Importing a car · Switzerland
7 reasons to import a car from Switzerland – and when it’s really worth it
Anyone looking for a distinctive, richly equipped, or well-documented used car will often end up browsing the Swiss market. But a lower asking price doesn’t automatically mean a financial advantage.
Switzerland is not an EU member state. As a result, you’ll deal with customs formalities, import VAT, possible import duties, and BPM (Dutch passenger car tax). The real value of a Swiss car therefore isn’t just in the price, but mainly in the specification, history, condition, and availability of the vehicle. In this article, you’ll find seven reasons why importing can be worthwhile, the key points to watch out for, and when it’s actually not a good idea.
Attractive offerings in the premium segment
Switzerland is especially interesting for buyers who aren’t simply looking for the cheapest used car, but want to find one specific vehicle. Think German premium brands, sports cars, luxury SUVs, exclusive specifications, and youngtimers.
The advantage usually isn’t just the price, but mainly the range on offer. A sought-after specification that’s hard to find in the Netherlands may well be available in Switzerland. That means you can be more selective about mileage, maintenance, colour, options, and overall condition.
Well-equipped cars and special options
The Swiss market regularly features cars with extensive option packages, such as leather upholstery, heated seats and steering wheel, all-wheel drive, adaptive lighting, a panoramic roof, and advanced driver assistance systems.
That doesn’t mean every Swiss car is automatically better equipped than a Dutch one. It is, however, a market where this type of specification appears more regularly, which increases your chances of finding a good match.
Better odds of finding a rare specification
People generally don’t import a car because the process itself is enjoyable, but because they can’t find exactly what they’re looking for in the Netherlands. Think of a specific colour combination, a factory option, or a model without later modifications. By searching in Switzerland as well, you significantly widen the pool of available cars.
Maintenance and vehicle documentation can be well documented
Swiss used cars regularly come with extensive maintenance records. That can help you assess the mileage, repairs carried out, and the maintenance history. This doesn’t mean every Swiss car is automatically in flawless condition — checking it beforehand remains essential.
Checklist before purchase
- ✓Is the maintenance booklet available?
- ✓Are invoices for maintenance and repairs available?
- ✓Does the mileage make logical sense?
- ✓Has the car been maintained by an authorised dealer or specialist?
- ✓Has any accident repair work been carried out?
- ✓Do the chassis number and documents match?
- ✓When was the last technical inspection carried out?
Swiss cars usually have a European specification
Switzerland is not an EU member state, but it is part of EFTA. For the import process, this means a complete foreign vehicle registration document is required, and a Certificate of Conformity (CoC) can help ensure the vehicle and CO₂ data are transferred correctly.
The purchase price can be attractive — calculate the total cost
The purchase price can be attractive due to local supply and demand, differences in popularity between models, the exchange rate between the euro and Swiss franc, or because a particular specification is scarce in the Netherlands. The asking price, however, is not the final cost.
These are the components that together determine what you’ll ultimately pay in the Netherlands, on top of the purchase price itself.
✓
Applies in almost all cases
•
Depends on your situation
| Purchase price | converted to euros |
| Transport | or export plates |
| Customs and documentation costs | ✓ applies |
| Import duties | • may apply |
| Dutch import VAT | ✓ applies |
| BPM (passenger car tax) | ✓ applies |
| RDW inspection, registration and plates | ✓ applies |
| Technical modifications | • if needed |
The exact costs depend on factors such as the type of vehicle, the purchase price, CO₂ emissions, the age of the car, and whether the import is private or commercial. A valid proof of origin can also affect any import duties owed. Have the costs calculated in advance for your specific car.
Switzerland is especially worthwhile for the right kind of car
Often worthwhile for
- ✓A rare or hard-to-find specification
- ✓A well-equipped premium car
- ✓A sports car or collector’s car
- ✓A youngtimer or classic car
- ✓A well-documented history
- ✓A price difference that remains worthwhile after import costs
Often less worthwhile for
- ✕A widely available mainstream model
- ✕A small price difference with the Netherlands or Germany
- ✕Incomplete maintenance or accident history
- ✕Missing export or origin documents
- ✕A high remaining BPM liability
- ✕A non-European specification requiring technical modifications
Which documents do you need?
Before purchase, check whether the following documents are available:
- ✓Original Swiss vehicle registration document
- ✓Purchase invoice or sales agreement
- ✓Chassis number and vehicle data
- ✓Maintenance documentation
- ✓Certificate of Conformity (if applicable)
- ✓Swiss export declaration and, if applicable, proof of origin
For permanent export, the vehicle must be declared in Switzerland. After arrival in the Netherlands, the RDW inspection process follows; only after RDW approval can the BPM declaration be submitted.
Watch out for mountain and winter driving conditions
A Swiss car may be in excellent condition, but use in mountainous, wintry terrain requires extra attention during inspection:
- ✓Brakes and brake discs
- ✓Clutch and gearbox
- ✓Chassis and suspension
- ✓Condition of the all-wheel-drive system
- ✓Underbody and possible corrosion
- ✓Winter tyres and wheels
- ✓Stone chips on the front
- ✓Damage from snow chains
What does this mean for you?
Importing a car from Switzerland can be financially and practically worthwhile, especially if you’re looking for a specific, well-equipped, or hard-to-find car. It’s not an automatic saving: always calculate the total cost, carefully check the documentation, and assess whether the price difference still holds up after all import costs.
Marlog Europe supports you with customs clearance, international vehicle transport, and registration for your Swiss purchase, and holds AEO certification. This means we work according to recognised and carefully managed customs processes, contributing to a reliable and smooth handling of your import.
Considering importing a car from Switzerland?
Marlog Europe specialises in importing cars from outside the EU. Discover how we can help you with the transport and registration of your Swiss car.