Updated: October 2026Editorial team: Umzugsexpress GmbHTeam: 17 years in moving and clearance
When you move across a border, your belongings become household removal goods. Under certain conditions you can export and import them duty-free – as long as the paperwork is right.
In short
Household effects you have used for at least six months and will keep using count as removal goods and can usually be exported and imported duty-free. You need an inventory list and proof of the transfer of residence – for import into Switzerland, form 18.44.
The easiest way to fill in the inventory list is online – printable, with bilingual descriptions: Inventory list for customs.
Leaving Switzerland
Switzerland charges no duties on exporting your household goods. What matters are the rules of the destination country. In the EU, household goods can usually be imported duty-free if you transfer your residence there and have already used the items for some time.
Moving to Switzerland
For duty-free import into Switzerland you use form 18.44 for household effects (“Zollveranlagung von Übersiedlungsgut”) with an inventory list. You usually must have used the items yourself for at least six months and continue to use them.
Documents you need
- Complete inventory list – values for valuables and new goods, for France for every entry
- Proof of residence transfer, such as a lease or employment contract
- Passport or ID card
- Further forms depending on the country
Special cases
Vehicles, alcohol, tobacco, weapons, plants and animals have their own rules. Liechtenstein forms a customs union with Switzerland, so customs formalities do not apply there. Current rules are published by the Federal Office for Customs and Border Security (FOCBS).
Checklist before departure
- Deregister with your municipality
- Cancel health insurance and other contracts
- Set up Swiss Post mail forwarding
- Prepare an inventory list – online with our template
- Carry important documents in your hand luggage
The documents you need
| Direction | Documents |
|---|---|
| Switzerland → EU | Inventory list, deregistration confirmation, registration at the new address or employment/rental contract, passport |
| EU → Switzerland | Form 18.44, inventory list, Swiss rental or employment contract, passport or residence permit |
| Liechtenstein | No customs formalities thanks to the customs union; register with the municipality |
How to draw up the inventory list
- Number each box and briefly describe its contents
- List furniture and appliances individually; values for valuables – for France for every entry
- Mark new goods separately – they are not removal goods
- Sign the list and print several copies
What has special rules
Vehicles, alcohol, tobacco, weapons, plants and pets are subject to their own rules. Clarify them early with the customs of the destination country and the Federal Office for Customs and Border Security (FOCBS).
Rules by destination country
- Switzerland: form 18.44 with an inventory list. Clearance only Monday to Friday during the opening hours of a customs office for commercial goods. Declare follow-up shipments on a separate list at the first crossing.
- EU in general: residence outside the EU for at least 12 months, goods used for at least 6 months; declare within 12 months of the move, then do not sell or lend them for 12 months. Alcohol, tobacco and commercial vehicles are not duty-free.
- Germany: form 0350 “customs declaration for removal goods”, online or signed on paper.
- Austria: form ZBefr 2; with a vehicle, or if the goods arrive before your residence, a prior basis decision (ZBefr 2a).
- France: form cerfa 10070 and a detailed, estimated inventory, dated and signed, in 2 copies.
- Italy: TVs, computers and audio equipment with brand, model and serial number; Italian citizens get a certificate from the consulate (registered in AIRE for at least 12 months).
Sources (as of October 2026): BAZG – FAQ Umzugsgut, BAZG – Ausfuhr aus der Schweiz, Zoll DE – Formular 0350 (BayernPortal), BMF Österreich, douane.gouv.fr.
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to pay VAT on removal goods?
No, if the conditions are met: used household effects, transfer of residence and correct declaration. New goods are excluded.
Do you handle customs clearance?
We prepare the documents with you and coordinate clearance at the border. More: European moves.
Related services
- European removals – Moving abroad or to Switzerland, including customs papers for household goods.
- Van & part-load transport – Just a van and driver – or a part load on an existing route.
- Packing service – We pack and label boxes, with an inventory list on request.