How To Import A Car From Switzerland To USA: Cost & Compliance Guide

Importing a Swiss-market car to the United States is a chance to own something unique—whether it’s a mint Porsche, a rare Mercedes, or an Alpine adventurer. But the process is far more complicated than a typical used-car purchase: it requires knowledge of U.S. compliance, Swiss export documentation, logistics, VIN eligibility, taxes, and state DMV requirements. Here’s a step-by-step, realistic breakdown for 2025.

For targeted compliance checklists, diesel and VIN caveats, and the real costs for your route and vehicle, read our complete Switzerland-to-USA car import guide or price your scenario instantly with our car import calculator.

Step 1: Confirm Vehicle Eligibility & Documentation

25-Year Rule or Modern Vehicle Compliance

• Cars 25+ years old: If unmodified, most qualify for EPA/DOT exemption. Document originality—VIN, engine, and equipment must match factory specs. File EPA Form 3520-1 Box E and DOT Form HS-7 Box 1.

• Cars <25 years old: Must comply with U.S. FMVSS and EPA emissions via Registered Importer (RI). Confirm NHTSA eligibility for the exact make/model/year. Non-compliant vehicles may only enter via “Show or Display” (limited use) or as unregistered race/exhibition vehicles, subject to strict limitations.

Critical: For all vehicles, obtain:

• Swiss vehicle registration/title (Fahrzeugausweis)

• Bill of sale/contract

• Manufacturer compliance label photos (if available)

• Full service history and, for older/EU models, VIN number proof (especially for non-17-digit vehicles)

Step 2: Arrange Swiss Export & Inland Transit

• Deregister vehicle at Swiss road office and file for export

• Claim Swiss VAT refund (usually 7.7%), but only with proper stamped export paperwork and invoices

• Arrange ground transport to nearest port/airport (e.g. Rotterdam, Genoa, or Frankfurt). Expect 2–16 days and $400–$2,500, depending on proximity and complexity (especially for non-runners, classics, or remote pickups)

• Prepare for all-in transit costs: Unlike direct ocean shipping countries, Switzerland requires a split ground/port/air/sea logistics plan

Step 3: Choose Your Shipping Method and Book Logistics

• Ocean container shipping: Typically $2,750–$3,500 Switzerland to New York, 18–40 days door to port (including ground segment)

• Air freight: $13,750 Switzerland to New York, 7 days transit plus ground legs (recommended only for six-figure value or time-critical vehicles).
  For either mode, ensure all crating, paperwork, and pre-export checks are performed by professionals with Swiss/U.S. experience

• Double-check what’s included: Only work with shippers quoting all legs—Swiss pickup, trucking, ocean/air, U.S. terminal, and local delivery

Step 4: U.S. Customs, Duties, and Compliance

Upon arrival, you (or your broker) will need:

• Bill of lading, commercial invoice, Swiss registration, and export docs

• EPA Form 3520-1 and DOT Form HS-7 (filling the boxes for either standard or exempted vehicles)

• Duty payment: Most passenger cars = 2.5% of declared value (HTS 8703.23 for gasoline engines 1,500–3,000cc; some trucks/SUVs face 25% duty)

• Additional fees: Harbor Maintenance (0.125%), processing, brokerage ($450–$1,000), and state-side trucking as needed

• Be alert for bonded warehouse fees if customs queries your VIN, origin, or title paperwork

Step 5: State Registration and Titling

• Gather all customs forms, original Swiss paperwork, and compliance letters

• Be aware: many states require VIN inspection—non-17-digit or Euro-market VINs usually trigger extra documentation or officer review

• Registration costs vary: $200–$1,500+, with additional inspection or emissions testing (especially for diesels in California/CARB states)

• Some states offer historic/classic/antique vehicle registration for 25+ year-old imports, often with emission test exemptions

Frequently Asked Questions (2025 Realities)

How long does it take?

• Container shipping total: 4–8 weeks

• Air: 1–3 weeks door-to-door, assuming all paperwork is perfect

Can I register a Swiss diesel/luxury car in California?

• Diesels face strict CARB restrictions; many pre-2010 models cannot be registered in CA. Always check with local DMV before shipping.

Are EVs easy to import?

• Swiss/Euro EVs sometimes face U.S. service/parts/support limitations, and air-shipped cars require lithium battery air cargo compliance.

Can I get instant pricing?

• Yes! Use WCS’s car import calculator for full, line-item, all-route rates.

Summary Table: Typical 2025 Import Cost Breakdown

Ready for a guided quote or to check your full compliance, documentation, and cost for a real Swiss import?

Read our main Switzerland-to-U.S. guide or use our car import calculator for full pricing.