Swiss customs when moving, form 18.44 and inventory list, how to get it done without stress

Before diving into details, answer these questions:

1. Are you moving your residence permanently to Switzerland?

If yes, you can import household effects duty free. If no, other rules apply.

2. Have you used the items for at least 6 months?

This is the usual condition for household effects. New items or barely used things may be treated differently.

3. Will you continue to use the items in Switzerland?

Household effects must not be intended for sale.

If you answer yes to all three, the basic requirement is met. Then it is time for the documents.

Residence transfer

You must prove that you are transferring your residence to Switzerland. This is usually done through registration with the municipality and the corresponding residence permit.

Minimum usage period

Items should generally have been in your possession and use for at least six months. This is not equally strict for everything, but the newer something is, the more you may need to explain why it still qualifies as household effects.

Continued use

You may not sell the items directly after import. They are for personal use.

No commercial purpose

Household effects are private. If you import goods for a business, different rules apply.

If you are unsure whether your situation qualifies as household effects, contact the relevant customs office in advance. That saves stress on the day of crossing.

Form 18.44 is the official document for duty free import of household effects. You can get it from the FOCBS (Federal Office for Customs and Border Security) or online.

How to fill it out:

• Personal details: Name, date of birth, previous address, new address in Switzerland.
• Entry date: When you enter or entered Switzerland.
• Description of goods: Here you refer to the attached inventory list.
• Declaration: You confirm that these are household effects and conditions are met.

Tips:

• Fill out the form neatly and completely.
• Only sign on site if requested.
• Take multiple copies in case you pass through different customs points.

The form alone is not enough. You also need an inventory list.

The inventory list is a record of all items you are importing. It does not need to list every spoon, but it must be plausible.

How to do it right:

• Organize by category: Furniture, electronics, clothing, books, kitchen items, personal belongings.
• Give quantities: e.g. 5 boxes of books, 2 suitcases of clothes, 1 sofa.
• List valuable items separately: Laptop, camera, jewelry with approximate value.

Example:

| Category | Description | Quantity |

|----------|-------------|----------|

| Furniture | Desk, bed, shelf | 3 |

| Electronics | Laptop, TV | 2 |

| Clothing | Boxes | 5 |

| Books | Boxes | 4 |

| Kitchen items | Boxes | 2 |

Important:

• Be realistic. A list that estimates everything at CHF 500 when you have a full household looks implausible.
• New items or gifts do not belong on the list without clarification. Check how to handle them beforehand.

Not everything comes with the first move. Maybe you send books later or receive furniture from your old home.

The problem:

If you do not declare follow up shipments at the first import, they are treated as regular imports later. That can mean customs duties and taxes.

The solution:

Declare at the first import that more shipments will follow. You can do this in form 18.44 or as a note on the inventory list. Customs records it, and you have fewer problems later.

How long does this apply?

Generally you have up to two years after the first import to bring in follow up shipments duty free. But only if you registered them in advance.

Tip:

Make a list of all items that might still come. Better to declare too much once than to pay later.

New items

Unused items are not household effects. If you bring a new device that you have never used, customs may apply. Clarify this in advance.

High value items

Jewelry, artwork or expensive electronics should be declared separately. Bring proof: receipts, photos, valuations.

Pets

Animals have their own rules: vaccination records, chip, possibly quarantine. This is a separate topic, but prepare it in parallel.

Vehicles

Cars and motorcycles are special cases. You need additional documents: vehicle papers, proof of use, possibly type approval. Plan this separately and expect formalities.

Alcohol and tobacco

For larger quantities, allowances apply. Above that, customs is due.

For all special cases: clarify them in advance. Having to explain at customs under time pressure why your new device is still household effects is no fun.

14 days before moving:

• Download and prepare form 18.44
• Create inventory list
• Clarify special cases (new items, vehicles, pets)
• List follow up shipments

3 days before moving:

• Check documents again
• Make copies
• Pack everything within reach

Moving day / border crossing:

• Present form and inventory list
• Answer questions calmly and factually
• Declare follow up shipments

7 days after arrival:

• Register with the municipality
• Organize proof of insurance
• Keep track of follow up shipments

With this planning, customs clearance usually goes smoothly.

Aarau

After customs, head to the municipality. In Aarau registration is straightforward, you need ID, rental contract and residence permit. Customs clearance itself happens at the border or the nearest customs office.

At Bovita in Aarau, rooms are furnished and ready to move in. You do not need to organize furniture first.

Wohlen

Wohlen is conveniently located. If you enter by car, you will likely use one of the larger border crossings. The municipality of Wohlen is used to new arrivals and processes registrations quickly.

St. Gallen

St. Gallen is close to the Austrian border. The crossing there sees many relocators. The city itself has good infrastructure for newcomers.

At Bovita in St. Gallen we are happy to help you take the next step after customs.