lie in the inspections and, depending on the canton, in the annual tax.

Other destinations in Europe

Portugal · Germany · France · Belgium · Netherlands · Spain · Italy · Poland · Austria · Luxembourg · Ireland · Sweden · Denmark · Norway

All destinations: importing an American car to Europe

Sources: bazg.admin.ch (vehicle imports); bazg.admin.ch (abolition of industrial property rights). Last checked: October 2026.

In stock or on its way

Public prices, without Portuguese registration.

1972 Chevrolet C10 Short Bed — LS 6.0 engine, 22/24-inch wheels61 500 €1966 Ford Mustang Convertible — California car, automatic convertible top.49 000 €1969 Plymouth Road Runner — Drag car, new 440 engine64 500 €1982 Chevrolet Corvette — 24,251 original miles, Cross-Fire Injection34 000 €1966 Ford Mustang — Red, V8, Carfax report37 500 €1968 Chevrolet K10 4x4 — Restored show truck, 46,000 original miles.64 500 €

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