Cost to import a car from Japan to Switzerland

Rates & rules last reviewed

Switzerland sits outside the EU, so it follows its own customs rules rather than the EU-Japan EPA — but import duty on vehicles can be 0% or low depending on the car's origin and HS tariff code, and the standard VAT rate is a competitive 8.1%. There is no simple age cap: any vehicle can be imported provided it clears Swiss Federal Customs and Border Security (FOCBS) clearance, passes the cantonal MFK technical inspection, and meets registration requirements. Both left- and right-hand drive vehicles are accepted. Cars from Japan arrive via the Port of Hamburg, then travel inland by road or rail to Basel, Zurich or another canton. When you import a car from Japan to Switzerland, our team handles the origin documents, FOCBS customs forms (including Form 13.20A), MFK inspection and cantonal registration, so you receive a road-ready car.

Main ports
  • Hamburg + inland to Basel/Zurich
Import age rule
No simple age cap; vehicle must clear customs, pass technical inspection and registration; CO2 penalty can apply.
Steering
both
Duties & taxes
Approx. duty 0%, VAT 8.1%, other levies 4% on the imported value. Customs duties may apply by weight/origin; use official customs/tariff if not relief.

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Estimate only — duties, freight and last-mile delivery vary and policies change. Our team confirms exact, current figures on WhatsApp before any bid.

How to import a car from Japan to Switzerland

  1. Choose the car you want

    Tell us your budget and priorities. Switzerland has no age limit and accepts right-hand drive, so we shortlist to your preferences and confirm the car will pass Swiss MFK inspection and emissions requirements.

  2. We source it from Japan's auctions

    Using our licensed USS auction access, our team finds the right car, reads the auction sheet and grade, and verifies condition before you commit.

  3. Pre-shipment documentation

    We prepare origin and export documents, including the FOCBS Form 13.20A paperwork needed for Swiss customs clearance, and arrange the CO2 compliance assessment relevant to Swiss penalties.

  4. Shipping to Hamburg and inland to Switzerland

    The car arrives at the Port of Hamburg and is transported inland to Basel, Zurich, Geneva, Bern or your canton. We provide full tracking.

  5. FOCBS customs clearance and VAT

    Our team completes Swiss Federal Customs clearance, pays 8.1% VAT on the imported value, and settles any applicable weight/origin duties.

  6. MFK inspection and cantonal registration

    The car is taken to the cantonal MFK vehicle inspection, and on passing we complete the cantonal registration so you receive the plates and vehicle documents.

Import duties & taxes in Switzerland explained

Switzerland is not an EU member, so the EU-Japan EPA does not automatically apply. Import duty depends on the car's origin and HS tariff classification — it can be 0% or low under applicable Swiss tariffs, but this varies. VAT is 8.1% on the imported value, and there are other levies of approximately 4%. A CO2-based penalty can apply to higher-emission vehicles at registration, and cantonal registration fees vary. Because the exact charges depend on your specific car's origin, HS code and emissions, our team confirms the exact, current figure for your car.

Popular Japanese cars for Switzerland

  • Honda Fit

    Petrol and hybrid options with low CO2 output — keeps any Swiss CO2 penalty modest and running costs down in one of Europe's pricier countries.

    See prices

  • Mazda Demio

    A refined compact hatchback with a small engine — well-suited to Swiss road conditions and keeps the overall import cost competitive.

    See prices

  • Suzuki Swift

    Light, economical and easy to pass through the MFK inspection — a practical choice for buyers wanting simplicity.

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  • Toyota Corolla Axio

    Reliable and well-maintained examples are easy to find at Japanese auction — a solid conservative pick for everyday Swiss driving.

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  • Daihatsu Mira

    Very low CO2 and minimal running costs — ideal if you want to sidestep Swiss CO2 penalties entirely.

    See prices

Shipping cost to major cities in Switzerland

  • Zurich — Delivery from Hamburg via inland transport to Zurich runs roughly $720 for a sedan.
  • Basel — Delivery from Hamburg via inland transport to Basel runs roughly $720 for a sedan.
  • Bern — Delivery from Hamburg via inland transport to Bern runs roughly $760 for a sedan.
  • Lausanne — Delivery from Hamburg via inland transport to Lausanne runs roughly $800 for a sedan.
  • Lugano — Delivery from Hamburg via inland transport to Lugano runs roughly $810 for a sedan.
  • Geneva — Delivery from Hamburg via inland transport to Geneva runs roughly $820 for a sedan.

Frequently asked questions

Does the EU-Japan EPA apply to Switzerland?
No — Switzerland is not an EU member, so the EPA does not apply automatically. Import duty is set by Swiss tariff rules and can be 0% or low depending on the car's HS code and origin, but the EU-Japan zero-rate is not the basis. Our team confirms the applicable rate for your car.
Is there an age limit to import a car from Japan to Switzerland?
No — Switzerland has no fixed age cap. The car must pass FOCBS customs clearance, the cantonal MFK technical inspection and meet Swiss emissions standards before it can be registered and driven.
Can a right-hand-drive Japanese car be registered in Switzerland?
Yes. Switzerland accepts both left- and right-hand drive, so right-hand-drive Japanese imports can be registered once they pass the MFK inspection and cantonal registration process — which our team handles.

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