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.
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.
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)
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
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
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
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
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.
| Step | Cost (USD) | Timing |
|---|---|---|
| Inland Swiss Pickup | $400–$2,500 | 2–16 days |
| Ocean/Air Fare | $2,750–$13,750 | 7–40 days |
| U.S. Customs/Duties | 2.5%–25% | 2–7 days |
| Brokerage, Handling | $400–$2,000 | 1–5 days |
| Local Stateside Delivery | $200–$2,000 | 1–5 days |
| Registration/Title | $200–$1,500+ | 1–4 weeks |
Read our main Switzerland-to-U.S. guide or use our car import calculator for full pricing.